Wenger EndurAd Promo
  • Latest
  • Trending
Two Sopranos – One Mission

Two Sopranos – One Mission

September 10, 2023
Set the Stage for High Expectations on Day 1

Set the Stage for High Expectations on Day 1

September 12, 2025
Serving Others Through Music – Ryan’s Story

Serving Others Through Music – Ryan’s Story

September 11, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
Reflections

Reflections

September 11, 2025

LA County Secures Nearly $24 Million to Boost Life Sciences Sector, Create 10,000 Jobs

September 11, 2025
Headlines

Headlines

September 10, 2025
Blueprints and Building Blocks: Starting the Year with Intention

Blueprints and Building Blocks: Starting the Year with Intention

September 9, 2025
Here We Go Again

Here We Go Again

September 5, 2025

The 2026 YoungArts Application is Now Open!

September 5, 2025
Empowering Educators: Bridging the Gap Between Teaching and Technical Expertise in Music Education By Lisa Canning

Empowering Educators: Bridging the Gap Between Teaching and Technical Expertise in Music Education By Lisa Canning

August 26, 2025
How Your Music Boosters Can Help You Become a Better Teacher By Joel Schut & Katherine (Kip) Mason

How Your Music Boosters Can Help You Become a Better Teacher By Joel Schut & Katherine (Kip) Mason

August 22, 2025
Learn About the TeachMusic Coalition

Learn About the TeachMusic Coalition

August 21, 2025
Arts Education Strategic Planning: The Ultimate Advocacy Tool By Laurie T. Schell

Arts Education Strategic Planning: The Ultimate Advocacy Tool By Laurie T. Schell

August 21, 2025
Friday, September 12, 2025
  • Contact
SBO+
  • Departments
    • Concert Band
    • Orchestra
      • String Section
    • Choral
    • Marching Band
    • Jazz
    • Modern Band/Popular Music
      • Mariachi
    • Theater
    • Editorial
      • Upclose
      • Advocacy
        • NAfME Neighborhood
        • MAC Corner
        • MusicEd: Mentor Minute
      • Commentary
        • Bubbett’s Bookshelf
        • Leadership Tips
        • Perspective
        • InService
          • America’s Bandmasters
          • America’s Musicians
        • Tone Deaf Comics
      • Features
    • News
      • Headlines
      • New Products
    • Performance
      • Woodwinds
        • Wind Talkers
      • Percussion
        • GoodVibes
      • Repertoire
      • Playing Tips
    • Technology
    • Travel/Festivals
      • Fundraising
  • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
  • Awards/Entries
    • Teachers’ Choice Awards
    • 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference
  • Subscribe to SBO+
    • Subscribe
    • Login/Manage Subscription
    • Support
  • Advertise
    • Email PR!
No Result
View All Result
  • Departments
    • Concert Band
    • Orchestra
      • String Section
    • Choral
    • Marching Band
    • Jazz
    • Modern Band/Popular Music
      • Mariachi
    • Theater
    • Editorial
      • Upclose
      • Advocacy
        • NAfME Neighborhood
        • MAC Corner
        • MusicEd: Mentor Minute
      • Commentary
        • Bubbett’s Bookshelf
        • Leadership Tips
        • Perspective
        • InService
          • America’s Bandmasters
          • America’s Musicians
        • Tone Deaf Comics
      • Features
    • News
      • Headlines
      • New Products
    • Performance
      • Woodwinds
        • Wind Talkers
      • Percussion
        • GoodVibes
      • Repertoire
      • Playing Tips
    • Technology
    • Travel/Festivals
      • Fundraising
  • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
  • Awards/Entries
    • Teachers’ Choice Awards
    • 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference
  • Subscribe to SBO+
    • Subscribe
    • Login/Manage Subscription
    • Support
  • Advertise
    • Email PR!
No Result
View All Result
SBO+
No Result
View All Result

Two Sopranos – One Mission

September 10, 2023
in Archives, America's Musicians, September 2023
Share on Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

SBO+: This month marks a slight departure from our usual approach in “America’s Musicians.” Usually, the military musician tells their story. Here, SBO+ editor-in-chief Tom Palmatier tells the stories of master sergeant Teresa Alzadon and sergeant first class Rachel Farber. Why? Because he hired them!

The Soldier’s Chorus

Auditions for any position in a military premier band (the highest echelon in the military music world) are high stakes for the auditionees but also for the ensemble looking to hire. You’re not just searching for the best performer on that day, you’re also picking someone who will ride many miles on a bus and work side-by-side with you for up to 30 years.

In 2009, I was commander/conductor of The U.S. Army Field Band, and we were hoping to hire a soprano for the soldier’s chorus. One of the first auditionees was a young singer fresh out of school. She was delightful in every way and had a sparkling high coloratura. We soon discovered she was also a superb violinist, something the Field Band could definitely use. Her name was Rachel Rose Farber. Score!

Soon, we heard another soprano who blew us all away. Huge vocal range, incredible technique, and a voice reminiscent of Renée Fleming’s. She was Teresa Alzadon. Dilemma!

We had only one soprano opening and desperately wanted to hire them both. After lots of hand wringing, we hired Farber to fill the soprano vacancy, and because of her terrific range, Alzadon would fill an alto slot until a vacancy opened in the soprano section.

MSG Teresa Alzadon (L) and SFC Rachel Farber (R)

About Alzadon, the San Diego Opera wrote: Soprano Teresa Alzadon has performed with Opera in the Ozarks, New York Opera Studio, Knoxville Opera, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Sacred Winds Ensemble, Jenny Wiley Theatre, and Seattle Bach Festival. Opera roles include Violetta in La Traviata, Anna Maurrant in Street Scene, the Governess in The Turn of the Screw, Despina in Così fan Tutte, and title roles in The Merry Widow, and Dido and Aeneas. Professional theatre credits include Marian in The Music Man and Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She was the recipient of a Mary Levine Career Performance Grant, an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera National Council, and a Lori Mayer Fellowship. Originally from the Seattle area, Ms. Alzadon holds a Bachelor of Arts in music and theatre arts from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She earned a Master of Music in voice performance from the University of Tennessee as a Knoxville Opera studio artist.

Farber’s bio includes: Master of Liberal Arts, summa cum laude, from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Music, magna cum laude, from SUNY Purchase, Conservatory of Music in voice. She is a trained yoga teacher, certified in plant-based nutrition from the T Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Science, and a registered Suzuki violin teacher.

Words alone can’t describe the impact these two women have had on the Field Band as they travel the country performing in venues large and small. Once when we were on tour in the Midwest, I was asked to speak at a Rotary Club luncheon. Even I don’t want to hear me talk for very long, so I brought then-staff sergeant Farber along to sing for them. The polite applause I received was dwarfed by the standing ovation for her!

Alzadon has not only been one of the stars of the wonderful soldier’s chorus, but she is also a gifted leader and mentor and was promoted and appointed as soprano section leader.

Each and every day, young men and women volunteer to serve in America’s armed forces; something we should be proud of and thankful for. A small number of them are military musicians. Through “America’s Musicians,” SBO+ tells you their stories.

ArmyFieldBand.com

You may also like:

David SternJuilliard Opera Presents W.A. Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” Conductor Speranza ScappucciThe Metropolitan Opera and The Juilliard School Present Bellini’s La Sonnambula SBO Presents The 19th Annual 50 Directors Who Make A Difference The 23rd 50 Directors Who Make a Difference Report Marilyn Horne Leads Annual Series of Master Classes and Recitals at Carnegie Hall
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

POPULAR STORY

  • 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference

    50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference

    1369 shares
    Share 548 Tweet 342
  • When Selecting New Choral Music, Choose Success

    1296 shares
    Share 518 Tweet 324
  • Concert Band Set-up Fundamentals

    1110 shares
    Share 444 Tweet 278
  • The Immediate Threat to School Music Programs

    1012 shares
    Share 405 Tweet 253
  • TI:ME Announces Free PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone at 30th Anniversary Celebration at TMEA

    971 shares
    Share 388 Tweet 243
ADVERTISEMENT

SchoolMusic.Travel

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northwest USA

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northwest USA

Mountains, music, and vibrant cities — the Northwest offers unforgettable experiences for student groups. 🎷 1. Seattle, WA – Innovation Meets Inspiration• Why it’s great:…

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northeast USA

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Northeast USA

From Broadway to Boston, the Northeast inspires music students with rich culture and iconic venues. From Broadway lights to historic concert halls, the Northeast is…

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Midwest USA

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations in the Midwest USA

The Midwest is the heartbeat of America — and it beats in 4/4 time. The Midwest is the heartbeat of America — and it beats…

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations on the West Coast

Top 10 School Music Travel Destinations on the West Coast

Coastlines, concert halls, and creativity — the West Coast delivers stunning performance opportunities. From iconic performance halls to scenic coastal venues, the West Coast offers…

Next Post
Association for Popular Music Education Call for Participation

Association for Popular Music Education Call for Participation

  • September 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • August 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • July 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • June 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
  • May 2025

    Articles | Digital Issue
© 2005 - 2025 artistpro, LLC
7012 City Center Way, Suite 207
Fairview, Tennessee 37062
(800) 682-8114

No Result
View All Result
  • Departments
    • Concert Band
    • Orchestra
      • String Section
    • Choral
    • Marching Band
    • Jazz
    • Modern Band/Popular Music
      • Mariachi
    • Theater
    • Editorial
      • Upclose
      • Advocacy
      • Commentary
      • Features
    • News
      • Headlines
      • New Products
    • Performance
      • Woodwinds
      • Percussion
      • Repertoire
      • Playing Tips
    • Technology
    • Travel/Festivals
      • Fundraising
  • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
  • Awards/Entries
    • Teachers’ Choice Awards
    • 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference
  • Subscribe to SBO+
    • Subscribe
    • Login/Manage Subscription
    • Support
  • Advertise
    • Email PR!

© 2005 - 2024 artistpro, LLC 7012 City Center Way, Suite 207 Fairview, Tennessee 37062 (800) 682-8114

Wenger EndurAd Promo
Wenger EndurAd Promo