To the Editor,

We would like to thank everyone in the community who attended any of the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar events held at The Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam from May 22 - 26. The nine emerging artists who were selected from a competitive, national audition came for an intensive week of singing, coaching and master classes led by Metropolitan Opera star and SUNY Potsdam alumna Stephanie Blythe and Alan Smith, renowned pianist, vocal coach and composer.

Several events were open to the public and we were so pleased that many attended to hear the wonderful variety of American song performed throughout the week. In the tradition of the great summer festivals (Tanglewood, Ravinia, Chautauqua) we chose to name our program from what we consider to be the ‘heart’ of Potsdam, Fall Island - a name that evokes a feeling of welcome, relaxation and connection to the natural beauty and energy of the Racquette River.

The participants who came from all over the country left inspired not only from their artistic activities, but from the warmth they felt from the community. We feel our pilot season was a great success and we look forward to next year’s seminar which will be held May 20 - 25 at The Crane School of Music.

Carleen Graham and Stephanie Blythe, Fall Island Vocal Arts Semina