Norely Ramos will present her Austin College Senior Music Recital Saturday, April 21, at 2 p.m. in the Recital Hall of Craig Hall. She is the daughter of Norma and Edward Knightly of Houston and Jose Ramos of Splendora, Texas. The event is free and open to the public.
A soprano, her recital will include the numbers: “Il Mio bel Foco” by Bartolomeo Marcello; “The Years at the Beach” by Amy Beach; “The Daisies” by Samuel Barber; and pieces by Handel, Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Hahn, and Poulenc.
Completing a major in music and minors in psychology and gender studies, Ramos says she has been singing since she could talk and has been in choir since she was in the third grade. She has continued that involvement at Austin College as a member of the
A Cappella Choir.
Ramos plans to complete teaching certification and direct choir and is considering graduate school to complete a master’s degree in music education. Regardless of the specific avenue, she fully intends that music will remain in her life, whether performing or teaching.
Her Austin College education has helped prepare her for what may come. “Austin College has helped me grow as a musician in many ways,” Ramos said. “Before coming to Austin College, my outlook on music was that it was what got me through the toughest times and it was everything to me. I was always listening to it; always singing it. Now after studying it here at Austin College, I know how and why music has the impact it does on me as well as so many other people, therefore only increasing my love, knowledge, and passion for music, which I didn’t think was possible.”
“I also would be nowhere without my voice teacher’s coaching,” Norely said. “I am grateful for all the love, training, and encouragement she has provided me in order to become the singer I am today.”
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 40 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of approximately 1,275 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.