All week long, as I have been working on Rayna Brooks' '16 Conservatory alumni feature, I've found myself walking around singing the lyrics to Destiny's Child's iconic song "Say My Name." Perhaps it's because Beyonce is one of Rayna's favorite artists, or maybe it's that when I think of Beyonce, I think Queen, and that connection naturally leads me to Rayna! Whatever the reason, when I say Rayna's name, I hear nothing but admiration, respect, and genuine awe for who she is. Her incredible work at Lakewood High School, transforming its choral program, and the profound impact she's made in the field of music education all speak to the amazing, influential person she is.
Recently, I had a conversation with Dominic Aragon '16 about Rayna, and he was genuinely moved to share these heartfelt words about her:
"I met Rayna in 2012 during our first semesters attending BW. We got to know each other through Music Education coursework and became even closer when we both lived in Lang Hall and subsequently the Townhouse apartments, sang operas together, bonded on choir tour, the list goes on. We currently work together often! We frequently freelance together at vocal gigs in and around the Cleveland area. We also see each other on a regular basis at Lakewood High School where I teach private lessons for some of her many choir students.
Rayna continues to build on the musical and artistic standards that she developed in her time at BW. She works tirelessly to build community and strong relationships within her students at Lakewood and continues to perform at a high level. I'm very lucky to have gotten to learn alongside her at Baldwin Wallace, and she's an invaluable friend and colleague as we both continue our careers in the field of music."
- Dominic Aragon '16, Applied Voice Faculty, Cleveland State University
A passionate and dedicated music educator, she is currently pursuing her Master's in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University. In addition to her academic achievements, she performs with the Cleveland Chamber Choir and serves as the Chair of Ohio Music Education Association's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Anti-Racism Committee. Through these roles, she is not only shaping the future of music education but also working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equity, and social justice within the field across the state. Her commitment to fostering a more diverse and accessible music education landscape continues to inspire both her peers and students alike.
Joanne Uniatowski, Professor of Voice at the Conservatory of Performing Arts, was delighted to share her fond memories of Rayna.
"I had the immense pleasure of being Rayna Brooks' voice teacher while she pursued a double degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Rayna's joy in teaching and performing were always evident in her lessons, in studio class and in her performances, especially the recital stage. She embraced all genres of music with equal success and this has been the invaluable foundation that she has brought to her teaching career. Over the years since graduation, I have watched Rayna's students flourish in competitions and on stage. Their joy is a direct result of her teaching and mentoring."
- Joanne Uniatowski, Professor of Voice, Baldwin Wallace University
You see, when you say Rayna's name, it's always met with smiles and a sense of joy. Her presense brings light to every room, and those who have had the privilege of working with her speak of her with deep respect. Her ability to connect, empower, and lead with authenticity makes her an irreplaceable force in any community. I am so honored to feature her.
- Zarina Melik-Stepanova
Rayna Brooks
Director of Lakewood High School Choirs
Current teaching position, years at this job, and responsibilities - I am a Choir Director at Lakewood High School. During the school day I direct 4 choirs: Soprano/Alto Choir, Tenor/Bass Choir, Symphonic Treble Choir, and Symphonic Mixed Choir. I also teach a semester of music theory or piano class. Extracurricularly, I lead an octet and two quartets (Chamber Choir, Vive L’Four and Fourtes) that meet before and after school and perform gigs throughout the year. I also vocal direct the musical and advise our Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter.
When were you first introduced to music and how? - My family is always singing or listening to music while working around the house, in the car, in the garden, wherever. I grew up around people bursting into song all the time.
When did you start lessons? - I took piano lessons briefly as a kid and voice lessons for a short period of time when I was 16 and then not again until college.
What musical activities did you pursue in high school? - I played the flute and piccolo in band and marching band, sang in choir and the extracurricular chamber choir, and participated in our musicals. I also performed at the PMEA choral festivals.
What made you decide to go to BW? - I actually transferred to BW from a smaller school closer to my hometown. I had a lot of indecision about college senior year, I wasn’t even sure I was going to go. I had looked at BW junior year of high school thanks to the urging of my voice teacher and after a semester of college I started thinking about making the switch. The more I looked into it, it felt like it was where I needed to be. Still a little indecisive, I auditioned for the vocal performance, music education, and music therapy programs but narrowed it down to two: performance and music education.
When did you graduate from BW and with what degree - I graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education.
Favorite professor - I was lucky to have so many wonderful professors, but my favorite would have to be my voice teacher, Dr. Uniatowski.
What ensembles, groups, or activities did you participate in while at BW? - I sang in University Choir and Motet Choir, interned with Women’s Chorus and MusicPlay. I also participated in PRISM concerts, performed in two operettas, and two operas.
Favorite piece of music you learned or performed while at BW? - Choral: Jonathan Dove’s The Passing of the Year. Opera: Humperdink’s Hansel & Gretel. Solo: Goodnight Moon by Eric Whitacre
Favorite music that you listen to currently? - Sammy Rae & The Friends, Renee Rapp, Kendrick Lamar, Jacob Collier, and always Beyoncé.
What class was most difficult for you? - Music History and Literature
Who was the very first person you met at BW? - Anthony Steward, who is still one of my best friends.
Best Friends For Ever - Anthony Steward '17 and Rayna Brooks
Is there someone from BW that you stay in touch with now? - Dr. Jami Lercher, Dr. Dirk Garner, and Dr. Joanne Uniatowski have all graciously come to work with my students, and several of my friends from BW settled nearby that I get to spend my time with!
Valuable lesson you’ve learned since you graduated - No one gets a medal for being the busiest or most overwhelmed. Do what you can do, how you can do it and let that be enough.
If you could go back and give yourself advice BEFORE you started college, what would it be? - Take more piano lessons, girl! And how to practice effectively!
What was one thing about teaching that was most surprising? - All the administrative work. It’s a lot and very overwhelming at first.
If the Conservatory hired you to teach, what class would you teach? - I’d love to teach Opera Workshop or some sort of musical theater directing for music educators course.
Vocal Performance Class of 2016
If you could give advice to a graduating BW senior, what would you say? - Get some hobbies that aren't related to your job! Loving what you do is awesome, but sometimes you need a break.
What is your favorite book? - "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
What is your favorite show to binge on TV? - "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Gilmore Girls"
What is your favorite movie? - "Ever After"
What is your BW “family tree”? What students from your current school came to study at BW? - Lindy Warren, Jacob Kavc, Julia Kavc, Ava Bruening, and Parker Toms💜💛
Favorite quote: - “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose” - Dolly Parton
Rayna Brooks and Lucy Anders '15 being unapologetically themsevles and very much on purpose.
If you are a Conservatory alum, please join our ever-growing Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Performing Arts Alumni Facebook group. If you have questions, would simply like to reach out, or would like to nominate a Conservatory alum for a feature, please do not hestitate to e-mail zmelikst@bw.edu.
To check out our previous feature on Kalee Bondzio '14, choir director at Elyria High School, please click on the following link: https://www.b-community.net/conservatory-alum-bio
To check out our previous feature on Hillery Needham '03, Director of Orchestras at Fairview Park City Schools, please click on the following link: https://www.b-wcommunity.net/241105conservatoryalumnibioshilleryneedham
