VOCAL
The MAS Vocal family consists of a united group of students, parents, alumni, teachers and administrators working toward our goal of building musical skills into performances that inspire our community, country and world. We provide a safe environment for expression using music from a variety of cultures, religions, and time periods. In addition to being musically skilled, MAS Vocal students and alumni will be able to apply the value of hard work, community service, collaboration, and respect to any career they choose.
MEET THE VOCAL FACULTY
MAS ALUMNI IN ACTION
CAROLINA RISCANEVO
CLASS OF 2020
Studying in Milan has been an incredible experience that I'm truly grateful for. I've had the chance to attend workshops with renowned brands and participate in talks during Milan Fashion and Design Weeks, which have sparked new ideas for my designs. Learning from industry-experienced professors and living independently in a city full of fashion, art, and inspiring architecture has deepened my passion and commitment to my creative path.
MEGAN FRIGERIO
CLASS OF 2022
I just capped off my junior year starring in two productions, "Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play" and "Trail to Oregon!", one of which was awarded Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. I am very excited to be directing a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" at a nearby community church this coming fall. I am also currently the vice president of the JMU School of Theatre and Dance's BIPOC of STAD organization after having just directed one of the first bilingual plays featured at the school. I carry my hometown pride with me always and I am happy to have been able to share it with the Shenandoah Valley these past three years.
NICHOLAS R. CABEZAS
CLASS OF 2019
As I write this, I'm getting situated in Houston, TX to start my Ph.D. in English at Rice University. This past year has been dedicated to serving as a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of English at Florida International University, publishing and presenting my work independently, and rekindling more creative impulses. This next step at Rice is one I regard in a long tradition of serious education that I trace to my time at Miami Arts Studio, a period laden with as much nostalgia as it is with complexity. I owe my success in large part to Ryan and Cindy Ellis, who achieve(d) the impossible by teaching the resistant; they cultivated in me a discipline that has carried me this far.
Accolades | 2024-2025
“We don’t really compete anymore. We strive to inspire.”
— Ryan Ellis, 2/18/25
Event | Accolade Summary |
|---|---|
Florida American Choral Directors Association Performance | The YouTube video of this performance has garnered over 19,000 views & 100+ comments from around the world. Rather than focusing on traditional competitions, the program emphasizes that connection is more important than trophies. |
