$14,000 of cash prizes and $4.2 million in scholarships were awarded at the 2022 CS Vocal Competition. Meet the winners in a series of online features.
Introducing our First and Third Place winners in the Classical High School II division!
FIRST PLACE WINNER: DEJAH WATTS
1. What is your artist level and school if applicable?
I’ve been training for almost 3 years classically, and I will be attending University of Kentucky for Vocal Performance this fall!
2. What is your dream role?
My dream role is Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera!
3. What advice would you give to future participants in the CS Music competition?
One piece of advice I would give is to have fun! Music is nothing if you’re not enjoying yourself, so have fun with it and soak up every minute!
4. How do you feel that singing, and music in general, can have an impact on the world?
I feel like music really does have the power to transcend all differences. It has the power to bring everyone together, and to heal communities!
5. Name one of your favorite professional singers and why they are so impactful.
I really love Kiri te Kanawa! Her tone is gorgeous and the feeling she puts into her performances is on a level I hope you achieve one day!
6. In terms of singing and performing, what has been your biggest struggle and how have you overcome it?
My biggest struggle has been comparing myself to others. I always struggle with whether or not I deserve the opportunities I’ve gotten thus far. I’ve slowly begun to understand that all singers are at different levels, and it isn’t fair to compare myself to them. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, but everyone is working on something. No one deserves more than another person.
7. How did you come to participate in the competition? (How did you hear about it and what steps did you take in order to make it happen?)
I received word from my Vocal coach!!
8. Were you offered any scholarships? If so, tell us about what you were offered, if it will be of help to you, and how you feel about it.
I received a scholarship to study in Italy for the summer! I won’t be able to accept it because of the quick turn around time, but it was amazing to even receive the invitation in the first place!
THIRD PLACE WINNER: JULIA TOOKER
1. What is your artist level and school if applicable?
I am a recent High School graduate from Penfield NY and plan to attend the Eastman School of Music this fall studying Vocal Performance in the studio of Kathryn Cowdrick.
2. What is your dream role?
My dream Opera role is Despina in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte. I really enjoy performing Despina’s Una donna a quindici anni aria and would love to play her full character someday.
3. What advice would you give to future participants in the CS Music competition?
I would advise future participants of the CS Music competition to enjoy the process and the wonderful people you meet. Remember to take care and be kind to yourself, and also to warm up before singing.
4. How do you feel that singing, and music in general, can have an impact on the world?
I think music is needed in our world. Music and singing gives us ways to express our deepest feelings and connect to others. I believe that singing can heal or help one to cope with emotional pain that people face in their life. It also has a wonderful way of bringing people together and spreading joy.
5. Name one of your favorite professional singers and why they are so impactful.
My favorite professional singer is Renee Fleming. She is from Rochester NY like I am, and she is a huge reason why I chose to go for singing. Seeing someone from Rochester become a huge classical singing opera star and remain so humble is very inspiring. I hope that one day I can see her sing live because her voice is incredible.
6. In terms of singing and performing, what has been your biggest struggle and how have you overcome it?
I have had struggles when it comes to setting unrealistic expectations for myself vocally. I have to remind myself that mistakes are normal and that no one is perfect. Through perseverance and practice improvements are achieved.
7. How did you come to participate in the competition? (How did you hear about it and what steps did you take in order to make it happen?)
My vocal teacher, Diane Abrahamian, at the Eastman Community Music School recommended that I participate in the CS Music Vocal Competition for the Classical and Musical Theatre categories. I was able to use two of my college audition songs to make it through the first video round in Spring 2022. I then flew to Chicago in May with my parents to attend the CS Music Conference and compete in the Second, Semifinal and Final rounds.
8. Were you offered any scholarships? If so, tell us about what you were offered, if it will be of help to you, and how you feel about it.
I received a full scholarship to the AAMS International Summer Music Institute in Todi Italy. I am overjoyed for the opportunity to study Opera and Musical Arias in Italy where I will be able to enhance my knowledge of the Italian language and culture. I especially like that the program includes staying with an Italian family so I can get an authentic experience of Italian life.
Photo of the finalists in the Classical High School I division:
