POPS performer discusses favorite musics ... and pops

Eastern New Mexico University Professor of Voice Jean Wozencraft-Ornellas is preparing to perform Saturday evening with ENMU students and staff during the 47th Annual POPS Dinner Concert at the Campus Union Building ballroom.

The concert features the University Wind Symphony conducted by ENMU Director of Bands Dustin Seifert.

Ornellas said the band will perform favorites from the 1920s and 1930s.

What do you do to prepare for a concert like POPS?

I prepared my music by myself, as did both of my colleagues, and then we got together to rehearse. We had a lot of fun rehearsing (Wednesday) night, especially the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” which we are doing with Mr. Ben Fairfield on trumpet. We laugh a lot when we get together to make music.

What are three songs you would include on a holiday playlist?

Always “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” and I really like “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Who is your favorite singer and why?

Placido Domingo — I think he is a great artist as well as a great person. He has done so much to support and further the careers of young singers. I also admire the fact that he is such a fine singer that he is still able to sing complete opera roles in his 70s!

If you could live in any era of music, what would it be and why?

The late Romantic period. Music was so completely entwined with human emotions — both the good and the bad, and there is so much wonderful music that just allows a singer to let it all hang out vocally.

Do you have a favorite soda pop? What is it?

Dr Pepper!

Best vacation you’ve taken?

To Canaima, Venezuela — where there is not only Angel Falls, but about a hundred or more other waterfalls as well. Every time I watch “Up” I am reminded of how gorgeous it was. In addition, I was there with my husband and great friends, so the company made it an extra special trip.

What is your favorite hobby and why?

Quilting. I love the combination of mathematics and art, and I love to sew. Plus I always have gifts for special occasions, or things that can be used to fund raise for charities.

What got you into singing? And why did you decide to teach?

Both of my parents sang, although not professionally, so there was music in our house all of the time.

My second-grade teacher told me I couldn’t sing, and I didn’t for seven years. Then I joined the chorus to be the accompanist and the teacher, Barbara Tongue, “made” me sing at solo/ensemble and I got an I+ (superior-plus).

But singing had always been in my heart, and from then on I did not look back.

I really had no intention of ever teaching, but was taking a break from the traveling, suitcases and hotel rooms of a performing career and discovered I really love teaching. There is something so fulfilling about seeing a person grow to the point that they can really enjoy their singing — whether for personal uses or professional.

My joy is in seeing my students happy and successful after they graduate. I am also determined that no one should be told they cannot sing like I was, but everyone should have the opportunity to improve, since singing is a very natural human activity.

— Compiled by staff writer Joshua Lucero