Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

• Graduation Year: 2016

A 2016 UE graduate, Alexandra Billhartz is currently pursuing a Master's in Vocal Performance at Ball State University, where she is actively involved in the opera program and chamber choir. She has received several honors during her graduate work, including the Rose Sword of Honor, a high honor in the music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She performed with the University of Evansville Symphony Orchestra as one of the 2016 Vukovich Concerto Competition winners. Additionally, she participated in summer opera programs in New Mexico and Tulsa, enabling her to pursue her opera studies and network in the opera community. Most recently, Alexandra participated in Voices of Relief, a benefit concert created by Ball State graduate students that raised money for victims of Hurricane Maria. Over $1500 was raised to benefit Living Water Community, a charity that supports hurricane relief in the Caribbean.

While at UE, Alexandra enjoyed many aspects of the Honors Program. She explains, “I loved the honors teas and other social events that allowed the members to hang out and learn from peers and other Honors Program supporters. Powell Hall and honors social events provided me a group of peers that have remained close friends even after graduating from UE.”

In addition, Alexandra appreciated the academic benefits of the Honors Program. “The Honors Program allowed me to take a variety of honors classes to widen my academic experience. My honors project was a true highlight of my undergraduate career and enabled me to enhance my musical studies in a unique way.”

Alexandra notes that participation in the Honors Program helped her after graduation as well. “I have continued to pursue academic studies and use my gained knowledge to be part of a reputable music graduate program. The Honors Program encouraged me to stay focused, ask questions, and seek knowledge about my passion.”

After completing her graduate studies at Ball State, Alexandra hopes to join an opera young artist program and become connected with an opera company, performing small roles and doing opera outreach. Her goal is to perform nationally and internationally with opera companies, sharing her love of music and opera with others. After performing professionally, she intends to pursue a doctorate in Vocal Performance/Music History and teach at the university level.