The National Opera Association is proud to announce the establishment of the first two official charter chapters of Student NOA (SNOA), marking an exciting moment in the organization’s commitment to student engagement, leadership development, and the future of opera.

The inaugural chapters have been established at the University of South Carolina and the University of Florida, creating new opportunities for students to connect through performance, professional development, scholarship, outreach, and community engagement centered around opera.

One of NOA’s many worthy initiatives, SNOA chapters are designed to empower students to take an active role in shaping musical culture on their campuses while fostering meaningful connections to the national opera community. These student-led organizations provide opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, artistic exploration, and leadership development, all while expanding awareness and appreciation of opera within university communities.

“As NOA continues to invest in the next generation of artists, educators, and scholars, the launch of our first charter chapters represents an important milestone,” said Joshua May, NOA Vice President for Regions and National SNOA Coordinator. “These students are not only building communities on their campuses — they are helping shape the future of opera itself through their leadership and passion for sharing the power of our artform across the nation."

University of South Carolina
At the University of South Carolina School of Music, opera has long played an important role in the institution’s artistic identity through its vibrant Opera at USC program. The establishment of the university’s SNOA chapter enriches that identity by creating a student-driven space for connection. Leading the chapter as president is Grant Ebert, a second-year DMA student in Voice Performance.

“The SNOA chapter is a crucial organization here at USC because it showcases opera to undergraduates and exposes the art form to individuals who have never had the chance to interact with opera,” Ebert shared. “Additionally, it joins students together who love opera and bridges the gap between those who perform and those who do not.”

For Ebert, opera’s power lies in its extraordinary capacity for storytelling. “I love the range of storytelling that is possible through opera,” he said. “It can be tragic, it can be hilarious, and all of these emotions are brought to the stage through dramatic and expressive singing. In addition, singing with an orchestra can be so exhilarating. I love seeing everything — lights, costumes, scenic design, and everyone on and off stage — come together for a memorable experience.” His favorite opera, Verdi’s Don Carlos, reflects that passion for emotionally rich storytelling and large-scale artistry.

Looking ahead, Ebert hopes the chapter will continue cultivating enthusiasm for opera among students of all backgrounds and experience levels. “Whether that’s by singing arias and scenes or watching Met broadcasts together as a group, we strive to learn about as many operas as possible,” he said. “Additionally, finding time to prepare ourselves for our own performances utilizing workshops that other members have provided us.”

The chapter is already looking toward the future, including participation in the 2027 NOA National Conference. “We are currently working to raise funds to bring other members of our SNOA chapter who have never been to NOA next year’s conference,” Ebert said.

University of Florida
At the University of Florida School of Music, the newly chartered SNOA chapter was led by founding president, Gavin Gallagher who recently completed his bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Florida and will continue his graduate studies at Mannes School of Music at The New School.

“Our SNOA chapter allows students the opportunity to take charge of their education and professional development,” Gallagher explained. “As a student organization, student government funding available to us makes it possible to create new opportunities for performance and education.”

Those opportunities have already translated into meaningful outreach and artistic programming. “For example, our chapter held an aria showcase performance in the community as well as a showing of La Bohème that included a short educational presentation created by one of our students,” Gallagher said. Gallagher believes opera’s collaborative nature is one of its greatest strengths. “I love that opera lives at the intersection of all forms of art,” he shared. “Operas bring together music, literature, fine art, and much more to allow the pure beauty of the human voice to tell glorious stories.”

Although Gallagher will soon pass leadership of the chapter to fellow students as he begins graduate study, he hopes the organization will continue to grow its impact on campus and beyond. “I hope our chapter can increase outreach in the community and begin connecting with other chapters,” he said.

The Future of SNOA
The establishment of these first two chapters represents only the beginning of NOA’s broader vision for Student NOA chapters nationwide. With increasing student interest across the country, SNOA initiatives are designed to encourage year-round engagement with opera through educational programming, performances, mentorship, outreach activities, and professional development. The initiative aligns closely with NOA’s ongoing mission to support students as emerging artists, educators, directors, scholars, and advocates for the operatic art form.

As additional chapters complete their application to charter their chapters, the National Opera Association looks forward to supporting the growing network of student leaders who are helping ensure opera remains vibrant, collaborative, and accessible for future generations. We encourage all members to connect with their students this year to share in the creation of this unique opportunity to share in NOA together on your campus and across your community. Students and faculty interested in establishing a Student NOA chapter can learn more by visiting the SNOA initiative page at NOA.org.