Emma Simon Raves After Traveling to Perform in Germany

2010 Dec 9

Seven gifted students at the State University of New York at Potsdam's Crane School of Music returned to campus this semester with renewed passion for their studies after participating in arts events in Germany over the summer.

Among the students who traveled and performed was Emma Simon, a junior soprano from Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Six Crane students had the opportunity to train in music and theater through the International Performing Arts Institute, a program that includes courses in voice, acting, dance and performance. They performed with a prize-winning choir in Stadl Theatre in the Bavarian town of Kiefersfelden in the show "Broadway Meets Brass," which they also presented in the Steinway House in Munich.

Of their experiences, students said the following:

"All of the people who live in the village of Kiefersfelden were very welcoming to us and I had a great time making friends with them during those three weeks." -- Maxwell Howard

"My experience in Germany this summer was unforgettable. One of the musical memories I'll never forget is singing a piece with the American composer Gloria Coates in attendance at the Steinway House in Munich. Before IPAI even began, some of my fondest memories were made in Munich when we saw Germany play Argentina in the World Cup on the big screen in the Olympic Stadium, surrounded by thousands of German fans. My trip was an incredible opportunity that I will never forget." -- Jonathan Wibben

"The program was a tremendous experience. I met incredible new friends and colleagues, and was able to work with some of the finest individuals in the industry. IPAI helped to give me the tools and insight I need to pursue a stage career. The countryside was stunning; I would really love to go back!" -- Diana Gamet

"IPAI was not just a wonderful experience because of its unique location; it was first and foremost an opportunity to create new connections, learn new vocal skills and most importantly make new friends. That made the whole process even more worth it!" -- Lydia Zervanos

"My summer with IPAI was truly a life-changing experience. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the field as well as have my eyes opened to a completely different culture and way of life. Because of my time there this summer, I can really say that I know what it takes to make it in this business. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I can definitely say that IPAI was a turning point in my career as a performer and in my life." -- Emma Simon

"Traveling through Europe was quite the experience-experiencing the languages, culture and sights. I even made some German friends who are coming to visit next year. You won't realize how young the U.S. is until you see a sign that reads 'Founded in 1328.'" -- Sean Carmichael

In addition, Nicholas Manzella, a senior tenor at the Crane School of Music, was chosen to be a participant in the prestigious Castle Laubach Opera Festival sponsored by Count and Countess Karl Georg and Julia zu Solms-Laubach, where he won the singular honor of the Förderpreis für Nachwuchs, or Award for New Talent.

Nicholas, who is from Castleton, N.Y., said: "Being around professional singers and incredible musicians, the job became less of a job more of a privilege. I was even more honored when I won the Award for New Talent in competition, because I felt encouraged to continue on my path toward becoming an opera singer."

For more information about the many performance opportunities offered through SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution.

-www.potsdam.edu/crane-