Florence Native Eleanor McClellan Performs at UNA Sings
April 22, 2008
By Meredith Louise Carr
UNA Student Writer
FLORENCE, Ala.— Florence native and University of North Alabama alumna Eleanor McClellan will perform at UNA Sings as part of the 2008 Fine Arts Festival on May 1. A silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., a VIP-served dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 7:30 p.m.
The program will benefit the UNA choral music program. Tickets are $25 for the dinner and concert with prior reservation by April 28. General admission tickets for the concert only are $10 or $5 for students. The tickets are available at the door.
Gold and Silver sponsorships are available for $300 and $250, respectively. Sponsors receive eight dinner and concert tickets, program acknowledgement plus priority seating for the concert.
McClellan graduated from UNA in 1979 and holds degrees in music education and voice. She also received a degree in vocal performance from the University of Louisville.
McClellan’s extensive musical training has included institutions in Ohio, Colorado, Paris and Italy. A winner of multiple prestigious awards, McClellan has performed in more than 14 major roles — musical and opera — across the country and also in Japan.
She is most dedicated to the works of female composers, specifically music from the 20th century.
After returning to the United States in 2001, McClellan dedicated herself to teaching students her well-developed craft.
She first became interested in music at the age of 4. She had numerous musical influences in her life, but vividly remembers the first time she knew that she wanted to devote her life to music.
“When I first saw a production of the opera “La Boheme,” by Puccini, at the age of 8, I was certain. … It just sort of took me in, and I wasn’t able to get out,” she said.
As a student at UNA, McClellan participated in a number of on-campus activities and organizations. Among these included the Pride of Dixie Band, Collegiate Singers and MENC (Music Educators’ National Convention), all of which had a profound impact on her life and future career.
Her UNA campus activities were not the only things that prepared McClellan for her career.
“I had really good teachers who taught me well. They gave good advice. The performance experience that I gained at UNA was invaluable,” she said.
McClellan is currently an instructor of voice at Mississippi State University.
“I encourage my students to become ‘whole’ musicians,” she said. “I try to make them aware of many things that a music degree can be used for and how music can help others as well as entertain them.”
To purchase tickets for this event, visit alumni.una.edu/faf or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 256-765-4201.
