Lufkin High School Student Awarded Outstanding Music Fellowship

Lufkin High School junior Claudia Salazar was awarded a fellowship through the Texoma Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. This fellowship was awarded to only four juniors in the state of Texas who are interested in pursuing a career in music/music education.

Through the fellowship, Claudia will be paired with a voice teacher for private lessons to develop her musicianship skills and to help her prepare for college auditions the rest of this year and her senior year, all funded through the fellowship.

Claudia began her singing career in the Lufkin ISD Brandon Elementary Honors Choir. She loves to sing with the radio and with an apology to her choir teacher, Mrs. Stewart, she admitted that R&B is her favorite style.

Claudia speaks very highly of Mrs. Stewart and her ability to push her to greater success. She helped Claudia find out about the fellowship and encouraged her to apply.

"I found out about the fellowship on a Facebook post and thought this would be good for Claudia," Nicole Stewart, Lufkin High School choir teacher said. "She had an application to fill out and interview online. To apply was free so I told her she had nothing to lose."

Mrs. Stewart says that she definitely has natural ability and a very high range, but it's her work ethic that sets her apart. Claudia said she sings in church and sings along with the radio.

"I would listen to the radio and try to imitate it," said Claudia.

She is also a talented musician and plays piano, tambourine and guitar.

"Claudia is self-motivated, a leader in the classroom, and she is dedicated to the program," Stewart said.

Claudia participated in Solo and Ensemble All-Region choir since her freshman year and advanced to Area twice. She is involved in Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) club; Choir program, vice president; Ignite mentor; Choir club and Early College High School. She likes to sing Soprano and sang a memorable Jennifer Hudson song at last year's Pop Choir concert.

"Claudia is a rock star student and musician," Stewart said. "Having this opportunity will help her prepare and gain skills to be competitive in college auditions for scholarships to study music after high school."

Being one of only four students chosen in the Texas/Oklahoma Region, connecting with voice teachers involved in post-secondary music studies will open the door for future students in our area and continue to foster relationships between LHS and colleges with music studies.

Claudia would like to attend either Stephen F. Austin State University or Sam Houston State University and major in music.