LSC-Kingwood students had the chance to share the stage with an international music sensation last month.
On December 19, a group of 16 students, alumni, and faculty came together to sing as the backup choir for music star Sarah Brightman. It was part of her “A Christmas Symphony” tour at the Smart Financial Center in Sugarland.
Brightman is the world’s best-selling soprano and is famed for possessing a vocal range of over 3 octaves. She was the original Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Brightman is a Grammy Award-nominated artist and has performed in arenas, cathedrals, Olympic stadiums, and World Heritage sites.
Dr. Todd Miller, professor of music and chair of the Visual and Performing Arts at LSC-Kingwood, selected the group for the performance.
“When I can, I like to include some of our most talented and dependable voice majors in the choir as it gives them a real insight into this part of the music business. They are expected to be completely prepared while also having the unique experience or seeing the backstage of a world tour and a world-class artist up close.”
Ms. Brightman’s music director was very pleased with the choir’s preparation and the students greatly enjoyed the unique musical production.
“What a fantastic privilege it was to sing in a professional setting with such talented performers,” shared music student Dylann Wintle. “Without Dr. Miller's guidance and expectations, he both sets and aids us in reaching, I never would've been at the level of musicianship I am now and would not have gotten to do such a fantastic concert.”
Other students who sang included Aidan Broomhead, Emily Connolly, Tobias Dobkins, John Skipper, and Calli Walling. LSC-Kingwood Music Alumni who performed included Taryn Beard, Christian Hughes, Isaac Recio, Mackenzie Sturm, and Emil Tudor. Dr. Todd Miller and Juan Garza represented faculty in the choir.
Wintle said it was a joy getting to meet and work with so many talented musicians, mentors, and teachers at his first professional gig.
“It is something I will never forget and would not have been possible without the growth I experienced under the tutelage of the music faculty at Lone Star College-Kingwood, and the trust that Dr. Miller so graciously placed in me to succeed in this gig.”
The LSC-Kingwood Music Department was founded in 1994 and has a long history of musical excellence. Its eight ensembles provide a wealth of performance opportunities, and the department has all the academic classes needed for the first two years of music school.
To schedule an audition or for more information for voice majors, email Dr. Todd Miller at Todd.R.Miller@Lonestar.edu. For instrumental majors, contact Dr. Michael Johnson at Michael.Johnson@Lonestar.edu.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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