Julia Betbeze '27 Attends National Honor Choir

“I was honored to be a part of the ACDA National Honor Choir,” she said. “It felt amazing knowing that I was able to experience such a transformative experience alongside many talented singers, conductors, teachers, and composers.”

Every two years, ACDA holds a national convention, and students can audition for a spot in the ACDA National Honor Choir. There are four choirs arranged by age and vocal part, and Betbeze participated in the National Treble Honor Choir. Choir members prepared individually in advance of the conference and rehearsed for eight hours a day for two and one-half days, culminating in a performance for an audience of 2,000 people at the Dallas Symphony Center. While there, she was able to meet and learn from choral conductors and composers and connect with other students who love choral singing. In addition, Betbeze auditioned and was chosen as one of six out of 300 choir members to sing a special part during the song "Tuttarana" by Reena Esmail.

Betbeze recalled her conductor encouraging her as well as the many composers she met. “My conductor, Dr. Lynell Joy Jenkins, inspired me to feel deeply the emotion of the music and to strive for ‘exceptional’ in learning and performing the songs.” She said one of the best things was being able to meet the composers of the pieces they sang. “Well-known and talented choral composers such as Elaine Hagenberg, Reena Esmail, Zanaida Robles, and B.E. Boykin provided insight into their thought processes when composing, and their words motivated me to want to try to do the same at some point.”

Betbeze explained, “Music makes us better people, and it is apparent through programs like the ACDA National Honor Choir.” While there, the Honor Choir premiered “Dedication” by Zanaida Robles (lyrics by Felicia Barber) and “Beyond What I See” by B.E. Boykin. She reflected, “It truly is an experience unlike any other to premiere a choral work.”

One of her favorite aspects was the encouraging atmosphere. She mentioned that she was surrounded by uplifting, genuine, and kind individuals who wanted her to succeed. She felt her confidence grow as a vocalist and learned tips to make her a better singer. Betbeze kept in mind that she should strive for her personal best and take advantage of opportunities that come her way.

“I am grateful to my Vanderbilt Youth Choir conductor, Mary Biddlecombe, for encouraging me to audition for the ACDA National Choir this year,” she explained. She also recognized her other music teachers and mentors. “I have had wonderful choir directors and voice teachers through the St. Cecilia music program, and I have made lifelong musical connections with teachers and classmates at SCA.”

Betbeze is a member of the St. Cecilia Choir and performs with Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. She attends Christ the King Catholic Church with her family and is an Overbrook Catholic School alumna.