Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music welcomes OBU alumnus Joshua Payne to campus Friday, Oct. 30, to teach a vocal master class. The master class will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. in Berry Chapel on Ouachita’s campus.

“Josh is a charismatic young baritone with a passion for singing, a passion for teaching and a passion for life,” said Dr. Jon Secrest, chair of OBU’s department of applied music and Payne’s former voice instructor. “He has been in Nashville, Tenn., for about eight years and has made several recordings, including one for Verve records. Josh was one of our most accomplished students during his time at OBU. He has a gift for bringing a song to life.”

Payne earned a Master of Music degree from University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ouachita. He is an eight-time regional and state winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition for singers and has been named one of People magazine’s “Up and Comers.” Payne has performed as a part of the Lion King touring company, the Memphis String Ensemble, Opera Memphis and others. He has appeared on television and film in the U.S., Asia and the Netherlands.

Secrest said Payne was chosen to teach this master class, an opportunity for viewers to observe professional instruction, “because of his passion and enthusiasm. We wanted our students to experience his teaching.” Seven voice principals have been chosen to sing mostly art songs and arias for Payne, who will then work with each student for about 20 minutes to improve his or her performing skills.

For more information about Payne, visit his website at www.joshuapayne.com. For more information about the master class, contact Dr. Jon Secrest at [email protected] or (870) 245-5134.

By Meg Gosser