Josh Groban and Nazareth Students: A Perfect Vocal Partnership

Nazareth College Vocal Jazz has become a favorite of Josh Groban's when he is touring New York State. Nazareth vocalists have sung back up for Groban six times, this appearance at his June 28 concert at Turning Stone Resort.

It's a honor for all the students and demanding work. The students work with a vocal coach a couple days before the concert, but they do not rehearse with Groban or the orchestra until they show up on stage and put it all together in performance.

"This never gets old," said Nancy Strelau, associate chair of Nazareth's Music Department, who helps contract the show with Groban. "This is a professional, life-changing experience and this time around the experience was only 48 hours from the beginning of Wednesday's rehearsal to the performance on Friday night."

Also a first, Strelau invited two incoming Nazareth freshmen, Collin Pickett, a music therapy major from Vestal, N.Y., and Michael King, a music theatre major from Rochester, to sing with Groban, quite an impressive experience leading into their time at Nazareth.

Here is the list of performers comprised of incoming freshmen, current students, alumni, invited guest vocalists.

Sopranos

Jessica Tripi

Kristen Emery

Haley Brunstad

Taylor Eike

Abby Duffy

Altos

Hadley Strelau

Kristen Maxfield

Jean-Marie Carroll

Morgan Beaton

Taylor Santabarbara

Tenors

Toby Young

Christian Drew

Colin Pickett

Evan Burnett

Michael King

Basses

John Caboot

Lamont Haywood

Gabriel Brett

Joel Touranjoe

Demetrio Alomar

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2019 July
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• Theatre and Dance
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