TJ super Spartan Jordan Antonio is one of only eight male singers in Colorado to make Colorado All-State Jazz Choir.
Senior Jordan Antonio practices the piano as he gears up for Colorado All-State Jazz. Photo by Tori Wallace
Thomas Jefferson’s choir is an extensive and inclusive program, with fantastic singers and a great teacher to boot, but one shining star stands out among the rest.
With beginning choirs, music sights and sounds, advanced choir, Monticello (TJ’s highest form of advanced choir) and even citywide choir all being offered by choir teacher Edwina Hebert, it’s no surprise that a singer such as Jordan is in her class. “I became a teacher out of a love for music and being a teacher, which seemed appropriate.” explained Hebert, who is in her 7th year of teaching choir at TJ, even though she had a leave of absence last year.
Jordan has been in choir since his sophomore year, and Hebert says he has progressively evolved into the singer he is today. “I’ve been in TJ’s choir for two and a half years and it has helped me improve. I’m also in a men’s choir,” said Jordan. Rest assured that any singer can improve his or her vocal prowess at TJ, even one as skilled as Jordan.
Jordan says that vocal music has been a part of his life longer than just his time at TJ. He began singing in the 7th grade via a youth theater. His brother, Zach Antonio, was somewhat of a music savant, and is now a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Jordan says he looks up to his brother Zach, and views him as an inspiration for his future. “My brother is a prodigy and really inspires me to do my best,” said Jordan
However, Jordan is not only a talented singer, but a gripping actor as well. He was the star in literature teacher and drama director Michael Palmieri’s recent play (a detailed remake of the Shakespearian story Macbeth), playing the lead role of Jimmy Lucent. “ I have a passion for theater and enjoy portraying characters as well as performing,” said Jordan, who says these are his only real passions, but he is an excellent contribution to both.
Palmieri believes that Jordan is one of the best drama students he has ever had, and enjoys his acting talent through everything Jordan plays. “Jordan came here about two years ago, and has been an absolute rock star on stage ever since,” exclaimed Palmieri. Jordan has also played the lead in the play Noises Off, portrayed a hilarious Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and got to show off his singing talent as Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors. “The cast mates couldn’t even keep a straight face, he was so funny,” said Palmieri in reference to Jordan’s Nick Bottom role.
The life of a professional is a hard one to bear, and Jordan’s is no different. He has had to put a copious amount of time, effort, and work into his singing career. Now that he has made the Colorado All-State Jazz Choir, he is going to have to toil even harder to keep his position in the group. “He has to work hard, and stay committed to learning the material on his own time,” said Hebert.
Jordan trains diligently at school and on his own time to ensure that he is the best singer and performer he can be. “I take voice lessons with Suzanne Morison, a licensed professional living in Aurora. She makes me text her the amount of time I practice per day,” said Jordan. This may seem a bit excessive, but Jordan knows he must put a considerable amount time into his practice daily.
The process of making the Colorado All-State Jazz choir was a struggle all its own. Jordan had to record a CD, go over various scales and songs, and perform in a call-back audition. After this, he had to (along with many other candidates) sing alone, with a quartet, and with many other people. This whole journey took a month to traverse, but now Jordan has come out on top. “After this audition process, I am happy to sing with amazing singers from around the state.”
In addition to all of the extra work Jordan must do with the Colorado All-State Jazz Choir, he still has to balance this with his regular singing duties in TJ’s Monticello choir. “This Monticello choir is the best I’ve ever had in seven years. All of the students are committed, do extra work on their own, improve their craft, and sound better as a whole than previous choirs,” said Hebert. The Monticello choir will be performing in a winter concert on December 13, and many other times throughout the year at the Botanical Gardens, retirement homes, and even at the DPS Administrations building on 900 Grand Street.
Between singing in a men’s choir, the Monticello choir, the Colorado All-State Jazz choir, and performing in various plays, Jordan has a lot to manage, not even taking into consideration keeping up with his schoolwork. “There were times during play rehearsals that I would practice my music with a piano in a back room,” said Jordan.
Jordan will be practicing with the Colorado All-State Jazz choir from January 23-25, and will then be performing at 2:30 p.m. on the 26th at the Colorado Music Educators Association. From the sound of it, Jordan has a promising future with not only the choir, but with music and acting as a whole. “I think Jordan is super deserving of this honor; he has worked hard for it, and I’m extremely proud of his accomplishment,” said Hebert.
Jordan will likely be a great success; no matter what field he decides to enter. “Whether it’s singing, acting, or both, we [TJ community] will hear about him again,” said Palmieri.
