Alumni
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The Tamara Wilson Excellence in Music Award Program
Award-winning opera star and YNS alumna Tamara Wilson has established an award program for intermediate and advanced singers. To earn this award from Ms. Wilson, singers must demonstrate exceptional singing ability and dedication to the craft of singing; they must also earn the recommendation of their YNS Director. Recipients will receive recognition and a certificate.
Alumni Spotlight
Tamara Wilson
Soprano
Tammy Wilson has reached a level of success many young singers only dream about. Growing up with a mother who was a retired choir director and accompanist, Tammy started developing her soprano voice at a very young age. She joined Young Naperville Singers to continue learning from our accomplished musical experts and further strengthen her singing voice.
After earning a degree in vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, Tammy joined the Young Artist Program at the Houston Grand Opera (HGO). During her time with HGO, she has starred in productions such as Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, Don Carlos, and Il Trovatore. She soon began performing Verdi, Mozart, Strauss, and Wagner — to critical success — throughout the world.
In 2014, Tammy fulfilled a lifelong dream when she made her debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera, playing the lead role in Aida — a part she had previously performed to critical acclaim at some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. In 2016, Tammy earned Richard Tucker Music Foundation’s prestigious Richard Tucker Award, an annual prize given to a rising American opera singer on the “threshold of a major international career.”
Today, Tammy is internationally recognized as one of the world’s great opera singers.
Matthew Neylon
Musician
Matthew Neylon is Director of Visual & Performing Arts at The Mount Vernon School where he works with every faculty & staff member to help learners navigate their creative curiosities and artistic aptitudes. Having sung professionally for over 20 years, Matthew maintains an active schedule of concerts and events where he finds himself singing in jazz, opera, and musical theater styles.
As a speaker, Matthew speaks to hundreds of educators/artists annually, on various topics including storytelling, arts leadership, STEAM education, and arts curriculum design. His greatest joy, however, is providing opportunities for students to grow in their artistic/performance skills and find the intersection where passion, talent, and identity meet. You are an artist. Be great.
Young Naperville Singers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations made to Young Naperville Singers are tax-deductible. Many employers offer a contribution-matching program.
