Brookfield Central Class of 2006

2006 alum, Amy (Elbert) Owens has sung her way from Brookfield Central's Choir to her Lincoln Center debut and beyond!

After fifth grade, Owens' family moved from Colorado, enrolling her in Wisconsin Hills Middle School and on to BCHS. "I have always felt very proud to come from Elmbrook Schools," said Owens. "I was fortunate to receive family and community support for everything I did - the way the school system is set up was very compatible with my personality. I always felt like the world was my oyster, and that the school would do whatever it could to make sure I was successful." She praised every teacher she had for leaving their impact on her life- notably Wisconsin Hills choir teacher, Tina Glander Peterson and Central fine arts teacher, Mr. Lueck.

During her time at Central, Amy was involved in choir, drama, Key Club, National Honor Society, and outside of school she took private piano and voice lessons, and was involved in a dance company. Owens was named Brookfield's Junior Miss (currently titled Distinguished Young Women of America) and advanced to the title of Wisconsin's Junior Miss in 2006, representing her state at the national level. "Elmbrook helped instill in me the values of preparation and confidence, which continue to be defining attitude in my life and line of work," she reflected.

Following her time at Elmbrook, Owens attended Brigham Young University where she graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and then Rice University for a Master of Music - Vocal Performance in 2012. After her schooling was complete, she participated in a handful of Young Artist Programs as an introduction to American operatic training - allowing her to receive additional training while developing relationships with opera companies and shaping her career today.

Owens has been busy in her career, completing her numerous young artist residencies at Wolf Trap Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Central City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Utah Opera, and having participated in numerous concerts all around the country. She began the 2016-17 season with her New Mexico Philharmonic debut as the soprano soloist in Carmina Burana, and wrapped it up with her Carnegie Hall debut in the same piece last month. "This season has been one of debuts- several orchestras in the west, Dallas Opera, Lincoln Center with the New York Festival of Song, Asia with the Intimacy of Creativity Festival in Hong Kong, and of course, Carnegie Hall!" stated Owens.

Amy is the recipient of a Sullivan Award, an encouragement award from the George London Foundation, and two consecutive wins from the Metropolitan Opera National Council district auditions in New York City. "Opera isn't just about singing," says Owens, "it's about poetry, languages, history, socio-political commentary, dance, visual art, and seeing the world."

Owens particularly enjoys her work with modern American composers and encourages art lovers to broaden their horizons with suggestions like John Adams' Dr. Atomic and The Death of Klinghoffer. Today, Amy lives in New York City with her family.

You can see where Amy will be performing next at amyowenssoprano.com, hear her in action on her YouTube channel, and follow her for more updates at facebook.com/amyowenssoprano.

For more alumni stories, district updates, and to connect with fellow alumni, follow Elmbrook Schools on LinkedIn. To recommend an alum for our series, please click here.