Ashly Shanael Thomas is a second semester graduate student from the studio of Dr. J. Wagner studying Vocal Performance at SIUC. She holds a B.A. in Music Performance with a concentration in Voice from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. There she performed such roles as Letitia from "The Old Maid and the Theif," Gilda from "Rigoletto," Countess Almaviva from "Le Nozze di Figaro,” and Susannah Polk from Carlisle Floyd's American opera, "Susannah" among others. She has also worked extensively as a chorus member for the Orlando Opera Company from 2007-2009 in such productions as Die Fledermaus, Il Trovatore (under maestro Anton Coppola), and Cavalleria Rusticana and Suor Angelica (under maestro Joseph Colaneri). Over the summer Ashly completed a 6 week study abroad trip in Toulouse, France where she learned French at l'Institut Catholique de Toulouse. Upon completing her degree at SIUC, Ashly plans to continue singing opera professionally.