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Casandra C.

 

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"What does pursuing further education mean to you?"

As a young adult with CF, pursuing higher education entails much physically, emotionally, and financially. Though indeed demanding, to pursue an education is a dream, and dreaming is priceless. I was diagnosed when I was six months old. In such scenarios people tend to panic, and while my parents were initially devastated, they sought to take it in stride and came out successful. They provided the greatest of care, and yet I always felt like a normal kid. My parents cultivated my talents and encouraged me to dream. When I decided to pursue opera, they gave me their full support. Some may think it risky to choose a career in opera when I have what many classify as a "lung disease," but again, my parents encouraged me to not allow potential roadblocks to stop me from beginning new journeys. Now I am studying opera at one of the best music conservatories in the world.

Upon completing my master's degree, I hope to enter a Young Artist's Program at a reputable opera company or obtain an Artist's Diploma at another institution. As a perfectionist, I will always feel the need for continuous education. Even after my formal education ends, there will always be a need for voice lessons; a successful singer is always developing and perfecting his/her art.  Pursuing further education means the fulfillment of my dream and passion - to establish myself as a credible opera singer, singing with opera companies in the USA and abroad.

Casandra C.'s Artwork


Casandra C.'s Achievements

  • Graduated with High honors (3.94 GPA, ranked 12th) - Lapeer East High School
  • MSBOA Solo and Ensemble, Honors Band, Honors Choir & Honors Orchestra
  • All-State High School Choir at Interlochen Arts Camp & Featured Soloist at Interlochen Arts Camp Concert
  • Chairman for school wide fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
  • John Philip Sousa Band Award
  • Debbie Louis Courage Award
  • Lapeer East High School Outstanding Service Award
  • Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Recipient
  • Flint Journal Golden Apple Award
  • Boomer Esiason Foundation Sacks for CF Scholarship
  • Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship
  • Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation Recipient
  • Former CFCareForward Scholarship Recipient
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude (3.76 GPA) from Western Michigan University
  • WMU School of Music Mae Arnold Thacker Scholarship
  • WMU School of Music Marcella S. and Philip F. Faustman Vocal Scholarship
  • Betty Van Andel Scholarship (Opera Grand Rapids)
  • Election to membership to Phi Kappa Phi
  • Election to membership to Phi Kappa Lambda: The National Music Honor Society
  • 1st Place Winner at NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Competition - Michigan Chapter
  • Classical Music Festival Participant with the WMU Chorale - Eisenstadt, Austria
  • Kalamazoo Bach Festival 2010 Young Vocalists Competition, 2nd place
  • Western Michigan University Opera - The Magic Flute (Pamina)
  • Featured Soloist at Opera Grand Rapid's Grand Opening Gala
  • Member of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Greater Michigan Chapter - Grand Rapids
  • Assistant Director - Hunters Creek Community Church Youth Choir
  • Assistant Director - Hunters Creek Community Church Soccer Camp / Vacation Bible School
  • Manhattan School of Music Baroque Aria Ensemble - Judgment of Paris (Pallas Athena)
  • La Lingua della Lirica Opera Program Participant - Novafeltria, Italy
  • Calvary Baptist Church of New York City Youth Handbell Choir Director