Hitting the high notes
Ashley LeParik spent part of her summer raising her voice.
Ashley LeParik sings at a master class at the British Opera Academy. (Contributed photo)
LeParik, a junior from Milford, Conn., was a student at the British Opera Academy at the University of Surrey located in Guildford, United Kingdom. The academy is presented by the Music Mind Spirit Trust and spanned the final two weeks of June.
As part of the application process, students were required to submit two video auditions — one aria and one song — as well as a resume and a headshot.
“I researched different programs for this summer and this one was very appealing,” said LeParik. “I learned to present myself more on websites and to have the proper etiquette when auditioning.”
At the academy LeParik attended master classes taught by Dr. Mark Ross Clark, opera and musical theatre director, and Ronald Ulen, a distinguished baritone singer. A mezzo soprano, LeParik sang scenes from Mozart’s “Cosi fan Tutte” as well as arias including “Va!,” “Lauisse Courir,” “Mes Larmes” and “All That Gold” from Menoitti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
“I learned many useful techniques and impression management during the master classes. These will help me to better myself as a whole,” said LeParik.
In one of the master classes, LeParik was advised on a way she should sing: with full volume.
“A teacher told me to never turn down my volume. You should never dim your light or quiet your voice to fit into a category. Always sing with zero inhibitions,” she said.
Residing just over 30 miles southwest of London, LeParik took advantage of her location to explore her surroundings.
“In my free time I visited many museums, sites and theaters and immersed myself in the vibrant English culture,” she said.
LeParik believes she learned a lot professionally as well as personally during her time at the academy.
“During this program I have learned professionally to have patience, be resilient and absorb information like a sponge. Personally, I have made many lifelong friends who also share the same passion for opera as I do.”