Marc Webster ’02 an dAndy McCullough ’07, both of whom studied with David Parks, are continuing their studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. Webster is a member of the Juilliard Opera Center (JOC), a post-graduate opera company; McCullough is pursuing a master’s degree. Both are immersed in a world of private voice lessons and coachings, language study, movement, Alexander technique, diction, acting, and role preparation.
They have both been cast in JOC’s New York premiere of Ned Rorem’s Our Town, Webster in a leading role as Dr. Gibbs and McCullough as Frank. McCullough is one of a small number of master’s students cast in this important production.
McCullough took a bit of time to adjust to the pace of life in New York City, but living on campus helps him stay focused on his studies. “Working with up to three different coaches per day on all the facets of vocal performance is fantastic,” he said. “Learning character roles has been rewarding as well. I’ve played Basilio in Figaro, as part of an evening of scenes, and Monostatos, as part of a staged performance of Magic Flute.”
After two years of teaching elementary music in Boston and earning a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, Webster is working toward an artist’s diploma in opera studies. He has performed in Cosí fan tutte with the Young Artist Studio at Florida Grand Opera, in Falstaff with Seattle Opera, and has made his professional debut as Sarastro in Wolf Trap’s production of The Magic Flute. In describing his time at Ithaca, Webster said, “Dr. Parks introduced me to foundational vocal technique that has served as a strong base for my further development. He was an initial example of the working relationship that exists between voice students and their coaches. He also continues to be a mentor and source of professional support.”
Teacher for both McCullough and Webster at Ithaca College, David Parks said, “Student successes such as these make teaching at IC a wonderful experience. Both of them took every possible performing opportunity while at IC, and I look forward to hearing about their future careers.”
