32. The Music Doesn't Have to End: Live Recording from IG Live

Choir Baton

My friend Andrew "Andy" Surrena began posting videos of him singing every day at 5pm from his soon-to-be inlaw's farmhouse in New York State amidst our nationwide quarantine. Andy's closing weekend as Romeo in Sarasota's Opera Romeo and Juliet had been cancelled and to encourage the singers to keep performing, the cast launched a 5'clock #SuddenlyOpera movement to encourage everyone to break into song wherever they were at that moment. (Read more here)

I met Andy and his now fiance, Emily, during my first year in graduate school. Their friendship is something I hold dear to my heart and I asked Andy if he would sing for our Choir Baton community on Instagram Live. What I thought would be a fun opportunity for us to hear my talented friend turned into a conversation I will cherish forever. Amidst hearing Andy's singing voice, you'll hear him express how he is practicing as a solo singer these days - something every quarantined choir can relate to - and be encouraged by the optimism he and Emily share in response to the power of the arts within times likes these. Emily, a talented soprano in her own right decided to pursue a career in arts administration and is now the Associate Director of Vocal Arts at The Julliard School. There are so many amazing takeaways from three friends reuniting over an Instagram Live recording amidst the Coronavirus quarantine. Friends, family, and strangers joined us from around the world for this special recording and I'm excited to share it with you today. #morepeoplesinging

Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon

Emily Wells is the Associate Director of Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School. As Associate Director she oversees all non-opera production performance activities and projects, assists with season planning and casting, manages select contracting and budgeting, and works on admission/recruitment initiatives for all programs. Before moving to New York City in 2013 to start her job at Juilliard, she held positions at the Aspen Music Festival and the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Emily holds a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and master's degree from Northern Arizona University. Outside of the arts, Emily loves to run marathons and is chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes
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