The Friendswood Independent School District, known for its exemplary rating by the Texas Education Agency and the outstanding achievements of its students and teachers, has even more reason to be proud. Two Friendswood High School students are among eight chosen musical scholars around the Greater Houston area to participate at the Houston Grand Opera's High School Voice Studio.

Friendswood’s  Eizabeth Conger and Catherine Goode will receive voice lessons from the Houston Grand Opera staff, prepare for college auditions and receive a stipend to assist with those auditions.

The coveted Houston Grand Opera Vocal Training Program for High School Students is a sought-after program and an honor for the students who are selected.

Based on the highly successful model of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, our High School Voice Studio is a program for talented local high school students. Each April, eight students entering their senior year are selected to participate in a year-long program that includes private weekly voice lessons (technique and repertoire), a monthly voice class, vocal coaching from Houston Grand Opera staff and performance recitals. In addition to vocal instruction, participants gain a “behind the scenes” look at a professional opera company by observing master classes and coaching with artists, attending off- and on-stage rehearsals, and “shadowing” production personnel backstage during performances.

HGO High School Voice Studio works on enhancing self esteem, boosting creativity, rewarding commitment, and fueling ambitions for music study and professional careers. To learn more about the Houston Grand Opera, visit their site at HoustonGrandOpera.org.

The Friendswood ISD serves the students in West Ranch, Friendswood Development Company’s newest Houston area master-planned community. West Ranch is located on FM 528, just south of FM 518 in the city of Friendswood. For more information, visit the website at VisitWestRanch.com.

(Sources: Chron.com and HoustonGrandOpera.org)