I clearly remember a September morning in 2004 in my Voice 2 class at Greece Athena High School.  A young freshman, already too accomplished to be placed in a Voice 1 class, stood up to sing his first solo.  Moving to the front of the room with a rather confident, athletic stride, he smiled and began to sing. Hearing this beautiful, mature and natural voice, I realized that I would be blessed, for the next four years to be one of Tobias Greenhalgh's teachers and mentors.

After class, I asked Toby about his dreams and if music was among them. I didn't even hesitate to tell him that if he hadn't thus far considered singing as a career, he should.  Having taught for many years and guided dozens of students to successful careers in the performing arts, I know a talent when I see and hear it. I am also realistic enough to know not to encourage just anyone who might have a passion for the arts, but not necessarily the talent, the temperament, and the drive to succeed in this highly competitive field.  But Toby was exceptional.

Later that fall, I met with Toby's parents and expressed my feelings about their very gifted son. Practical and protective, they clearly had other hopes for him.. Toby was a scholar and an athlete. A natural leader, he was also handsome, engaging and mature....destined to succeed!

I was confident that eventually Toby's destiny would find him. High school was a succession of artistic building blocks, as Toby was a consistently featured soloist in the Athena Choirs, a four-year winner in numerous area and county voice competitions, a scholarship winner in the National Young ARTS Competition in Classical Voice.  Finally, Toby was among the seven winners of Jeff Tyzik's First Annual Performance Competition.  High school students from many counties competed for the privilege of performing with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Tyzik, impressed with Toby's beautiful voice, as well as his maturity and professionalism, featured Toby in two more RPO concerts.

From his sophomore year in high school, Toby was cast in numerous leading and secondary roles in the Athena musicals. As his voice teacher, choir director, and stage director, I appreciated his constant desire to learn. Toby was glad to get feedback and quick to assimilate it. He was intrigued with the creation and motivation of characters, and added layers to a character few would imagine possible for such a young performer.  His final role at Athena was the Phantom, in Maury Yeston's Phantom, in which his performance was mature and powerful.

After nearly four years of artistic success, his parents agreed that Toby had the ability to succeed in a performance career. Toby's dream was Julliard, but he was realistic as he considered the competition for this very prestigious school.

But for Tobias Greenhalgh the dream of attending Julliard came true, and he was awarded a full scholarship, a truly impressive accomplishment for such a young singer.  My heart was full, believing that Toby was where he deserved to be.

Toby went on to get his Master's Degree at Julliard as well.  In the years since I taught him, he has continued to build his skills and enthrall audiences with his voice, artistry, and musicianship.  I am thrilled to be able to share my joy at his accomplishments at the concert on October 1.