The Friends of Opera Scholarship has been an integral part of our organization’s mission for many years. The 2024-25 school year, however, is the first year in which this scholarship will be renewable for four consecutive academic years, allowing the recipient to be sustained throughout their time as an undergraduate. This year’s recipient is Jordan Thomas. Jordan is a first-year Bachelor of Music Education major from Gretna High School in Omaha. I had the opportunity to ask Jordan a few questions earlier this month:
1. How did you first become interested in music? I became interested in music at a very young age. My great grandmother was a dancer, and my great grandfather was an opera singer, so music has always been a part of my life.
2. What drew you to University of Nebraska-Lincoln? What drew me to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was the music department. I knew that if I wanted the best educational experience, I would have to go here.
3. What types of music do you most like to listen to or sing? I listen to a lot of different styles of music, but the one I gravitate towards the most is singer/songwriter because I love the lyricism many of those songs hold.
4. What have been some of your favorite experiences at UNL so far? Some of my favorite experiences at UNL have been with the ensembles I’m a part of including Pitch Please and Big Red Singers!
5. What do you look forward to in the next few years of college? I am looking forward to my practicum and student-teaching experiences in the future.
To receive a Friends of Opera scholarship, singers must be a voice major at UNL in good academic standing, making timely progress toward degree completion. They are encouraged to participate in UNL Opera productions and outreach events.