Coffey, lauded for his accomplishments in vocal performance, was the $1,000 first place winner in the ninth annual Italian Songs and Arias Vocal Competition, a statewide competition for high school students sponsored by the Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan and the Italian American Cultural Society. The contest is considered one of the top vocal competitions in the state.
Coffey was one of 10 finalists, selected from a field of 35 entries, who competed in a live concert held May 4 in Warren. Competition judges included George Shirley and Shirley Verrett, both internationally known opera singers who currently teach voice at the University of Michigan.
Dale Schriemer, associate professor of music at Grand Valley State University, is not surprised that Coffey garnered top honors. Coffey has studied with Schriemer for four years and attended classes at Grand Valley last year on a dual enrollment program. He will attend Grand Valley in the fall on a music honors scholarship.
'Jason is extraordinarily talented. He sings beyond his years both physically and emotionally,' said Schriemer. 'He could go to any school in the U.S. and be admitted. I'm thrilled that he chose to come here.'
The 2nd prize of $300 went to Grand Rapids resident Theresa Zapata from Northview High School -- who is also a student of Schriemer's planning to attend GVSU in the fall. She also has been awarded a music honors scholarship.
For the Verdi competition, Coffey, a baritone, sang the arias O del mio dolce ardor from von Gluck's opera Paris and Helen and Non piu' andrai from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.
The Verdi Competition was by no means Coffey's first honor. Following are highlights of his vocal career:
- Winner of Merit Award, vocal category, in the 2003 National
Foundation for the Arts Talent Search. Coffey was one of 49 award
recipients from a pool of more than 2,600 entries, placing him among
the top 2% of music students nationwide.
- First Place Winner of the 2002 and 2003 Bach Festival of
Kalamazoo, High School Division, $200 prize. Performance was May 11,
2003 at Kalamazoo College.
- 2003 Michigan Youth Arts Festival. Coffey was one of 12 Michigan
vocal students selected to perform. Performance was May 10, 2003 at
Western Michigan University.
- 2002-2003 Who's Who Among American High School Students, a list
limited to the top 5% in the country.
- 2002 National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), state
level. 1st place, high school division, held at GVSU.
- NATS, Great Lakes Region. 3rd place in 2002; 1st place in 2000.
