In Tempo: Vocal music alumni making their mark

Jazz vocalist released new single at live concert

Faith Quashie, BM ’22, has released a new single, a Great American Songbook classic called “The Masquerade is Over,” with music by Herb Magidson and lyrics by Allie Wrubel.

A professional vocalist and two-time DownBeat Magazine-winning artist, Quashie celebrated her release with a live concert at The Clover Room in Kalamazoo with WMU faculty players Keith Hall and Matthew Fries.

Alum’s vocal group featured on Paul Simon’s 2023 album

Blake Morgan, BM ’13, and members of the professional choir VOCES8 said they are “immensely privileged” to be appearing in Paul Simon’s latest album, “Seven Psalms,” released May 19.

A native of Detroit, Morgan studied classical and jazz singing, was involved in University Chorale and Gold Company and ultimately earned a degree in music education from Western. After a successful career in the United States with a cappella, the high tenor moved to the United Kingdom to take a position in VOCES8, a 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble.

Vocal performance for Metropolitan Opera reviewed by NY Times

Vocal performance alumna Alexandria Shiner, BM '14, sang during the 2022-23 season that ended June 10 at the Metropolitan Opera, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Her performance this season as First Lady in “Die Zauberflöte” was included in a recent NY Times review.