Singer’s life ‘enriched’ by education at Weber State
OGDEN, Utah — As one of eight siblings, Rebecca Schull thought she’d never go to college; there just wasn’t any money. The fact that her family’s home in Plain City burned down in 2001 made matters worse.
But Schull had been singing since she was in a crib and her mother encouraged her to apply for a vocal activity waiver scholarship at Weber State University, which covered the first four years of college.
“I’ve been very blessed,” the 26-year-old mezzo-soprano said. “Not everybody gets the chance to pursue the thing that brings them joy and makes them feel whole.”
Schull, who loves singing opera and musical theater, will graduate this month with a bachelor’s of music in vocal performance. She’ll be the first of her siblings to do so, but she attributes that success to her two sisters who attended Weber State alongside her for a time.
“I’m happy here and, in great part, because I had my sisters here to make me brave,” she said.
Schull also found a great mentor in Mark Henderson, WSU choir director of choral studies, choral arranging and conducting, who she said taught her about the interconnected nature of arts and humanities and culture.
Henderson called Schull a “powerful and artistic performer” who can sing anything and also compose, specifically pointing to a multi-movement set of works she wrote for chamber choir.
“I believe Becca is one of those students who will leave a legacy that students and faculty will cite long after she is gone,” he said.
As she pursued her passion for singing, Schull also held multiple jobs while attending college. After graduation, she plans for a career in vocal performance and might one day become a vocal teacher herself.
“I hear some people say college is a waste of time and I promise you it's not,” she said. “You deserve this. You deserve to have your life enriched and expanded and your heart filled. This is an opportunity for your life to change for the better.”
Anna Burleson, web content manager
801-626-6347, annaburleson@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu