 Professor Gerald Gray, with voice major Justin Staebell of Orchard Park. |
A native of Orchard Park, N.Y., Staebell was the only male selected within this competition, which provides young singers with a platform to showcase their talent and receive career development opportunities.
Sixty-seven singers from across the U.S. took part in the event. They performed in front of three judges representing such internationally renowned organizations as the Julliard Opera Institute.
“He has an exceptional voice and has developed into an exceptional singer,” Dr. Gerald Gray, associate professor of Voice at SUNY Fredonia said of Staebell. “I think he will achieve great success as a singer in the coming years.”
In addition, he earned the praises of Dianne Rubin, co-chair of the district competition.
“He was the only male singer to receive an award even though most (of his competitors) were older and with far more experience,” she added.
Staebell, a baritone, is not the first in his family to call SUNY Fredonia home. His father, William, graduated in 1989, and is a music teacher within the Iroquois Central School District (N.Y.), and his sister, Emily, is a currently a sophomore majoring in violin.
“I felt very excited,” said Staebell of performing in the Metropolitan Opera Competition. “I had never sung in a competition of that caliber before. Even though I was very anxious, I was able to relax when I needed to because of the guidance given to me my voice teacher, Dr. Gerald Gray.”
This is the second straight year that a Fredonia vocalist has been recognized at the Metropolitan Opera Competition. Victoria Vargas (soprano),’08, earned this same honor last year.
Following graduation from Fredonia, Staebell plans to continue his education, focusing on voice and opera performance. Once his formal training is complete, he hopes to sing in opera houses around the world.
SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music provides resources and guidance to students seeking careers in music education, performance, composition, music therapy, and sound recording. Oriented to individuals, it creates musicians who will assume vigorous roles as leaders and participate in significant musical experiences.
