Singing From The Soul Welcomes Johnny Nichols, Jr. as a Vocal Instructor

September 25, 2009

Singing From The Soul welcomes Johnny Nichols, Jr. as a vocal instructor for our High School Vocal Arts Studio.  With Johnny, we now have three vocal instructors, Christopher Harris and Frankie Hickman, for our programs.  Johnny came HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by Executive Programs Director and Board Member, Dr. Jason Oby, tenor.

Johnny has a Bachelors of Arts, Music Performance from The University of Louisiana, Monreo,  and his experience includes Voice Training and Development, The Oboe, Conducting, Stage Acting Techniques, Stage Dancing and Film Acting Techniques.  A tenor, Johnny has performed at Louisiana Lyric Opera, the Monroe Symphony, The Houston Ebony Opera Guild  and has performed in productions of Le nozze di Figaro, Die Schoepfung, Pirates of Penznace, The Greenest Story Ever Told, Gianni Schicchi,Polly Patchwork, Scrooge, Rent....just to name a few. He is currently performing with Opera In The Heights and is currently a Vocal Instructor Center Stage Performing Arts Academy, Deer Park, Texas.

2008-2009 season ends with Spring Recital at Houston Baptist University
May 30, 2009

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In January 2009, Singing From The Soul appointed Lieutenant Colonel United States Air Force (retired) to the Board of Directors.  Col. Handy brings a wealth of leadership, project management and crisis management experience.  His experience will be key to helping us achieve strategic and programs and initiatives.

Dexter R. Handy is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.  He retired in 2004 with more than 28 years of service to our nation.  During his military career, Dexter served as an Air Force communications officer and held numerous positions of great responsibility; including assignments as a NATO staff officer, space systems communications officer, intelligence information systems officer, and Chief of the Department of Defense’s Computer Emergency Response Team.  Most notably, he served as a squadron commander with a staff of more than 200 personnel under his command. Despite being a career Airman, Dexter also has spent time at sea with the United States Navy.

In addition to his degree from the United States Air Force Academy, Dexter holds a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  He is also a graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officers School, the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College – where he won the National Defense University Foundation Award.  He also graduated with distinction from the Air Force Advanced Communications Officers’ Training Course.  Dexter has been the recipient of many prestigious military and professional awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal

Since moving to Houston in 2004, Dexter has dedicated much of his life to volunteering in the community and raising money for charity.  Recently he participated in the BP Multiple Sclerosis 150 ride from Houston to Austin and the Lance Armstrong Challenge in 2007.  In addition, Dexter regularly assists the Elves & Moore project by assembling new bicycles at Christmas for Houston ’s disadvantaged children. 

In addition to his volunteer work, Dexter is a member of the Harris County Citizen Corps’ Community Emergency Response team and holds numerous certifications in emergency management and medical response.  During the Hurricane Katrina crisis, Dexter committed himself to providing relief and support to displaced families at the Astrodome.  Prior to his announced candidacy, he served as Precinct Judge for Precinct 376.  

Dexter is married to Dr. Beverly C. Handy, M.D., a clinical chemistry pathologist and assistant professor at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Beverly is a member of the first class of women to have graduated from the United States Air Force Academy.

Frankie Hickman begins her first year as the Choral Instructor of Singing From The Soul's Adopt A Class Initiative.  Adopt a Class, an initiative developed by Board Member Dr. Jason Oby,  tenor, was launched in the Fall 2006 school semester, harnessing the resources of the Singing From The Soul  to enrich the classroom experience and increase both teachers’ and students’ chances for continued success in the area of music and the arts.  By adopting an inner-city classroom, we will form year-long partnerships with a specific classroom to provide continuing and advance training and education in the vocal arts and music.

After completing her degree at the University of Arkansas in 1996, Frankie moved to Houston immediately to begin her studies with renowned voice instructor Steven Smith, then a UH professor and now on faculty at The Juilliard School. During her graduate studies, Frankie taught private voice and piano for two semesters as part of her degree requirements in pedagogy.  It was also during this time that Frankie began singing professionally at The Great Caruso restaurant (a bistro that, at the time, featured live opera and musical theater performances) and with the Unity Theatre in Brenham. She continued performing in Houston until the fall of 1999, when she graduated with her Master’s and was accepted into the prestigious Florida Grand Opera Young Artists Program. She spent a year in Miami, studying and attending Master Classes with some of the greatest teachers in the United States, performing supporting roles on the main stage at FGO, and brushing shoulders with the finest talent in American Opera. Impressing the program’s organizers and underwriters, Frankie was invited back to Miami for a second year.

At the end of 2002, Frankie returned to Houston with her husband, where they have remained since. Frankie has performed with the Houston Grand Opera on numerous occasions, and continues to perform with the Grand Opera.  She currently works with the choirs at Jefferson Davis and Waltrip High Schools.

Board Member, Dr. Jason Oby, tenor, hold Master Classes
Master Classes were held at Waltrip High School and HSPVA - April 21, 2009

Dr. Jason Oby held Master Classes for the students in our High School Vocal Arts Studio on Monday April 20, 2009 and on Thursday, April 23, 2009. 

On Monday, Dr. Oby traveled to Waltrip High School and held a Master Class with Kendall Babin and Nicholas Bennett (who attend West Briar Middle School).  Gretchen Ratcliffe, who also attends Waltrip, was unable to attend the Maser Class.  On Thursday, Dr. Oby traveled to HSPVA and held a second Master Class with Chelsea Warren, Cecily Gordon and Regina Morgan.

Some of the topics Dr. Oby discussed with the students included: breath control, proper vocal techniques including the proper use of the diaphragm; he discussed the resonance of the voice, clarity and range, and the tone and quality of the voice (the "color" and sound of the voice). 

The students were delighted to have Dr. Oby work with them this week.  Ms. Laurie Amsler at Waltrip High School and Ms. Patricia Bonner at HSPVA were very happy to see Dr. Oby take time from his schedule to work with the students.