Auditioning for the big time in Pocatello

It’s not often our area sees representatives of the Metropolitan Opera looking for young singers to send to the Big Apple, but Saturday was that day for 13 students who auditioned for three judges.

Shaun Stubblefield said he just got up there and did his best with one hope.

“Just not embarrassing myself,” he said.

Stubblefield said he enjoys singing, but after a summer program he decided to get serious and prepare for the auditions this year.

“I’ve been in a choir most of my life,” Stubblefield said. “I didn’t start taking voice lessons until my freshman year here, so three years ago.”

One of the judges, Tim Noble, said it’s very difficult to prepare for this competition.

“To go to the regionals is a pretty big deal,” Noble said. “And you don’t want to send somebody who’s really not ready. Because they’ll get eaten up. It’s very competitive.”

Noble, who’s roots come from Boise, said it’s great to be back in Idaho and see the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center.

“Oh, I think it’s stunning,” he said. “It’s very beautiful.”

Noble said he hopes the students will take their notes with careful consideration. And while Stubblefield didn’t move on to the regional competition, he says he’s very glad the opera auditions are at idaho state. “It’s such a privilege it’s here, and it’s a key marker in our community, i think, and it’s great that everyone is so supportive of the arts here in Pocatello.”

The two to move on to the regional competition are Sarah Benzinger from Eugene, Ore. and Samuel Chiba from Rexburg. ISU student and Idaho Falls native John Punt also got an encouragement award.

The competition was arranged by Idaho State University’s Dr. Diana Livingston-Friedley, director of undergraduate studies in music. She said she’s received a lot of support from volunteers and the university, including the dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Kandi Turley-Ames.