Postcard from Jacque Wilson Scharlach
In SFGC’s Postcard series, our guest artists, collaborators, and faculty take us behind the scenes and share an intimate look into their thoughts about music, life, and art-making.
This postcard features Jacque Wilson Sharlach, who is the college counselor for the Premier Ensemble's Soloist Intensive program, wherein participating choristers go above and beyond their choral training to deepen their relationship to solo performance with SFGC.
Jacque is hailed as a "passionate singer with beautiful warm tones." She has more than fifteen years of teaching experience including three years spent as a musical theater voice faculty at the University of Southern Maine. She is currently on the voice faculty of San José State University and West Valley College, as well as maintaining an active private vocal studio.
Jacque holds a Master's degree in opera performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge. She has appeared with numerous orchestras and choruses across the country including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Opera and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. She has performed to great renowned on both coasts in opera and musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Meg Page (Falstaff), Meg (Little Women), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Julie Jordan (Carousel), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), and Pitti Sing (The Mikado). She believes in teaching a bel canto technique to all her students whether they are singing classical, musical theatre or jazz.
Jacque Wilson Scharlach, SFGC College Counselor
What is your relationship to music?
I can’t remember a time in my life when I have not had music in it. My mother was my piano teacher in my early years and she was also the children’s choir director at our church where I sang my first solo at age 4. I also learned how to play violin and studied dance from a young age. My musical education involved singing in a lot of choirs and musical theater at school, church and in a local dinner theater in Fresno, CA where I grew up. Currently I have the pleasure of working as a chorister here in San Francisco with both San Francisco Opera (full time chorister) and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale and I am Co-Voice Area Coordinator at San Jose State University. I love my ability to be involved in so many areas of music from performing to education.
What is the most meaningful thing a teacher or advisor has told you?
The most meaningful piece of advice I ever received from a dear advisor was- “If you love what you do you will never work a day in your life!” I have found this to be exceedingly true in all areas of my musical career from teaching voice, singing professionally and working as advisor to the singers at SFGC SI. Being surrounded by music and musicians is a gift so few people get to experience and we are so blessed by this joining together of humanity in this beautiful art form.
What makes our choristers unique?
Our choristers have some of the highest work ethics I have seen in young people. They have an incredible drive to work at the highest level both as musicians and as students. Many of our choristers are maintaining incredibly high GPA’s, volunteering for various organizations and causes that are dear to them, and they spend much of their additional free time working on their music and artistry for SFGC. I believe this work ethic will lead them to great places in whatever path they decide to follow as adults.
How does their time at SFGC help our choristers stand out on college
applications?
Our choristers are working with some of the most high level musicians and ensembles in the country from: Opera Paralelle, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Chanticleer, just to name a few. Additionally, they are getting a well rounded vocal education from the beginning which includes: music theory, aural skills, sight reading, private vocal lessons, varied choral repertoire representing all styles and genres of music, and some of the best musicians and educators in the business.
What inspires you about working with SFGC?
I love how our singers are so driven to succeed at anything they put their minds to. They are eager to learn and want to try new things to push themselves forward. They are the future of the arts world both as musicians and patrons of the arts.
What advice can you give to our singers that you wish you had received when you were their age?
Don’t give up, persevere through the rough patches, and trust yourself and your instincts. Trust your inner voice- it will help lead you in the right direction.