Singer surprises GVSU audiences
 E-Mail Story
|
 |
| David Robinson |
David Robinson sang at two high-profile Grand Valley events within weeks of each other and received enthusiastic standing ovations at both occasions. Those audience members would likely be surprised to learn that Robinson's major is not music, but advertising and public relations.
He performed a stirring rendition of "The Impossible Dream," from the musical "Man of La Mancha," at the 2009 Convocation, and then sang "What a Wonderful World" at the memorial service for Grand Valley founder L. William Seidman.
"I've always loved music and I've always performed with choirs," said Robinson, who grew up with gospel music.
Robinson, a senior, said he enrolled in Grand Valley as a music major, but soon discovered other passions. He said he is thankful for keeping his ties with music faculty members, even after switching his major.
"My vocal music professors allowed me to continue to study privately, and that allowed me to keep pursuing a degree in advertising and public relations while keeping my dream of performing alive," Robinson said. "You always hear about starving actors," he said. "Hopefully, I'll be one who's not starving but going to auditions while working at a good job in a public relations firm."
Dale Schriemer, associate professor of music and director of vocal activities, said the arrangement with Robinson is a great example of Grand Valley's liberal education and collaboration among departments. Robinson, too, kept to his end of the bargain; an accomplished baritone, has performed the lead in GVSU Opera Theatre's production of "Ragtime," 2007 December Commencement, President's Ball 2007, and the 2008 Fall Celebration of the Arts along side of Michael Forest, tenor from the Metropolitan Opera, among other performances.
Most recently Robinson was cast in "Smokey Joe's Cafe," at Grand Rapids' Circle Theatre. He said he loved singing the R&B songs during the "Smokey Joe's" run and now looks forward to singing in the 2010 GVSU Opera Theatre production of "Into the Woods."
|
|
By Michele Coffill
|
Tags that apply to this story: Music, Undergraduate Student
|
