SINGERS PERFORM MAY 1 TRIBUTE TO VOCAL COACH

Posted on April 19, 2011

Members of Cal U’s “Acappella Stella” singing group will join Pittsburgh-area singers Chris Higbee, Vanessa Campagna, Peter King, Brad Yoder, Katherine Oelrich, Nina Sainato at a musical tribute to the founder of the Estill Voice Training system.

The Celebration of Voice, a tribute to the late Josephine Vadala Estill, will be held at 2 p.m. May 1 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, on the Cal U campus in California, Pa.

A native of Donora, Pa., “Jo” Estill developed the voice training system used by such vocal luminaries as Patti LuPone, Madonna and Metropolitan Opera star Giuseppe Filianoti.

Estill started her singing career in 1939 on KQV radio in Pittsburgh and performed internationally. She is best known for developing an innovative training program for singers based on vocal physiology, acoustics and the perception of voice quality — a blend of science and art.

Estill, 89, died on Dec. 9, 2010.

Performances at the Celebration of Voice will demonstrate the versatility of the Estill techniques, which are used by classical, pop, jazz, country and musical theater singers, as well as vocalists and speakers who need to strengthen or rehabilitate their voice. Classes in Estill Voice Training have been hosted regularly by Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

“The basic principles or ‘ingredients’ of this system can be mixed by any vocalist to produce a great opera, country or jazz voice recipe,” says Dr. Kim Steinhauer, president of Estill Voice International, of Pittsburgh. “Flexibility, endurance and health are the key elements for the vocal athlete.”

The program will include Cal U student Kristin Ross and a cappella singers Ashley Darr, Katelyn  DiCenzo, Brooke Faix, Taylor Hackley, Brittany Hartos, Christina King, Rosanna Paterra, Ashley Tokich and Paige Williams, performing as “Acappella Stella.” Cal U alumnae Jamie Clement and Jennifer Majetic also will perform.

The Celebration of Voice is presented in partnership with the Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal U.

The performance is open to the public. A $5 donation is suggested; proceeds benefit the Estill Education Fund. Parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.