Mississippi Valley State University May 9, 2016 MVSU Students Prepare for Trip to Germany Four Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) students will embark upon a musical journey that may change their lives forever. Maiya Beavers, Breunka Kimbrough, Josephine Clark and Kashiwa Simmons; all members of the MVSU choir, will travel to Germany for three weeks to discover untapped talent, study various forms of music and participate in musical theatre. While in Germany, the young ladies will attend the International Performing Arts Institute (IPAI). The institute offers professional training in both musical theatre and opera from artists from all over the world. The primary goal of IPAI is to help participants realize their full potential as a singer-actor in an environment that nurtures their creativity while offering real-life opportunities for artistic employment in Europe. Kimbrough said this will be her first time traveling outside of the United States and she is excited to sharpen her skills in opera singing. "I am so excited," she said. "I am really looking forward to this musical journey." Each IPAI participant receives two private voice, acting and coaching lessons per week as well as daily German language and dance classes. In addition to travel opportunities, evenings are spent working with master teachers and guest lecturers active in the opera and musical theatre industries. "I have been hearing so many wonderful things about Germany," said Simmons. "To prepare for this trip, I have been attending study sessions and learning how to speak German." "I have also been taking voice lessons with my instructor and learning songs in German," she added. Clark said she hopes the trip will improve her skills as a future educator and as a professional singer. "This is something that I have dreamed about for a long time," she added. "It is a huge honor to study music with individuals who have so much knowledge." Beavers is no stranger to IPAI, she attended the institute last summer and hopes to one day start a career in Germany. "I was able to travel to various parts of Germany and audition for an entertainment company," she said. "This year, I expect an even more intense program and an opportunity to learn new techniques that I can apply to my own talent. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 150 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.