Huntington’s Mary-Liz O’Neill among Top Singers in New York
Huntington High School freshman Mary-Liz O’Neill is just coming down off a summer high following an award winning performance at the New York State Summer School of the Arts’ (NYSSSA) School of Choral Studies. The teenager was one of just 71 high school singers selected from across the state to participate in the four-week program held at SUNY College at Fredonia.
Ms. O’Neill was the youngest participant in the program, and also one of the best. She was one of only two students presented this summer with the Robert Campbell Scholarship, an award established in 1995 in memory of an outstanding music educator. The award carries a $200 stipend.
The summer program consisted of intensive vocal and musical instruction by acclaimed choral conductor Dr. Daniel Bara and other college level faculty. The program provided music education and daily instruction in choral singing and comprehensive musicianship.
Ms. O’Neill, who auditioned for the program last January, had the opportunity to study private voice, music theory, [stagecraft and movement], perform in an opera scene from “Hansel and Gretel” and participate in a women’s chorus, small ensemble, and voice recitals.
The program also featured a variety of cultural activities, including concerts, opera and theater performances at the Chautauqua Institution, as well as master classes and workshops by guest artists.
“Participating in the NYSSSA program this summer was the most amazing experience,” Ms. O’Neill said. “It was a lot of singing; up to eight hours a day during the week, but it was great having the opportunity to learn very high level repertoire from the best faculty and perform in all different size groups.”
The NYSSSA School of Choral Studies is co-sponsored by SUNY Fredonia and NYSSMA, and is administered by the New York State Education Department. In addition to choral studies, NYSSSA also offers programs in the specific disciplines of ballet, dance, jazz studies, media arts, orchestral studies, theatre and visual arts.
According to its website, “NYSSSA’s goal is clear: To provide intensive, pre-professional training programs for New York State’s most gifted and motivated young artists, those who are considering careers in the arts or entertainment industries. The schools provide intensive training in an environment where students experience the rigorous discipline of the daily life of a professional artist.”
“NYSSSA confirmed for me what I already knew; that I love singing and performing and want to study and pursue it professionally in the future,” Ms. O’Neill said.
An active member of the Huntington School District music program, Ms. O’Neill has studied private voice since the third grade. She is a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra chorale and performs regularly at Opera Night at St. Paul’s Church in Northport.
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