Life Updates!
- Katherine Dobbs
- Jun 16, 2022
- 3 min read
So it's been a while since I last posted here, huh? Whoops! I suppose the life of an aspiring artist is quite busy with classes, studying, lessons, coachings, rehearsals, and performances! In any case, here is an update on everything that has happened in the last year!

Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice
I had the absolute joy to portray the role of Orfeo in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. After a long winter break of learning and memorizing the role, I had the immense pleasure to work with Cara Consilvio to bring this opera to life. I think out of all the roles I have so far portrayed in opera, Orfeo has won my heart. His anguish and determination resounded so much within me, and as a role, he taught me so much about my musical expression. I hope one day I can perform as this amazing character again.

The DePauw School of Music Choir Tour
One of the most fun and educational things that happened this year was my trip to California with the DePauw School of Music choirs. For a week, we got to explore different places in California and learn about the lifestyle of the big cities. We visited Universal Studios Hollywood, saw the Hollywood Stars, the Hollywood Sign, and much more. However, this wasn't a normal choir tour. Instead of performing in large venues for masses of people, we worked with The Urban Voices Project to bring music and entertainment to the neighborhood of Skid Row. Through jam sessions, we connected with many people and learned just how important music is to a community.

Opera Project Columbus
One of the most surprising things that happened this year was I was hired by Opera Project Columbus to be the cover for Miss Todd in their production of Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief! They had seen my online performance from last year during the pandemic and contacted me to see if I was interested. Of course, I was! I loved this crazy opera and its eccentric role. Thankfully, my professors were understanding and allowed me to miss a week of classes to travel to Ohio and work for my first genuine opera company. This experience was inspiring and taught me more about the ins and outs of the opera business. Thank you to Opera Project Columbus for this incredible opportunity!

Senior Degree Recital
As a senior (which is hard to believe!), I was required to have a Senior Degree Recital my last semester of school to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. This was one of the most challenging milestones of my operatic career so far, as I had to sing an hour's worth of music in four languages from different historical periods! Through much preparation and practice, I performed my Senior Degree Recital on April 30th, 2022. This was an amazing performance, as it was the culmination of everything I have learned here at DePauw University. I'm incredibly thankful for all those who tuned into the recording and attended in person!

Graduation
I graduated! Yay! I earned my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and two minors in German Studies and Italian Cultural Studies, all with the Latin Honors of Summa Cum Laude. I was also honored for being in Pi Kappa Lambda, which is an Honors Society for music students with scholastic merit and talent. Graduation day had beautiful weather, and the most amazing part was that I was a part of the Platform Party. For the first time in DePauw University history, I, a student, was chosen to sing "America the Beautiful" and "The Toast to DePauw" in front of everyone. It was quite scary, but I am proud of what I accomplished, especially since I only had one rehearsal with the band, and it was the morning of graduation!

Next Steps
If all that I have detailed above wasn't enough, I also was in the midst of applying and auditioning for graduate schools all year! In total, I applied to the seven top schools in the country and eventually was accepted with scholarships to four of them. As hard as it was to make a decision between these amazing offers, I decided that in the Fall of 2022, I will be attending The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas, pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. I am incredibly excited for this next step in my life, and I am having a great time prepping this summer!

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