I auditioned for the Conspirare Symphonic Choir back in February of 2020 after transitioning out of a 10 year tenure as a High School Band Director, most recently at Leander HS. I received my score for Beethoven’s 9th and was ecstatic to jump head-first into rehearsals, immerse myself in a community of kind and passionate musicians — ‘my people’ — and bring some music back into my life. Unfortunately we all know what happened next, the world shut down. 

One of the most significant disappointments of this difficult time for me personally was not being able to sing with the Symphonic Choir. That being said, I was blown away by how welcomed and connected I felt through Ambassador emails, virtual concerts, drive through appreciation events etc. when I had never even performed, let alone met anyone in the group, other than my good friend Courtney Neva, and Craig and Ann at my audition. The fact that Craig and the Conspirare organization were able to put joy, beautiful music, and positivity into the world through a global pandemic made it even more obvious why I wanted to be a part of it. 

Since then, I have attended as many events as possible and have truly enjoyed serving as an Ambassador. Kathy has a brilliant way of making you feel appreciated and special — thank you, Kathy. I adore making patron follow up phone calls because that short moment of human connection is so special and heartfelt. I’m thankful for the privilege of contributing in a small way to such a meaningful and impactful organization like Conspirare.

To learn more about our Ambassador program, click here!

About Me:

Jasmine Williams is a soprano from Austin, Texas currently based in Dallas. She has performed on many occasions throughout the Austin area including serving as a chorus member of the Austin Opera as well as the featured soloist for the Austin Community College concert choir. Jasmine served as the inaugural insight fellow for Conspirare. She graduated summa cum laude and received a B.A. in Music Education from Huston-Tillotson University located in Austin, Texas. Jasmine currently studies with Dale Dietert pursuing a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance at Southern Methodist University graduating in May 2021. Jasmine volunteers her free time working as a Young Artist Program Coordinator with the non-profit Austin Artist Project. In addition, she currently teaches beginner piano and voice lessons and is the soprano section leader at her church in Dallas, Texas. When Jasmine is not singing or teaching she enjoys learning how to cook, working out, and spending time with her friends and family.

How I got involved?

Throughout HS my director introduced us to pieces composed by Craig Hella Johnson. I would also go on youtube and look up videos of Conspirare however I never really knew a lot about the organization or that it was Austin-based until about 3 years ago when I met Mela Sarajane Dailey (a member of Conspirare). I was asked if I wanted to join as a guest to sing in the choir for the Leonard Bernstein Mass. I remember attending rehearsals being so excited. Singing under Craig’s baton was an amazing experience as well as indescribable. The following year I received a call about an idea regarding being the first insight fellow for Conspirare. I was immediately onboard and knew I HAD to be involved. Every individual I came in contact with was extremely nice. They helped me to see an entire world of music I didn’t know much about and their level of professionalism was outstanding. I absolutely loved working with everyone and will never forget the experience!

Since the fellowship, I have been working on my master’s degree in voice performance at Southern Methodist University. I’ll be graduating in May 2021! Being a singer in the classical world is very competitive and tough. However, with my ambition and my ability to remain teachable, I am hopeful I’ll have a successful singing career.

Favorite song in HS?

Oh gosh!! HS was so long ago…I graduated in 2012. I listened to A LOT of different types of music during that time of my life but the songs that stand out to me the most would have to be anything on Adele’s Album “21” I listened to the album so much. She’s so good!!!