Did you know that Stetson University’s School of Music is giving students world-class opportunities on and off the stage, both at home and abroad?
After a successful pilot, the School of Music and Opera Orlando have expanded their Apprenticeship Program for the 2024–2025 season, giving four Stetson students the chance to perform with the professional opera company during the fall semester.
These elite apprentices were cast in a powerful benefit concert, Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin, held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. The concert dramatizes the resilience of Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, making for a moving and historically resonant experience.
In addition, two students were cast in Opera Orlando’s production of Macbeth, and two others performed in Cendrillon, Massenet’s magical retelling of Cinderella.
Students audition annually for this prestigious opportunity, which combines college credit, vocal coaching, masterclasses, and real-time on-stage training with seasoned professionals. The program underscores Stetson’s commitment to experiential learning and professional preparation in the performing arts.
Music Across Continents: Symphonic Band Heads to Costa Rica
And the momentum doesn’t stop there.
In May 2025, Stetson’s Symphonic Band will embark on its first-ever international tour, traveling to Costa Rica for a week of concerts, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences.
Led by Chandler Wilson, PhD, director of Bands and assistant professor of music, the tour will include performances at some of the country’s most prestigious venues, such as the Eugene O’Neill Theatre and the National Theater in San José.
Fifty-nine students will not only perform for international audiences but also collaborate with local high school musicians in a joint concert, promoting both musical excellence and cross-cultural understanding.
Beyond the concert halls, the band will immerse themselves in the culture and landscape of Costa Rica with visits to the Doka Coffee Plantation, Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo Beach, and Palo Verde National Park.
Wilson sees the tour as more than a performance opportunity: “It’s a life-changing experience our students will always remember.”