Four talented Cardinal Newman Chorus students—Elias Azzi, Annabella Jones, Elizabeth McKinell, and Jenna Williams—represented our school at the nationwide Schmidt Vocal Competition, held on October 25, 2025 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Recognized as the nation’s premier high school vocal event, the competition brought together 28 of Florida’s top young vocalists.
Under the direction of Ms. Rehner, the students learned and memorized three vocal pieces in less than a month and performed them live before an audience and panel of judges. After the first round, competitors attended Master Classes with renowned artists to receive professional feedback.
Junior Elias Azzi was selected as one of only three students invited to work one-on-one with a former opera star and professor during a live coaching session. The instructor praised his voice and helped him refine his performance of the Italian art song “Caro mio ben.”
“It was thrilling to hear the growth and confidence in Elias’s voice,” said Ms. Rehner. “The competition was an incredible learning experience for all our students. “To sing well requires discipline, training, and skill—and events like this help them grow as artists and performers.”
The Schmidt Vocal Competition awards scholarships to top vocalists, with prizes ranging from $100 to $2,500. Ms. Rehner plans to take students again next fall and encourages any Crusaders interested in solo or choral singing to get involved now.
Students can join the Cardinal Newman Chorus or Mass Ensemble, which will perform throughout Palm Beach County during the Christmas season and compete this spring at Music USA at Universal Orlando.