SFYCA Prepares Alum for World Stage
Celebrated for his rich tone and thoughtful artistry, Harrison Hintzsche reflects on the early experiences that helped shape his career—and the mindset that keeps him grounded.
From SFYCA Singer to St. Olaf Professor: A Q&A with Dr. Joseph Kemper
Dr. Joseph Kemper’s musical journey began in Portland, Oregon, where a passion for choral music and an early connection to the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy (SFYCA) helped launch a remarkable career.
SFYCA Profile – Gina Saputo
A native of Springfield, Oregon, Gina was born to sing and raised in a home full of music. She started training classically at the age of 8 in the Oregon Children’s Choir and had her first paying gig at the age of 11. By the age of 15 she was putting together her own groups …
SFYCA Profile – Sarah Brauer
Over the last two decades, Sarah has enjoyed a varied career of opera, oratorio, choral and recital performance. As part of the OBF 2020 Radio Festival, we are excited to feature this lovely tribute by Sarah Brauer, SFYCA alumna (2000, 2001) and now professional classical singer. Sarah earned her Master of Music degree from Rice …
A Musical Dream Comes True
SFYCA alum, Maddie Smoot (2017-2018) shares her musical journey and how SFYCA had such an impact on her desire to become a vocal music educator Maddie Smoot grew up in Longmont, Colorado and attended her first season with SFYCA in 2017 as a junior in high school. Like many others before her, she was immediately …
The Barton Brothers bring Classic Showtunes to Colorado Audiences
SFYCA alum, Jack Barton (’10, ’11) along with his brother Dan share their joys of working together and how SFYCA helped shaped his path to success Classically trained pianists and self-proclaimed childhood choir nerds, brothers Dan and Jack grew up sharing stereos, piano teachers, and bunk beds. Growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado they developed …
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Finding Success Through Balance
SFYCA alum, Nicholas Meyer (’04, ’05, ’06) shares the importance of staying positive, maintaining a good attitude, and having fun – in music and in life! SFYCA alum Nicholas Meyer (’04, ’05, ’06) is an in-demand baritone, artistic co-director of Opera Theater Oregon, and teacher of a flourishing voice and piano studio of 40+ students …
The Barton Brothers bring Classic Showtunes to Colorado Audiences
SFYCA alum, Jack Barton (’10, ’11) along with his brother Dan share their joys of working together and how SFYCA helped shaped his path to success Classically trained pianists and self-proclaimed childhood choir nerds, brothers Dan and Jack grew up sharing stereos, piano teachers, and bunk beds. Growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado they developed …
Read more “The Barton Brothers bring Classic Showtunes to Colorado Audiences”
From Aspiring Neuroscientist to CATS’ Grizabella Understudy
SFYCA alum, Carolyn Bacon, ’05-‘08, shares her unique and circuitous path to becoming a cast member of the 2021/2022 North American Tour of CATS Growing up, Carolyn loved science and valued helping others. This interest led her to pursue a career in medicine as she earned a BA in Neuroscience from Pomona College and went …
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SFYCA Connections: A Pandemic Rara Avis
As part of the OBF 2021 Virtual Festival, SFYCA alum (2006, 2007, 2008), Emmanuel “Onry” Henreid participated in an OBF Virtual Happy Hour event where he shared what he is up to now and performed two lovely pieces for the audience of OBF patrons and supporters. Onry, an award-winning singer, actor, dancer, and pianist based …