Six students from the Liceo de Cagayan University Conservatory of Music, Theater and Dance have been accepted at the prestigious Brigham Young University Hawaii Concert Choir.
They are Amera Grace Balindong-BM Pedagogy (Voice), Jasmin Thea Quiñones-BM Performance (Voice), Felix Solana III-BM Theater, Jacob Marion Leop-BM Theater, Ronald Baa– Associate in Music and Liceo Senior High School Faculty member, and Ena Marie Tiro-BM Theater and Conservatory of Music secretary.
All six are under the mentorship of Professor Cipriano De Guzmán Jr., LPT, M.M., M.Ópera who is also part of BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir. They will have a semester of training with international guest musicians including Professor De Guzmán who will be giving a lecture-workshop on Breath Management and Vocal resonance on February 9.
Brigham Young University Hawaii Concert Choir is under the musical direction of the award-winning conductor, composer, pianist and singer, Dr. Erica Glenn (DMA). The group held an open audition last December 2020 wherein Dr. Glenn selected from a pool of singers from the United States, Mexico, Europe, Russia, Iran, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
**Formed in 1985, the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir is the university’s premier SATB ensemble. The choir performs a cappella and accompanied choral literature ranging from classical oratorio literature to international folk music, American musical theater selections, and art music of Europe, the Americas, and the South Pacific.
“I felt so blessed and excited to be part of the BYU Hawaii Concert Choir. It is truly an honor to sing together with talented people from different countries. I’ll be forever grateful to my beloved Professor De Guzman, who inspired me to pursue this opportunity, thank you also to Dr. Erica Glenn! ”- Amera Grace Balindong, 22, 3rd year Bachelor of Music-Pedagogy major who was also selected as one of the soloists in their upcoming video “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”.
“When I received the email that I got accepted in BYU Hawaii Concert Choir, I was very ecstatic. I have never auditioned for a concert choir let alone one located outside of the Philippines. It opened a new chapter in my life which I am ready to embrace and enjoy, thank you to Professor De Guzmán for guiding me throughout the audition process.”
— Jacob Marion Leop, 18, 1st year Bachelor of Music in Theater Performance major.
“As a person with low self-esteem, I never really bothered to audition in any groups such as choir, plays etc. I was always skeptical with my abilities as a musician. Our professor constantly encourages us to explore and pushed me to my limits. He kept on reminding me how talented I am and pushed me to audition. To my surprise, I received an email of acceptance from BYU Hawaii Concert Choir. I am very grateful and blessed to have virtually met so many like-minded musicians from around the world and I am honored to meet Dr. Erica Glenn. Thank you so much BYU Hawaii Concert Choir!”
— Jasmin Thea Quiñones, 26, Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance student
“My virtual choir experience with BYU-Hawaii is beyond what most traditional choirs can offer. I will be forever grateful for this experience. Thank you for this opportunity Dr. Glenn and Prof. De Guzmán”
–Felix Solana III, 27, 2nd year Bachelor of Music-Theater Major
“ As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU-Hawaii is one of my dream institutions to be affiliated with. I am so excited to be part of this project, it’s like a dream come true for me.”
–Ronald Baa, Associate in Music/SHS Faculty member and Conductor of Liceo High School Glee Club.
“It took me a while to submit my auditions as I am not confident about my singing skills. Luckily, I have my voice and theater professor who never fails to help me step out of my confinement and explore my capabilities. So I did submit at the last minute, and Alas! I am now singing with the BYU Hawaii Concert Choir and other talented people of different ethnicities but with one goal: To sing in harmony and love for the Almighty and to anyone, everyone. In the most profound part of my heart, I am elated and thankful to Dr. Erica Glenn and, of course, to my beloved voice and theater professor, Prof. De Guzmán.”
–Ena Tiro, 3rd year Bachelor of Music-Theater Major | Administrative Staff Liceo de Cagayan Conservatory of Music, Theater, and Dance.
**Credits to BYU-Hawaii website
