By Amber Hayden, student writer, UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Kevin Newell
- Edgar, Wis.
- Music – vocal performance major
- What's next: Graduate school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Vocal music performance major Kevin Newell credits the individual attention he received at UW-Eau Claire for his musical and personal success.
During his time in the music program at UW-Eau Claire, Newell sang three major operatic leads, including Aeneas in G.F. Handel's "Dido and Aeneas," Camille de Rosillon in Franz Lehár's "The Merry Widow" and Albert in Benjamin Britten's "Albert Herring."
"It's pretty rare for an undergraduate student to have so much stage experience," Newell said. "Those roles helped me to gain insights about singing on stage and preparing roles."
He said he was able to receive stage time without having to compete with the seniority of graduate students, which is one of the great advantages of UW-Eau Claire as an undergraduate institution.
Newell put the skills he gained at UW-Eau Claire to use when he attended the Seagle Music Colony in upstate New York in summer 2009. The Seagle Music Colony is the oldest young artist program in the country and a sister colony of the Fort Worth Opera in Texas. Each year the colony selects extremely talented singers from across the country and around the world through a rigorous application and audition process. Thousands apply and only 32 singers are accepted. The program lasts for eight weeks during the summer, during which the group produces seven operas.
The Seagle Music Colony has invited Newell to return this summer on a full scholarship. He will perform the roles of Cornelius Hackl in Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly!" and Romeo in Charles Gounod's opera "Romeo and Juliet."
"UW-Eau Claire gave me the tools and information I needed to seek out these opportunities," Newell said.
Newell knows from experience that accomplishments like this do not come without hard work and dedication.
"If you study hard, dig into the material and keep looking forward you can find success," Newell said. "You have to come to college to learn. Take full advantage!"
More on Kevin Newell
Future plans: I am going to graduate school in Ann Arbor, Mich., at the University of Michigan. I was accepted into their vocal performance degree program and offered full tuition.
Unique aspects of his UW-Eau Claire experience: I had the great opportunity of working the bachelor of music-composition students and debuted lots of brand new music for their recitals. It was very exciting to know I was the first to sing a particular piece, and fun to work so closely with the composers.
A UW-Eau Claire person, class or project that made a positive difference in his life: Most people groan about the service-learning requirement. I thought it was a great opportunity and experience. I fulfilled my requirement by becoming a shareholder of the Clear Vision project. This was a group of about 75 people who were planning the future of Eau Claire County. I learned so much during the nine months of meetings. I was able to interact with adults (something not every undergraduate gets the opportunity to do), and I learned — directly from the movers and shakers of Eau Claire County — what it takes to run a community. It was an incredible experience.
Highlights of his life at UW-Eau Claire: The highlight of my five years at UW-Eau Claire was the Newman Parish. I began working for Newman in 2006 and was soon the music coordinator. I sang for every Mass during my years at UW-Eau Claire, taking only two weekends off. The good people of Newman helped me grow up and realize my gifts and opportunities. Ultimately, it's because of Fr. George Szews, Flo Sheridan and the rest of the parish that I am on my way to graduate school.
How he defines the UW-Eau Claire Advantage: I can't define it for anyone but those who are vocal performance majors. In my experience, UW-Eau Claire has the advantage as an undergraduate education institution. I was able to study with a voice teacher who had a doctorate — not a graduate or doctoral student. I was able to dig into the field of opera without feeling too young or put out by graduate or doctoral students. All in all, I was given the individual attention I needed, which I may not have received at a different institution.
Advice for success to incoming UW-Eau Claire students: Getting caught up in dormitory drama and the party scene may make your college years seem fun, but they will have been intellectually stagnant. View this school as a springboard. Remember that this institution is a stepping stone to your future, not just a destination.
Learn about other featured May 2010 graduates
