Shederick Whipple
How did you get involved in music? What was your inspiration?
I got involved in music in elementary school, primarily as an instrumentalist, even though I sang in my children’s church choir as well. I played the flute and was very active in band throughout Middle and High school, participating in Solo and Ensemble Events, District and Count Bands, and eventually becoming Drum Major. I was fascinated by the sounds and colors that one can make while making music. However, I was not totally fulfilled as a musician with my instrumental experience. In High school my voice changed and I started to sing. During this time was the Golden Age of R & B and Gospel Music, with such greats as: Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Whitney Houston, En Vogue, Boys-2-Men, The Clark Sisters, Take 6, Daryl Coley, John P. Kee, and others. Their sounds were amazing and inspired me to sing. I began harmonizing with Friends and realized my voice. By senior year I was voted most Talented in my class.
Who has been an African American musical influence in your life?
A great musical influence in my life was Mr. George Shirley. He was the First African-American tenor to have a great career. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and watching him in a Master Class and then watching him perform the Rigoletto Quartet later that night at a moment’s notice. I was really impressed with how this fantastic artist could execute those difficult phrases with such ease after not having sung the role in a long time. He really demonstrated the expertise of a consummate musician and artist. Listening to his Grammy winning recording of Così fan tutte with the legendary Leontyne Price and Sherrill Milnes was a source of inspiration when I was preparing to sing Ferrando in Europe.
What has your experience been with the Indianapolis Opera?
Working with Indianapolis Opera Has been a rewarding experience in many ways. Firstly, I get the opportunity to work with incredibly talent people in all areas, from singing to set design and every area. There’s something special about stepping on the stage with great professionals some of whom are African American. One of the things that I noticed when I first audition for the company was that among their hung portraits on the wall are many African Americans. That immediately made me feel welcome and I have a possibility of working with this company in a significant way.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians and singers of color?
I would say to any African American musician that while there are challenges out there, in the world, awaiting them in deciding to work in music (be it instrumentalist or vocalist), and racism definitely being among these challenges, the reward far outweighs the ugliness of racial bias. To the true musician there is only one choice, and that is to do music. Trust that and it will find its way to you.
How did you get involved in music? What was your inspiration?
I got involved in music in elementary school, primarily as an instrumentalist, even though I sang in my children’s church choir as well. I played the flute and was very active in band throughout Middle and High school, participating in Solo and Ensemble Events, District and Count Bands, and eventually becoming Drum Major. I was fascinated by the sounds and colors that one can make while making music. However, I was not totally fulfilled as a musician with my instrumental experience. In High school my voice changed and I started to sing. During this time was the Golden Age of R & B and Gospel Music, with such greats as: Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Whitney Houston, En Vogue, Boys-2-Men, The Clark Sisters, Take 6, Daryl Coley, John P. Kee, and others. Their sounds were amazing and inspired me to sing. I began harmonizing with Friends and realized my voice. By senior year I was voted most Talented in my class.
Who has been an African American musical influence in your life?
A great musical influence in my life was Mr. George Shirley. He was the First African-American tenor to have a great career. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and watching him in a Master Class and then watching him perform the Rigoletto Quartet later that night at a moment’s notice. I was really impressed with how this fantastic artist could execute those difficult phrases with such ease after not having sung the role in a long time. He really demonstrated the expertise of a consummate musician and artist. Listening to his Grammy winning recording of Così fan tutte with the legendary Leontyne Price and Sherrill Milnes was a source of inspiration when I was preparing to sing Ferrando in Europe.
What has your experience been with the Indianapolis Opera?
Working with Indianapolis Opera Has been a rewarding experience in many ways. Firstly, I get the opportunity to work with incredibly talent people in all areas, from singing to set design and every area. There’s something special about stepping on the stage with great professionals some of whom are African American. One of the things that I noticed when I first audition for the company was that among their hung portraits on the wall are many African Americans. That immediately made me feel welcome and I have a possibility of working with this company in a significant way.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians and singers of color?
I would say to any African American musician that while there are challenges out there, in the world, awaiting them in deciding to work in music (be it instrumentalist or vocalist), and racism definitely being among these challenges, the reward far outweighs the ugliness of racial bias. To the true musician there is only one choice, and that is to do music. Trust that and it will find its way to you.
