Saying Goodbye to the Seniors

I am writing this blog post later than I had planned, but now that the graduation parties have finished and summer has commenced, I wanted to take some time to honor the amazing seniors who are leaving my studio this year. Many of these students will focus on studies other than music in college, but they will all continue to pursue their love for performance and the stage, and I am so honored to have been a small part of their musical journey. They all gave a fantastic senior showcase recital in May, and each showed great dedication to their musical studies.

Audrey Adams

Graduated from Liberty High School

Attending Iowa State to study Engineering

Audrey has been my last student on Tuesday nights for the past two years. While I don’t love teaching late,Audrey makes the late-night drive home well worth it. We always laugh and have a good time and have bonded over our love of the French language and crochet. Audrey is slightly wary of the funny animal sounds and howls I use in lessons, but is generally a good sport about trying new things. They always bring in interesting new musical theatre songs, and their vocal range and pitch accuracy have grown immensely since starting lessons. Audrey did their first solo performance at our senior recital and even though they felt terrified, they overcame their fears and did a fantastic job. Audrey has been very active in their school music, band, and theatre programs, often working behind the scenes on set design and costumes to make sure their classmates have something amazing to help tell their stories. I am so excited to watch you grow, Audrey, in college and I know you will go far!

Evan Schemmel

Graduated from Regina Catholic High School

Attending Cornell College to study Psychology and minor in Theatre

Evan is such a dynamic performer. He clearly loves to perform and puts his whole body into his performances. I was sweating just watching him jump around on stage dressed in a donkey suit for this year's high school musical, Shrek. Evan has been very active in his school music and theatre programs and really grew this fall in his preparation for All-State Auditions. He is very expressive and great at comedic roles. He always has sassy statements to share in lessons, and while he often steals my pencils, he brings so much joy to his lesson that I don’t mind. I know Evan will continue his performing, including a musical theatre intensive at the Des Moines Civic Center this summer!

Carter Birch Houchins-Witt

Graduated from Iowa City West High School

Attending the University of Iowa in the fall

Carter Birch has theatre in his blood and he has such a wonderful attitude about the field. He is always very respectful in lessons and has a wonderful ability to take adjustments I give him and apply them to his pieces. When Carter Birch started lessons, he was drawn to more comedic characters, but we realized that he chose mostly dramatic songs for the senior showcase. He always has interesting insights about the pieces we are working on and theatre shows in general, and it has been a pleasure working with him in the studio each week. Carter Birch worked very hard this year toward the role of the D'Ysquith family in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and he gave a fantastic performance in his school musical in that role. It earned him the opportunity to compete in the triple threat awards at the Iowa Musical Theatre Association. It has been a true privilege to have him in the studio, and I am eager to see the next steps of his creative journey!

Savannah Page

Graduating from Liberty High School

Attending Savannah College of Arts and Design to study Musical Theatre

Savannah is a bright star in my studio; she is hardworking, talented, and full of fun ideas and excitement for her craft. She is one of those students whose peers look up to her because she is talented and supportive of everyone around her. Savannah is highly involved in her school music and theatre programs, works a part-time job, and works for her mother’s Princess Party Business. She was a fantastic Fiona in her school’s production of Shrek this spring and she co-directed the student production of Noises Off last fall. Savannah has a beautiful voice and is such a gifted storyteller. I know she has the tenacity to go far in theatre and I hope to see her on Broadway in years to come! Some of my favorite memories of Savannah include the creative acts she dreamed up for her school’s winter showcase; the way she incorporated running through the audience, costumes, and style into her act showed her confidence and excitement.

Gretchen Gerke

Graduating from Regina High School

Attending Villanova to study Mechanical Engineering

Gretchen is one of my legacy students. I have had the privilege of working with her since she was a young child (over ten years!). It has been such a delight watching her grow into the young person she is today, and I know she will change the world. Gretchen is one of the most hardworking students I have had the pleasure of teaching. She is highly involved in swimming and also takes voice, piano, and guitar lessons. Gretchen is also very active in school extracurricular and service organizations. She is such a polished artist in many realms, such as painting and crochet, in addition to her music. When Gretchen first started lessons, she was pretty shy. If I asked her what she thought went well, or how she felt about anything, she generally answered with “I don’t know.” I eventually had to ban that answer in her lessons, and she now has a wonderful ear and a passion for performing. Gretchen also performed wonderfully as Fiona in her school’s production of Shrek. It was her first time in a show and she got the lead! She was funny, sweet, polished, and sang beautifully. She did so well she was recognized by the Iowa Musical Theatre Association and asked to perform a solo at their showcase in May. I know Gretchen will continue her musical endeavors and that she has so many exciting things ahead. 

This post was written by Dr. Jessica Saunders, co-owner and voice faculty at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa.