Haverling senior invited to join European tour
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

Stark

BATH - Derek Stark never took any formal singing lessons, but that hasn't stopped him from knocking audiences dead with an aria or two.

The Haverling senior, who starred as Billy in the school district's recent production of "Carrousel," has sung operatic solos for Area All State competitions - solos that twice earned him spots in the New York All State Mixed Choirs.

Now Stark has been invited to travel around Europe with the American Music Abroad Empire Tour.

The elite group of singers accepts only exceptional high school musicians who have received top solo ratings at county and regional solo festivals sponsored by New York State Music Association.

The tour includes visits to Germany and Austria, where the singers will visit Vienna and Salzburg. "It sounds quite interesting," Stark told The Courier. "That's where classical music really originated, so to see those places would be wonderful."

Stark and his family are currently are raising funds to cover travel expenses and aren't sure if he can join the tour this summer. But Stark is optimistic. "If I can't come up with the funds this year, they'll reserve a spot for me next year," he said.

As accomplished as Stark is with classical singing, his deeper focus is on playing piano. He plans to attend the Ithaca College School of Music in the fall, where he will pursue a degree in piano performance and education. At the end of college, he'll have the choice of becoming a public school music teacher or pursuing a doctorate in teaching studio piano.

All the same, he'd like to keep singing. "I'd consider minoring in voice," he mused. "I would love to be in the Ithaca College choir."

He would also love to be in Europe, where the Empire tour plans stops at the graves of famous classical musicians and composers.

"Last year they went to see Beethoven!" he said.