Mezzo-Soprano

Andrea Trent, Soprano, returned to Tyler and joined the voice faculty of Tyler Junior College in 2003 after having taught and performed professionally in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1993.

Originally from Missouri, Ms. Trent studied at the Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri and later received her Bachelor of Music Education from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1980 with additional vocal studies at California State University in Long Beach. In 1991 she was awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship from the Meadows School of the Arts where she studied with the late Thomas Hayward, former leading tenor of the Metropolitan Opera and taught vocal music; she received her Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1996.

Her performing background is varied from opera, oratorio, and recital to musical theater. Ms. Trent performed in Southern California with the Orange Coast College Summer Musicals production of Stephen Sondheim's Company ; sang in the prestigious and internationally known Pacific Chorale based in Irvine, California and in the Opera Theatre on the campus of California State University in Long Beach in roles such as 2nd Spirit in Mozart's The Magic Flute and Mrs. Nolan in Menotti's The Medium .

Also among her credits, Ms. Trent sang the role of Ellisetta in the production of Cimarosa's il Matrimonio Segreto , Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutti and Lucy in Menotti's The Telephone in the Bob Hope Theatre on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She also excels in oratorio roles and has been featured as Soprano soloist with the Aldersgate Community Chorale in their performances of Handel's Messiah , Schubert's Mass in C Minor , Vivaldi's Gloria and made her debut performance in the Mort Meyerson Symphony Center with members of the Dallas Symphony as featured soloist in Brahm's Requiem .

In East Texas, Ms. Trent has been a featured soloist with the Marvin United Methodist Church Chancel Choir presentations of Faure's Requiem , Rutter's Requiem , and as The Mother in the opera production of Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors . She has participated as a member of the Tyler Chamber Chorale (formerly the Tyler Civic Chorale) since the 1980's and was most recently featured as a soloist in the Fall 2003 performance of Bach's Magnificat and also in the Spring 2004 Broadway Cabaret . Equally at home singing chamber music, Ms. Trent was featured as soloist with the Trinity Valley Trio in a presentation of Scottish Songs for Soprano and Piano Trio by Beethoven and most recently with the Tyler Cello Choir performing Bachianas Brasilieras by Victor Villa Lobos.

Formerly the Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX, Ms. Trent has taught choral music in both the Highland Park ISD and the Garland ISD in Dallas and held several church music positions. She has been affiliated with Texas Music Educators Assoc., Texas Choral Directors Assoc. and the American Choral Directors Assoc. As a member of the National Association for Teachers of Singing, she is actively engaged in organizing the first East Texas Chapter of the widely known organization.

Ms. Trent considers herself to be a highly effective vocal pedagogue and blends her vocal performance expertise with a successful teaching studio. She takes pride in the students who study with her by advancing their training to a level of professionalism. Her students excel in areas of performance ranging from opera to musical theatre with many who compete and place in area and regional competitions, sing as paid soloists in area churches as well as landing roles in college, community and semi-professional musical productions.

Among Ms. Trent's performing interests for the year 2004-2005, will be featured Soprano soloist in Dubois's "THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST" presented by Marvin United Methodist Church Concert Series. She will also be singing the role of "Edith" in the Opera of Longview's production of "The Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert and Sullivan in June.