Vocal Studies
The division of vocal studies at Oklahoma Baptist University offers students an opportunity to develop their technical and artistic skills in an atmosphere that is both challenging and nurturing. While studying with a voice faculty who has been recognized for its pedagogical and performance achievements, students will learn skills in vocal technique, musicianship, foreign language diction, expressive communication, stage presence, repertoire selection, role preparation, and vocal pedagogy. OBU students participate in a wide range of performance opportunities including fully-staged productions in both opera and musical theatre genres, opera scenes, recitals, chamber music, an annual Concerto/Aria Concert, any of four choral ensembles (University Chorale*, Men’s Bison Glee Club*, Women’s Bisonette Glee Club*, and Cantare Cappella), studio classes, master classes, Chapel music teams*, and student activity shows. Unlike many larger universities with a large number of graduate students, the intimate nature of OBU allows students the opportunity to perform frequently at the undergraduate level.(* Indicates a touring ensemble.)
Successful Students:
Voice students from OBU have gone on to highly successful careers in performance, education, and church-related fields. Graduates have appeared on stages and in theatres around the globe including some of the most famous opera houses in the world, such as the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Paris Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, and many more. Comprehensive vocal training combined with OBU’s exceptionally strong liberal arts education give graduates an extremely high acceptance rate into major graduate schools such as Eastman, Indiana, North Texas, Peabody, Cincinnati, Baylor, and Florida State, along with the Southern Baptist seminaries like Southwestern, New Orleans, Southern, and Golden Gate. OBU voice graduates can also be found teaching across the United States at all educational levels, from elementary to university. Our music education (BME) graduates have a 100% placement rate in both elementary and secondary schools.
Scholarships:
Voice scholarships are available on a competitive basis and range anywhere from $1000 to $4000. These scholarships are in addition to any other academic or special aid awards granted by the university, the U.S. government or other outside sources. For more information on voice scholarships, to request an application, or to schedule a voice audition, please contact the Fine Arts office:
Degree Offerings:
Bachelor of Music (B.M.): Vocal Performance
Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.): Voice
Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.): Voice
Bachelor of Music in Church Music (B.M.C.M.): Voice
Voice Faculty:
Dr. Mark McQuade: Voice Coordinator, Baritone
Mrs. Rhetta Hudson: Soprano
Dr. Louima Lilite: Tenor
Dr. Jennifer McQuade: Soprano
Mrs. Norma Partridge: Soprano
Upcoming Events:
Recent Events:
March 27, 28 & 29, 2009
The Tender Land: an American opera by Aaron Copland.
OBU Presents 'Tender Land' Opera March 26-29
March 5, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Yarborough Auditorium
Digby Bell Memorial Recital featuring the OBU voice faculty and other performers.
'Vocal Gala' to Honor Late Musician Digby Bell
February 12, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Yarborough Auditorium
Faculty Voice Recital by Dr. Louima Lilite, Tenor.
Lilite to Perform First Faculty Recital
December 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Potter Auditorium
Hanging of the Green: 2008 is the 71st anniversary of this long-standing tradition at OBU which celebrates the Christmas season and Honors 20 outstanding seniors. This year's ceremony will be a service of lessons and carols, featuring a still-life Creche scene. The lessons and carols service began at King's College, Cambridge in 1918. It symbolizes the bond between the academic community and the city, the peace within the whole church, and the joy and worship of all Christians. The theme revolves around the loving purposes of God revealed through the words of the bible and the musical offerings. The service will feature musical selections presented by the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra, University Chorale, Bison Glee Club, Bisonette Glee Club, Cantare Cappella, and the Young Singers of Central Oklahoma. New OBU voice faculty members, Dr. Louima Lilite and Dr. Jennifer McQuade will be featured soloists with the orchestra as well. The service is free and open to the public.
Traditional Hanging of the Green Celebrated Dec. 6
November 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Yarborough Auditorium
Music Theater Scenes Program: The program will feature comic scenes from operas and musicals that all revolve around the interesting and often humorous dynamics found in families. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and can be purchased in advance in the fine arts office or at the door. (Children under 10 get in free.)
OBU Music Theater Scenes Presented Nov. 21-22
