Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

“We knew her when!” This is what we’ll be saying about Memorial High School (MHS) senior and singer Emma Vogelsang in the months and years to come.

This outstanding vocalist is part of the school’s theater and choir programs, having appeared in eight shows during her high school years. You may have seen her in the chorus of Mamma Mia and The Addams Family productions, or perhaps as a ghost in Hamlet, Madame Balaklava in The Canterville Ghost, Glauce in Medea, or Farrah in She Kills Monsters.

Most notably, she played the Witch in Into the Woods, for which she won a 2024 Tommy Tune Award for Outstanding Singer. This coveted award program from Theater Under the Stars recognizes the top high school performers in the Houston area.

“I’m always proud to watch Emma’s hard work in rehearsal pay off during performances,” said Nadiah Eleskandrany, director of choirs at MHS. “One of my favorite moments was watching her relentlessly work toward earning the role of the Witch in the school musical Into the Woods. Her diligence in preparing for the role, paired with her remarkable voice, was the perfect formula for success. I was overjoyed when I heard she got the part, but definitely not surprised.”

Vogelsang has also excelled in numerous choir competitions. She has advanced to the state level of the UIL Solo and Ensemble competition every year of her time at MHS. At the 2023 competition, she was recognized with the Judges’ Choice One-Act Play award.

From Her First Breath

“My family jokes that I started singing with my first breath,” said Vogelsang, reflecting on the start of her journey as a performer. “I come from a very musical family, and they’ve always allowed me to be creative and try new things.”

She’s experimented with many genres of music but loves jazz the most. “It’s complex and difficult,” said Vogelsang. “But to be a real jazz musician, you have to be brave enough to improvise and put your own creative spin on it. It’s a challenge, but I love it.”

Other types of music Vogelsang has performed include singing her own compositions, operatic arias, and even Lady Gaga at the MHS Pop Show.

“I still remember her audition for The Canterville Ghost, where she offered a quirky and explosive interpretation of the play’s most bizarre character,” said Bradley Hewlett, MHS Fine Arts department chair and theater director. “From that moment, I knew she wasn’t afraid to take risks and truly loved the freedom of the creative process.”

Preparing for a Professional Debut

Most recently, Vogelsang became the first MHS student selected for the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) Bauer High School Voice Studio, where she’s training with experts. Only about ten students from the Houston area are selected for this prestigious opportunity each year.

“My long-term goal is to develop the technique, skill, and artistry it takes to become a professional singer,” she said. “I’ll actually reach this goal before I leave MHS because I’ll be making my professional debut this May with a role in Wagner’s Tannhäuser at the Houston Grand Opera, alongside world-renowned opera singer Tamara Wilson.”

Vogelsang credits MHS choir director Nadiah Eleskandrany with much of her growth, both musically and personally.

“She is sensitive, kind, and always supportive,” said Vogelsang. “Ms. E is such a talented director and conductor—the ultimate choir cheerleader! She treats her students with such respect.”

A Give-Back Spirit

Vogelsang is also generously volunteering her talents as a choreographer for a musical at Spring Branch Middle School, following the tradition of giving back that many top actors and singers embrace. She inspires excellence in her young performers with the promise of candy. “I’ve learned that it really improves the quality of the dancing,” she said with a smile.

“I loved seeing Emma be so thrilled and invested in helping the Spring Branch Middle School theater program during their performance of Beauty and the Beast,” said Eleskandrany. “She built lasting connections with future MHS students and imparted her experience and wisdom to young performers, which will continue to shape them as they grow.”

“She worked as the ensemble co-director for our fall play this year, guiding our freshmen through rehearsal expectations and the basics of performance,” said Hewlett. “This is the kind of effort that helps build a department and creates continuity from year to year.”

Additionally, Vogelsang is a member of the MHS music honor society, Tri-M, and co-president of The Red Riding Hood Project, a mental wellness club at the school.

Next Year?

Vogelsang is currently auditioning at several top colleges to major in vocal performance next year, with plans to add acting and musical theater minors to her studies.

“The audition process is long and daunting; there are so many amazing schools,” she said. “But I’m enjoying meeting new people across the country who love performing as much as I do!”

Wherever Emma Vogelsang ends up studying, she will carry with her the Core Characteristics developed during her time in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), including being Ethical & Service-minded and Empathetic & Self-aware—two of the six traits identified by the district community as essential for graduates’ future success.

“I’ve learned that I’m much stronger than I think,” she said. “Passion will only take you so far. You need a strong work ethic and a kind heart… never sacrifice your character for a part!”

Choir director Eleskandrany observes that Vogelsang has grown as a Communicator and Collaborator—another Core Characteristic—as she mentored SBMS students and created and taught choreography to her MHS peers. “Her creativity and ability to communicate her vision was a joy to watch,” said Ms. E.

Born a Star

The name Emma Vogelsang will undoubtedly continue to appear in musical performance headlines. “Emma has a star quality that you’re just born with,” said Eleskandrany. “I have no doubt the world will be seeing her name in stage lights soon.”

#SBISDProud