Lebon, Rachel L. 1951-

PERSONAL:

Born November 27, 1951, in Woonsocket, RI; daughter of Raymond J. and Georgette Lebon. Ethnicity: "Belgian/French Canadian extraction." Education: North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), B.Mus. (cum laude), 1977, M.M.E., 1980; University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, Ph.D., 1986. Religion: "Raised Catholic." Hobbies and other interests: Sports, travel, languages, creative writing.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Miami, FL. Office—School of Music, Room 125-A, University of Miami, 5501 San Amaro Dr., Coral Gables, FL 33124; fax: 305-284-2240. E-mail—rllebon@aol.com.

CAREER:

Belmont College, Nashville, TN, assistant professor, 1979-83; University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, began as associate professor, became of music (jazz voice), 1987—. Professional Voice Institute, member, 1985—; performer on international tours, including appearances with Tops in Blue of the U.S. Air Force; singer for national and local television programs and with Nashville Opera Quartet, recorded the compact disc Voicings, 2004. Big Brothers/Big Sisters, volunteer, 1980-83, guardian ad litem, 1990—. Military service: U.S. Air Force, academic instructor, 1969-73; became staff sergeant; received commendation medal.

MEMBER:

International Association of Jazz Educators, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Sigma Alpha Iota, Pi Kappa Lambda, Pi Delta Phi.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Winner in classical and pop female vocalist categories, Air Force talent contest.

WRITINGS:

The Professional Vocalist: A Handbook for Commercial Singers, Scarecrow (Lanham, MD), 1999.

The Versatile Vocalist: Singing Authentically in Contrasting Styles and Idioms, Scarecrow (Lanham, MD), 2006.

Contributor to academic journals.

SIDELIGHTS:

Rachel L. Lebon once told CA: "While it can be extremely exciting personally to perform to loud ovations, it doesn't compare to the experience of seeing former students as successful teachers, performers, and musicians."

She later added: "Having taught Air Force accounting, French, language diction, and singing (including speech and voice disorders), I would like to expand my writing into educational issues."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Library Journal, April 1, 1999, Janet Brewer, review of The Professional Vocalist: A Handbook for Commercial Singers, p. 101.