Music major Donovan Jones spent his summer performing professional opera with Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point, Eureka Springs, Ark.
Jones, a sophomore vocal performance major, said his career goal is to be a professional opera singer, and this was the first step toward that goal. Opera in the Ozarks, in its 63rd season, is an eight-week training program for young artists and is affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs. Jones auditioned last December in Lawrence, Kan., one of several audition sites across the country.
Jones said he was excited and surprised when he found out he was chosen for the program and was looking forward to the great learning opportunity.
The summer 2013 lineup included Puccini鈥檚 鈥淢adama Butterfly,鈥� 顿辞苍颈锄别迟迟颈鈥檚 鈥淟鈥橢lisir d鈥橝more鈥� (Elixir of Love) and Gilbert & Sullivan鈥檚 鈥淭he Pirates of Penzance.鈥�
As a freshman, Jones placed first in a four-state vocal competition and he recently earned third place in the National Association Teachers of Singing competition in the lower (freshman and sophomore) university men鈥檚 division. Dr. Susan Carter, associate professor of music, is his voice instructor.
This fall, Jones will be cast in the University鈥檚 production of the opera, 鈥淭he Magic Flute.鈥�
鈥淚 love music. I understand it in a way most people don鈥檛,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I am so comfortable when I am performing.鈥�