Jace Wittig doesn't just take notes in class.
He sings them. He plays them. He creates them.
Wittig, a senior vocal performance major from Carmel, is a manof many talents and those talents are musical. Not only does hesing, he is an accomplished pianist, vocal arranger, musicaldirector and dancer.
"This guy is one of the most-talented students I have ever had,"Jeff Carter, assistant professor of music, said. "He can sing,dance and play the piano. He has an incredible spark that adds somuch to anything musical."
Wittig became involved in music early on.
"I began singing in choirs when I was six and joined theIndianapolis Children's Choir when I was eight," Wittig said. "Isang with them for six years and traveled with the group toAustralia and to Europe twice."
He recorded four CD's with the choir as a featured vocalist.
Wittig began piano lessons when he was eight and studied withDorothy Munger, a soloist for the Indianapolis Symphony. During thetime he studied with Munger he competed in various young artistscompetitions and always placed in the top 10.
Wittig received a music scholarship to attend Ball State. As astudent he performed with the University Singers, Ball StateChamber Choir and the Opera Workshop.
"Jace is great. He has a wonderful combination including a finevoice and an excellent ear. When you have that combination you haveit all. He is friendly, cooperative, supportive and a good teammember," Douglas Amman, professor of music, said.
In 2001, Wittig performed in the Ball State Talent Search andwon the top male vocal award as well as the overallcompetition.
Wittig said he hopes to teach private lessons, perform in anopera company and perhaps do some theater, as well.
"Music is the most positive influence in my life," he said. "Ihave made many good friends through my music. I hope that inteaching voice students I will have the opportunity to shape thelives of my students by providing a positive influence forthem."
Craig Priebe, assistant professor of music performance, said heis impressed with Wittig's talents.
"As a participant in Opera Workshop, Jace has exhibited anincredible talent," Priebe said. "He is one of the most talentedstudents I have taught."
Wittig also served as music director for the university play"Closer Than Ever" performed in 2002.
Wittig, a member of College Avenue Methodist Church, hasarranged various pieces of music for the church choir. Heaccompanies the choir on piano and performs duets with churchorganist, Michael Pettry.
Amman, who also serves as music director for College AvenueMethodist Church, said, "Jace adds so much to the church service."He said with a laugh, " I need to flunk this kid so he can stay atthe church a little longer. He creates wonderful music."
Wittig has been associated musically with Eric Miller, seniormusic education major, for quite a number of years.
"I have worked with Jace since we were about 10 or 12 yearsold," Miller said. "We were in the Indianapolis Children's Choirtogether. Jace has always been the best sight reader I have everknown."
Miller praised Wittig's ability to look at a piece of music andknow how it will sound. Wittig's voice quality has grown by leapsand bounds since he has been in college.
"Jace is so good that when I hear a piece of music, I imagineJace's voice and his singing it," Miller said.
Wittig also has the ability to read any music that is given tohim and have the ability to anticipate what the singer is going todo.
Wittig said he wanted to give to others to enrich their lives.As an arranger, Wittig has done many choral pieces for high schoolchoirs. It is all about giving and sharing his musical talent withothers.
Dancer, singer, pianist, arranger, and director, any one ofwhich is a great accomplishment but add them all together and haveJace Wittig, truly Ball State's own Music Man.
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