The University of Tulsa School of Music and Montereau recently entered into a novel partnership. In exchange for free room and board, two TU music students are residing at Tulsa’s premier not-for-profit retirement community, where they will interact with residents, perform concerts and conduct open practices throughout the year.
“Intergenerational socializing and connecting are so important and enjoyable,” said Scott Nield, Montereau’s CEO. “Our young and older adults have more in common than you think and can learn so much from one another. Having young adults with the gift and specialty of music living with us will enrich the lives of our residents and give these young performers the opportunity to hone their craft, all the while enjoying living in a resort-style campus filled with wonderful people.”
The students living and performing at Montereau this inaugural year are Madyson Mitchell and Jordan Demetriades, both of whom are voice students of Judith Pannill Raiford, an associate professor of music in voice.
Entering her senior year this fall, Mitchell, a soprano, is pursuing a bachelor of music education (vocal) degree. During her time at TU, Mitchell has received several awards, including first prize in the Hyechka Music Club of Tulsa and the OK District National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competitions. A member of TU’s Cappella Chamber Singers, Mitchell has performed often with TU Opera Theatre, including taking the title role in Thomas Pasatieri’s La Divina. In addition to voice, she has studied piano and violin at TU and is currently working as a student choral conductor under the tutelage of Professor of Choral Studies and Voice Kim Childs.
Also a soprano, Demetriades is embarking on her junior year at TU, double-majoring in music and speech-language pathology. Every semester since she began her studies, Demetriades has been named to either the President’s Honor Roll or Dean’s Honor Roll. Like Mitchell, she is a member of the Cappella Chamber Singers, and this year she will serve as its soprano section leader. Judges at the OK District NATS vocal competitions commended Demetriades’ voice, musicianship and engaging stage presence in 2021 and 2022. In addition to her studies, she serves as a peer mentor for incoming freshmen and is active in two campus ministries.