Having a musical talent has opened the door for sophomore Micah Lee in many different ways. He is not only part of the high school spring musical Curtains as the character Randy, but he is also part of the Opera Theater St. Louis program.

“Singing is always something I have enjoyed doing, but being a part of something like Opera Theater St. Louis wasn’t part of my plan until my music teacher, Ms. [Melynda] Lamb, told me about it.”

Lee said he has always enjoyed singing, especially since he used to do it with his mother before she passed away. He said he continues to sing because it reminds him of her and she inspires him to do bigger and better things in the music world.

Lee prepared for his audition with Lamb for a while before he performed it before the AIT audition board. He performed a negro spiritual song titled “He’s Just a Saint Today” before eight judges.

“I was really nervous when I walked in and saw eight judges in front of me but I knew that I had prepared well with Mrs. Lamb,” Lee said. “I had faith I would do OK.”

Opera Theater St. Louis is a program that takes on about 30 students a year and gives those students voice lessons with trained opera professionals. The program also offers master classes and awards more than $25,000 in scholarships every year.

“A friend of mine from chamber choir who is also part of the program, Marissa Dickman, takes me to lessons every Monday.”

In the program, Lee gets the chance to see professional shows at venues including Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, the St. Louis Repertory Theater, and The Muny.

“I really enjoy the group bonding,” Lee said. “We got to go on a retreat and I got S’mores. I also like where we get to go to shows. I liked the outdoor theater performance I got to see. It was cold, but worth it.”