OperaontheGo
Recipient of the 2001 President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Award recognizing AIT as one of ten outstanding programs for youth in the U.S.
2004-2005 AIT class at spring recital
Photo by Maurice Meredith
Established in 1990 and unique in the U.S., Monsanto's Artists-in-Training program sets out to identify, coach and encourage talented students from high schools across St. Louis with weekly voice lessons by opera professionals at one of three area universities. The program also offers master classes with visiting artists such as George Shirley, Erie Mills, Christine Brewer, and Everett McCorvey. It also awards more than $17,000 annually in scholarships and provides college guidance to high school graduates. The ultimate goal of AIT is to identify students who will go on to further music study and perhaps a professional singing career, but the program has other goals as well, such as enhancing self-esteem, finding new means of expression, learning to set rigorous achievement standards, and rewarding disciplined commitment.
AIT has developed a remarkable track record: 99% of its graduates have finished high school, and 88% of the graduating seniors are currently enrolled in college and universities in 2005-2006 throughout the U.S. At the annual year-end recital students compete for more than $7,500 in scholarship awards including the $2,500 Monsanto Prize and the $1,500 Marielle Huber Award.
Makeup artist Charles La Pointe helps AIT alumni Kendall Gladen prepare for a performance of "The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein." (2001 season)
Photo by Ken Howard
Opera Theatre continues to give an additional $10,000 each year in Advanced Study Scholarship assistance to AIT alumni who are pursuing college degrees.
Monsanto's "Spring Training"
Two intensive one-week courses offered June 5-9 and June 12-16, 2006 for students who auditioned but were not selected for the AIT program helps prepare them to audition again, and gives them access to expert resources available during Opera Theatre's spring season. Professional vocal teachers coach the students in individual lessons and guest instructors lead sessions in movement, acting, the Alexander Technique and more throughout the week.
For more information contact the education department at (314) 963-4248 or e-mail 248@opera-stl.org
 
Wig and Make-up Assistant Janet Dromgoole with Spring Training Students 2004 - Photo by Cory Weaver
 
 
2005 - 2006 AIT AUDITION INFORMATION
 

Thursday, September 29, 3-6 PM and Saturday, October 1, 1:30-4 PM in the Recital Hall of the Webster University Community Music School 500 Trinity Avenue, University City

Auditions are open to students entering grades 10-12 for 2004-05 with a current GPA of 2.5 or higher, who are currently participating in high school choirs or other vocal programs.

Students must prepare two selections from any of the following: opera, art song, musical theater, spiritual or folk song. Students must bring their own sheet music to the audition and must be prepared to start over, repeat
a section or not finish a prepared selection.

An accompanist will be provided. Auditions are closed to everyone except members of the audition panel.
Students must bring the following to the audition:

1) A written recommendation from a guidance counselor or high school music teacher
2) A copy of the most recent report card

If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Jea Hyun Rhyu at (314) 963-4248 or at jhrhyu@opera-stl.org for more information.