Dear friends and family,
I apologize it's been so long since I've sent an email update. So much has been happening I don't know where to start. First of all I hope each of you are well, and know that I love you and miss you, but that I appreciate your constant support. Second, I don't want this to be a long email so I'll just cut to the chase.
This summer I was one of two Coordinators for a youth program called EFY. My partner and I worked six weeks together taking on the responsibility of approximately 300-600 teenagers in a week-long self-improvement program at campuses around the Midwest. What an incredible experience, and so rewarding.
Since coming back to Indiana for my second year of my Masters program, so many opportunities have opened to me. At the end of last semester I was called to be the president of a women's organization in my church consisting of around 80 single women, most of them students at IU. That continues to be a challenge, but a great blessing as I get to know the women and learn how to be a better leader.
Many singing engagements have opened up to me since school started. This past week was especially busy with two auditions for solos in choral works, as well as a rehearsal for a solo I was given in another choral work. Come to find out by the end of the week I am now scheduled to sing the mezzo solo in Corigliano's "Fern Hill", as well as be the alto soloist in Bach's A major Mass, in addition to the alto soloist in Sandstrom's "Magnificat".
I'm trying to stay on top of my 14-credit course load while I compile my aria package and send off my application materials for several Young Artist Programs for the 2008 summer season that I hope to be granted auditions for. I'm also planning on giving my first Master's recital on November 30th which I will sing Schumann's "Frauenliebe und Leben", some Faure songs, as well as selections from Britten's "Charm of Lullabies" among other selections. I'm excited to have my parents come up for that. :)
I also have an engagement in Utah in late October participating in the making of the DVD of Rob Gardner's work "Jospeh Smith the Prophet". I'm excited to be a part of this project as Rob determines to make this DVD accessible to international audiences through the translation into several languages.
Despite all this wonderful things, perhaps the most exciting news of all is that I have been chosen to sing the role of Cherubino in IU's 2008 Spring production of "Le nozze di Figaro". I can't express to you all my utter joy and gratitude to have this opportunity. As I studied Cherubino at ASU, as well as in Italy, I immediately fell in love with his character and the opera in general. This is truly a dream come true, and I look forward to this opportunity with all my heart.
That's it for now. I apologize for the length of the email despite my goal for it to be short. I just want to again thank each one of you for your love and support. I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for many of you. Thank you for helping me see the potential and the bright future ahead. God bless you all. I attribute all my blessings, and all you wonderful people in my life to Him.
Take care and keep in touch!
Angela Brower
