October 2011 – Four SLPS students have been selected by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program. Please congratulate the following students who stood out from the competition during auditions held in September:

·         Abraham Shaw, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy

·         Brandi Harris-Stokes, Central Visual and Performing Arts

·         Amber Lunceford, Central Visual and Performing Arts
Randell McGee, Central Visual and Performing Arts

Established in 1990, the Monsanto Artists-in-Training program sets out to identify, coach and encourage talented students from high schools across the St. Louis area who will go on to further music study and perhaps a professional singing career. Selected students receive private lessons, master classes, extra-curricular activities and two overnight retreats. Students also attend performances by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the St. Louis Symphony, the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, the St. Louis Repertory Theater, Dance St. Louis and more.

Only 25 students across the region are selected annually to participate in the program and must audition by preparing two selections in opera, art song, musical theater, spiritual, or folk song. Moreover, students must bring a written recommendation from a guidance counselor or high school music teacher and a copy of their most recent report card as a GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.

The talented singers will be showcased at a public Spring Recital at Sheldon Concert Hall on Sunday, April 22, at 3:00 p.m.  For more information please contact the Office of Public Information (314) 345-2367.  

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