As a choir director, Michelle Taylor of Hazelwood Central High School teaches and guides students. As a member of the 2012-2013 St. Louis Symphony Chorus at Powell Hall, Taylor will switch roles.
Taylor auditioned for the chorus in late May. She is now among 130 members of a chorus described as a “volunteer ensemble with a core of paid singers.” The group has 4-6 performances a year. The chorus was established in 1976.
Auditions are not held often, Taylor explained. She noted there is a 95 percent retention rate for the chorus.
“I didn’t expect to make such a prestigious group,” she said. She got an email with an announcement for the auditions. In the past, she dismissed the idea. But this time, she decided to take a chance.
“I wanted to perform professionally again. I haven’t done it since college,” she said. “The audition was a good experience and a good opportunity.”
The audition included an aria and sight reading.
Taylor sang “Orpheus with his Lute” for the aria. As for the sight reading, she said it went “perfectly.” She now holds a spot in the soprano section.
“I’m a singer by trade. My main instruments are piano and flute, and I play percussion,” she explained.
She studied music education and vocal and instrumental music at Southeast Missouri State University. She sang in the University Choir and Cantus Choralis, and performed with the wind ensemble.
“I’ve been a patron and audience member of the symphony, so it is such an honor to be a performer,” she said.
“The rehearsals and the music I’ll learn will help me be a better choir teacher,” she continued. “By being amongst professional musicians, I think you tend to learn a lot more.”
“Singing with professionals takes me to a place I can’t describe. It’s a natural high,” she said.
At HCHS, Taylor also teaches an American history course focused on music and sponsors Young Ladies of Elegance.
“I am a product of this district, from kindergarten through 12th grade,” she said. “I’m teaching in the classroom from my youth.” She graduated from HCHS in 2001. She also taught at Barrington and Grannemann elementary schools.
The St. Louis Symphony Chorus will have its first performance of the season in October. Taylor said there are several performances in October, November and December.
