The Most Valuable Aspect of a Lebanon Valley College Education

Eight out of about 100. Those were the odds for Lebanon Valley College Music major Xavier Bates '26 to gain acceptance to a prestigious summer program.

Bates beat those odds and spent four days at the vocal intensive Florida VOICE Project, sponsored by the VOICExperience Foundation. The foundation was co-founded by world-renowned baritone Sherril Milnes and his wife, soprano Maria Zouves.

During the four days, Bates received eight vocal lessons and two masterclass sessions with Milnes, Zouves, and other instructors with résumés that include opera performance and mentoring Broadway performers.

"The instruction I received was eye-opening and strengthened my knowledge of concepts and technique for operatic singing," said Bates. "The feedback and coaching I received on my performances was nothing short of excellent, and I was praised for my acting prowess and vocal ability. This feedback eliminated any imposter syndrome I had by the end of the experience."

Bates said the VOICE Project required effective utilization of vocal and dramatic technique, all of which he learned at LVC. The summer experience also showed him exactly how the musical concepts from class translate to real-world performance.

"Solfege, reading, and interpretation, as well as artistic decision making, were all essential skills I used to a great extent over the summer, all of which LVC focuses heavily on in its music curriculum. Without the strong foundational knowledge I gained here, I would not have been given such a wonderful opportunity," said Bates.

Beyond his LVC instruction, Bates gained valuable stage experience. He performed in LVC Music Theatre productions of On The Town, Tuck Everlasting, and Trios of Temptation and Trickery: An Evening of Three Operas. He has also sung with the College's Concert Choir during its annual tour and at the 2024 American Choral Directors Association Regional Conference. Bates emphasized that each performance opportunity was developed through a connection made with LVC professors.

"If I could impart only a single lesson to future students, it would be to use your resources," said Bates. "Talk to your professors. Ask questions, ask about opportunities. As someone studying to become a professional in my field, I find myself walking a road paved by the professionals who are teaching me now. The insight they can offer is, in my opinion, the most valuable part of our LVC education."

Bates plans to attend graduate school for vocal performance and pedagogy and apply to traveling opera companies and opera venues to gain additional experience. His dream future would be pursuing his dual passions of teaching and singing as a voice instructor in a higher education setting while continuing to perform during school breaks.