| Opera singer hones his craft while moonlighting as waiter | ||
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As Philadelphians root for the Eagles on Sunday evenings, Ernest Jackson searches online for upcoming vocal auditions. The 29-year-old opera singer spends his days as a waiter at Cornbread & Coffee, a popular African-American-owned restaurant in the West Oak Lane. At night, he works as his own agent, pursing his dream of being a world-renowned vocalist.
Jackson has been making his mark. In August 2009, he was the only African-American to sing in a festival in Bolzano, Italy. For Jackson, a classical soloist serving more then just wonderful breakfast, this is only the beginning. Born in Germantown, Jackson discovered his love for singing at age 9, after performing his first solo with the church choir. He followed suit by auditioning for the voice program at Freedom Theater. Although originally desiring to sing popular music, Jackson’s first voice teacher in the program urged him to study opera. “She told me my voice was more suited for classical music,” stated Jackson, who now resides south of the Philadelphia Art Museum. At 10, the urban youngster was apprehensive about singing opera but, with support from his parents, he eagerly welcomed the challenge. After auditioning for Robert Hamilton, director of the Philadelphia Boys Choir, Jackson began touring with the group in Europe. Contracted with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the choir traveled to throughout the United Kingdom from London to Scotland and Wales. When selecting a high school, Jackson debated between private and parochial schools and the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. “I wanted to go to a music school, so I decided on Girard Academic Music Program, which opposed to CAPA, offered SAT preparatory classes,” said Jackson. He attended West Chester University for two years while working in the classical department at Tower Records. Never having declared a major, Jackson found that college was not for him. In 2001, the aspiring singer worked as a ”temp” at Prudential Insurance, which ultimately led to a full-time position, lasting for nine years. Midway through his run at Prudential, a co-worker-turned-friend left the company to start her own business, Cornbread & Coffee. “The first year it opened, I came there every Saturday morning, all the way from West Philadelphia, and ate,” said Jackson. Even though the owner initially offered Jackson a server position, he did not want to give up his salary at Prudential. After being laid off by the company, it was Jackson’s perfect opportunity to accept his friend’s ongoing offer, which he describes as a blessing in disguise. “It’s hard, but I like it,” said Jackson, with a laugh. “I don’t have to work every day and I make close to the same amount as I made working five days a week at Prudential.” Jackson admits he loves serving people, which really builds his character, but music is still his passion. He studies with a voice teacher privately every week. He also trains in New York with vocal coach Luis Miranda, who has taught at Curtis Institute and the Academy of Vocal Arts every two weeks. “I’m pursuing auditions, but it’s not going to happen overnight,” said the singer. “The perseverance is what you need.” Jackson remains cultured by reading Opera News Magazine regularly and practicing conversational German, which he learned while visiting Northern Italy. He credits great opera singers such as the legendary Marion Anderson, soprano Angela Brown and baritone Lester Lynch as his inspirations. “I just want to sing,” said Jackson. He went on to say: “my desire is to live comfortably. As long as I’m enjoying what I do, it’s not about money. Jackson’s greatest accomplishments so far include being cast at the New York Opera Studio by Nico Castel and landing a role in Porgy and Bess, by the Opera Delaware. “A lot of Black men my age aren’t into classical music, so I’m doing something different,” stated Jackson. He hopes to be a source of encouragement for young people no matter what field they wish to pursue. “Even if you only help one person, you’ve accomplished something,” said Jackson enthusiastically. “God has given me a gift.”
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