Scene Spotlight

By Patricia Ho

Christine Lechelt

? Class of '04

? Classical studies major

? Music minor

Christine Lechelt, from Minneapolis, Minn., first started playing the piano at the age of five. She credits this early start to a musical environment while growing up.

"My parents were both musical, and I just thought it would be fun to play," she said. "Plus, I wanted to take piano lessons with my great grandma."

They can be proud of Lechelt who also won the California Music Teachers' Association statewide solo piano competition in June 2000.

"I've always wanted to play a concerto with an orchestra, so I'm thrilled to have the chance to play with the Santa Clara Orchestra in March," said Lechelt. She will play the first movement of Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 2.

Despite her accomplishments in music, Lechelt does not plan to pursue it professionally after college. "For a while I was planning to be a concert pianist, but I've since decided that I want to teach," she said, citing a desire to attend graduate school to study classics. "But music will always be an important part of my life."

Jennifer Martin

? Class of '03

? Music major

Vocalist Jennifer Martin is well acquainted with performing and got her first start in the musical Carousel when she was seven years old. At Santa Clara, she played Nanette in last year's "No, No, Nanette." This is her second time winning the Concerto/ Aria Competition, having won it once her sophomore year.

"I've been singing my whole life," she said. "It's what I do. It's my passion," she said.

Martin practices anywhere from 15 to 20 hours a week, sometimes more. "You do research, analysis of your character, your pieces, you translate the text and you get your interpretation sorted out, " she said.

Thanking her professors for helping her stay motivated, she said, "I've had some wonderful teachers over the years. My professor right now, Lillian Kromer, is a big inspiration to me. Seeing her perform is remarkable."

Martin hopes to pursue a doctorate in voice and music, eventually becoming a professor, but has no plans to discard her love for the stage. "I want the stability of being a professor but I also want to perform," she said.

eghan McCormick

? Class of '03

? Music Major

Senior soprano Meghan McCormick attributes her love for music to the appreciative environment her parents fostered. "My parents have been extremely supportive and exposed me to the opera, the symphony and the ballet at a very young age," she said.

At Santa Clara, McCormick has had many opportunities to perform. She played the role of Nurse Lola in Douglas Moore's opera "Galantry," Zerlina in scenes from Mozart's "Don Giovanni", and the lead role of Jen in the one act opera "The Release" by Santa Clara alum Linus Lau.

Studying in Vienna she also had the chance to be in the chorus of "The Marriage of Figaro" with the Vienna Conservatory. She is currently preparing for her senior recital in June.

McCormick is committed to music and has plans to apply to graduate school to study music.

"Music is a discipline that requires a lifetime of preparation and hard work. I am constantly preparing music and practicing whether I have a competition or not," she said.