Opera singer Julia Scozzafava performed for band and choir students in the Little Theater on Tuesday, Jan. 22. An acquaintance of choir director Sheree Stoppel, Scozzafava visited the school with the intent of allowing students to hear an opera singer perform live, as well as to gain votes for the Romano’s Macaroni Grill Opera Sing-off she is currently competing in online.

“I just wanted the chance to [give] young people who are interested in singing the chance to hear a real opera singer,” Scozzafava said.

Junior choir member Mastin Tapp attended the performance.

“I thought it was really cool, and I thought it was really nice that she went through the trouble to perform for us,” Tapp said.

Stoppel was glad for Scozzafava’s visit, as well as the exposure it gave students.

“I really enjoyed how she was personable with them and how she explained the story behind the songs to them,” Stoppel said. “I just think it’s a good thing that our school had the chance to be exposed to so much culture. I’ve got a couple of girls who are interested in singing opera who enjoyed hearing her songs and her talking about her background. I think it makes people realize they can do it.”

Students can vote for Scozzafava at www.bit.ly/macgrillopera by entering the contestant code js624. Voting ends Sunday, Feb. 3.