GOOD NEWS: Recital artists provide vocal tips to Sul Ross students

ALPINE Vocalists Shannon and Keith Earle took time to pass on singing techniques to Sul Ross State University music students.

The Earles, who recently performed a recital at Marshall Auditorium, later spent time providing helpful techniques to students.

Three music majors, all specializing in voice, performed for the guests. The clinic was organized by Lana Potts, visiting lecturer. “Sul Ross voice majors sang songs they had performed last semester during recitals, and Shannon and Keith gave suggestions on improving their vocal technique,” Potts said.

Laura Ashley Anderson, Odessa, performed Ici-Bas by Gabriel Faure; Raven Thrasher, El Paso, performed Go Down Moses by HT Burleigh; and Karla Villaseñor, El Paso, sang Melodia by Vicente Costa Noueras.

Keith Earle, who is a music teacher in San Antonio, spoke earlier to the music materials for children class and shared some of his classroom techniques to other inspiring teachers. On the day after the recital, both Keith and Shannon Earle sat in on the master’s class.

“We scheduled it at lunch because that is when most of the students were available,” Potts said.

Although only three students performed, the room was filled with students, faculty, and staff from the music department. Potts believes that while private lessons are helpful, this format would be better in a classroom setting.

“The reason we do it as a class is because everyone there can learn,” Potts said. “It benefitted a lot more people than private lessons would have.”

Potts plans to have a master’s class when guest artists come in for recitals.

“Guest artists are people who are already making a living as musicians,” she said. “They come in and do a recital and do a master’s class where students are prepared to sing or play for them.”

The Earles are native Texans who currently live and work in San Antonio. Both are part of the music staff at St. George’s Episcopal Church and School in San Antonio, where Keith is the director. Shannon Earle maintains a busy performing career and an active private voice studio. Both have also performed in choirs, on stage, in recitals, and are members of the San Antonio Opera.