Tracy E. Smith, Soprano & Flutist

T. Elizabeth Collins (i.e. Tracy E. Smith) was born April 12th, 1982 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and grew up in Quakertown, Pennsylvania before her family relocated to the beautiful countryside above Topton, Pennsylvania. Music was introduced into her life very early. She began taking flute lessons at the age of five years old due to envy of her older sister who was taking violin lessons. She began taking from Norman Stull of the Tri-County Conservatory in Spinnerstown, Pennsylvania with whom she took for many years. She received her Bachelors of Music Performance from Moravian College in May of 2004 with concentrations in flute and voice. She studied classical voice with Bronwyn Fix- Keller, jazz voice with Lou Lanza, classical flute with Robin Kani, and jazz flute with Tony Gairo. Elizabeth was involved in several areas of the music department. During her time at Moravian, Elizabeth had taken part in many ensembles including Wind Ensemble (where she had been a featured soloist), Choir (where she served as Vice President), Vocalise, Orchestra, Women’s Chorus, Contemporary Ensemble, Opera Ensemble, Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Combo I, Flute Ensemble, Flute Quartet, Wind Trio, Monteverdi Ensemble, Lehigh Woodwind Quintet, and Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra with whom she traveled to China with in 2002 and played Principal Flute in their performances and will be traveling to South Africa in May 2006. Elizabeth was also a member of the international music honors fraternity Delta Omicron, where she served as Music Director and Chaplain for two years. There are many aspects of Elizabeth's musical journey she is proud of including, being chosen for the Music Horizons Program at the Eastman School of Music, winning numerous competitions through Byndenwood, the Reading Musical Foundation, and the Reading Teachers Association. Elizabeth traveled to Kentucky for the Triennial Conference of Delta Omicron as a music delegate, where she was chosen by audition to perform in the Collegiate Concert. Elizabeth was also involved in the makings and organization of a concert benefiting rape victims of the Lehigh Valley, with proceeds given to Crime Victims Council. The benefit concert was held at her alma mater, Brandywine Heights High School, and included herself and many other music students from Moravian College. Elizabeth has very ambitious ideas for her future, including receiving her Masters in Vocal Performance along with a Masters in Arts Administration and Conducting. She believes her place is in the world of Opera, onstage and off. Elizabeth is currently working as an office administrator for the Community Music School of Allentown, directing a handbell choir for the Good Shepherd Church UCC in Alburtis, teachign private lessons at the Reading Community Music School, singing with the Center Stage Opera in Harrisburg, PA and gigging whenever possible.