Sigma Alpha Iota

12 Fall 2026 | sai-national.org HOLLIS: Of the operatic roles you have sung, which role have you enjoyed the most? As you look at the operatic literature, which role do you want most to sing? JOUELLE: I truly enjoyed becoming Suor Angelica from Puccini's Suor Angelica. The story drew me in when I performed in the chorus at Morgan State University, and I jumped at the opportunity to perform the title role in Luca, Italy. A role I look forward to singing is Puccini's Tosca. I absolutely fell in love with the music of the opera in High School. We watched the opera in our opera workshop class. HOLLIS: You have recently sung my five-movement song cycle entitled Mneme, based on the poetry of Revolutionary Era slave girl, Phillis Wheatley. She had an incredible struggle to become published and known as a poet. What has been a struggle or challenge for you as you seek to become an operatic singer? JOUELLE: Imposter syndrome has been the biggest hurdle. We all go to school to learn all we can about our crafts, but there are times a little voice creeps in and says you shouldn't be here. It says, "they will all see that you don't belong," but it's not true. Every day I go out on that stage and prove that little voice wrong. HOLLIS: How has being a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity furthered your career? JOUELLE: One of our lovely sisters, a graduate from Morgan State University and initiate of the Kappa Xi chapter, put me in contact with one of the greatest coaches of Italian opera: Louis Salemno. But the biggest thing is that one of my greatest supporters, my teacher and mentor Marquita Lister, is a part of this organization. HOLLIS: Is there an opera singer you admire or aspire to be like, and see as an inspiration as you pursue your career as an opera singer? JOUELLE: This is a very short answer: Marquita Lister. Her grace on stage, and attention to text and subtext, make her one of the world's best artists. HOLLIS: What advice would you give to a young singer starting out who also has an interest in singing opera? What is the most important thing to know or do when beginning her career? JOUELLE: Three things: learn the piano; find a voice teacher you trust and believes in you and your instrument; and lastly, learn as many languages as you can. HOLLIS: Is there any final word of wisdom or inspiration that you would like to say, or anything you would like to add? JOUELLE: Learn as much repertoire as you can and learn it accurately, not quickly. Learning how to learn music will help you do this. Go and see shows, but the biggest thing is: be kind to yourself and rest. HOLLIS: What is your most exciting recent performance, engagement, or career move that you would like to share with us? JOUELLE: On July 30th, I performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Boordy Vineyard in a Night of Opera Favorites. It included selections from Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, and Bernstein, conducted by William Langley. I sang along with tenor Dane Suarez and baritone Andrew Manea. The premiere of Mneme On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Mneme was premiered by Jouelle Roberson, soprano, and Liz Mun, piano. Jouelle captured the spirit of Phillis Wheatley with her singing, and Liz accompanied beautifully. The audience gave them a standing ovation. COMPOSERS Composer and researcher Hollis oms has had a number of articles published in PAN PIPES over the years. He holds a Masters in Composition from Northwestern University, a Masters in Liberal Studies from St. Johns College, an EdS in Educational Administration from the University of Toledo, and finished the course work for a PhD in Composition from the Eastman School of Music. He was a teacher of English and Music and a school administrator for over thirty years. His musical compositions and research projects are in special collections at the Maryland State Archives, Folger Shakespeare Library, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and Church Music Center at Concordia University-Chicago. View his website at www.hollisthoms.com Liz Mun, piano; Jouelle Roberson, soprano; and Hollis Thoms, composer.

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