 At an early age Rigoberto, aka "Rigo," was going to performance
rehearsals with his parents. His father, Jamie, a music teacher, has
always been involved with theater productions because of his
profession, which reflects his love of music. It was also something
his mother, Janice, enjoyed.
"When he was very young, probably 2, 3 and 4 years old, Rigoberto
went to rehearsals with us," his mother said. "He was exposed to
dancing, singing and performance rehearsals at an early age and just
grew up with it.
"I really believe Jamie's influence has encouraged Rigo's
interest and confidence in music," Janice continued. "In the
evenings Jamie will play piano and Rigo would sing. They would pick
old tunes from the 1920s and lots of other things. It has given Rigo
a love of music, knowledge of music theory and trained his ear."
Jamie and Rigoberto both play bass guitar, piano and trombone.
Jamie can also play accordion a little.
The dad and son have also had a lawn care service as a team for
the last six summers.
"I wanted him to learn responsibility and dedication to working,"
Jamie said.
"I entered him in a talent show at Carroll Catholic School when
he was in first grade," his father remembers. "He always had a
mellow voice, but it was also deeper than most children his
age."
The young music student was a member of the chorus for three
years, fifth through seventh grade. When he was in eighth grade,
Rigoberto attended Lincoln Junior High. Peggy Larson, the band
director, was very supportive. Beth Anderson of Cantrall, his piano
teacher for two years, offered encouragement by finding him
performance opportunities.
Rigoberto exhibited an exceptional singing voice, and by the time
he was a teenager he was taking voice lessons from Robert
Mangialardi, M.M., at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.
"I really believe his time with Robert was the thing that made
him even better," Jamie Ernst said.
Mangialardi suggested to the Ernsts that their son might benefit
from attending Interlochen Center for the Arts at Interlochen, Mich.
Within the center is the Interlochen Arts Academy High School, which
provides private lessons, studio classes and ensemble experience,
aside from high school curriculum.
"I wasn't ready to send my then-freshman son away to school,"
Janice Ernst admitted, "but we settled on summer camp. It gave him
exposure to special instruction, but it was only for a few weeks."
Rigoberto's operatic voice flourished, and it became obvious that
he needed to be associated with an environment that would support
his ambition of becoming an opera singer. Central Illinois does not
have that environment. However, he has performed in community
theater. His first professional performance was at Muni Opera in
Springfield, in "Miss Saigon." Rigo has also performed with the
Prairie Fire Theater in Bloomington-Normal, in three Gilbert and
Sullivan comic operas -- "Pirates of Penzance," "Gondoliers" and
this past summer, "H.M.S. Pinafore."
Rigoberto enrolled as a high school student at the Interlochen
Arts Academy two years ago. He is a senior this year. But entering
Interlochen isn't as easy as filling out paperwork and paying
registration fees. Individuals interested in attending Interlochen
must fill out an application, pass an interview and a live audition
(Rigoberto's was in Chicago).
"I met with members of the faculty," Rigoberto explained, "then
was video recorded and had a voice performance."
The website states the school wants students with "high levels of
achievement and/or potential in their chosen art forms, with solid
academic backgrounds." Tuition, fees, books, room and board exceed
$50,000 per year. Fortunately, there are scholarship opportunities.
Enrollment is not guaranteed for the next year. The entry process
must be completed each school year.
Interlochen Center for the Arts opened in 1928. The small town's
claim to fame is, according to its tourism website, "20 lakes in 20
minutes," referring to its proximity to the area's many bodies of
water. Interlochen -- the town and the art center -- is also
well-known for a summer music festival on the school grounds.
The school has programs for creative writing, dance, motion
picture arts, music, theater and visual arts, as well as offering
high-level college-prep classes. For voice students such as
Rigoberto, it provides lessons, choir, opera workshops and access to
a diction coach. There is also coursework in French, German and
Spanish, and he is fluent in all three. Each residence hall has
practice rooms on the ground floor, and more are scattered around
campus.
[to top of second column]
 |
Interlochen alumni include singer-songwriter Jewel, Class of
1992. It has also schooled and trained the principal clarinet for
the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, jazz drummers, principal harp for
the Boston Symphony Orchestra and film composers. This is a serious
training ground for future performers and creators.
There is also an athletic side: the soccer team -- the Fighting
Blueberries.
Locally, Rigoberto has a cheerleader and a comfortable home base
where he can express his operatic voice -- with Ruth Freesmeier, the
music director at Holy Family Catholic Church. She appreciates
Rigo's voice and his cooperative spirit. While home during the
summer, he is a cantor for Sunday Mass and sings at funerals. Jamie
Ernst credits Freesmeier's guidance and support as positive effects
on Rigoberto's progress.
"I appreciate every one of my musicians," Freesmeier said, "but I
believe the congregation really likes Rigo's voice as a cantor. You
have to know where to breathe, where is the influx. He can do all
that. Cantoring is like a ministry. You never know who heard the
words. It guides the people as they listen, as they sing."
Cantors in the Catholic Church provide a guiding voice during
songs and a responsive voice during services. Timing and precision
are key.
"A cantor sings for those who can't and sings for those who don't
know the words -- maybe non-Catholics," Freesmeier said. "We have to
be careful what we do on Sundays. It takes discipline.
"Cantoring is a taste of the real world," she continued. "You
must be careful, know it well and be prepared. But Rigo is in a safe
environment here, with a kind congregation instead of a critical
world.
"He has always been a good singer," she said, "but two years at
Interlochen have made a difference."
Now that Rigo is entering his senior year in high school, what is
he thinking about for the future?
"I want to get a degree in performing arts, then get a master's
degree," he said, "and where I go next depends on the scholarships.
Juilliard, of course, would be nice.”
"You have to put things into perspective and look at what's
happening," Rigoberto said. He admitted that when he would debut in
an opera house, it might be a small venue.
"If you get into the Met in New York, it's huge," he said, "but
that might not be where you start.
"I have to wait until my voice is settled and then gain a
repertoire." Rigoberto's voice is currently a tenor/baritone, but at
17 years old, it will most probably change after it matures.
What is his biggest fear as a vocal major?
"To not succeed," Rigoberto said, "and that has many meanings.
There is a happiness that comes from singing, and you want to
perform at a major opera house. But if a health problem could stop
your career, and that is where the intense schooling has prepared us
for other things."
Rigoberto does have an interest in things other than music. Like
most other teenage boys, he enjoys video games. He also likes
working on cars.
Let's hope the detour won't happen, and one day in a few years,
the opera star who graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and grew
up in Lincoln, Ill., will make it to the Met.
___
Online:
http://www.interlochen.org/
[By MARLA BLAIR]
 |
