Daina Robinson has had a passion for singing for almost as long as she has been alive. She was humming before she ever learned to speak, and she says she considers music a God-given gift. While she is an international studies major, she minors in music and will be the soprano soloist for Beethoven's Mass in C at the School of Music’s Feb. 5 concert.

“To me, singing is kind of like speaking,” Robinson said. “The faculty here has been so supportive of my passion. They love what they do, and it’s contagious.”

It was an adjustment for her to begin participating in Ohio State’s rigorous music program, but she says she has had the opportunity to work with some incredible faculty. She says she is grateful to Professor Loretta Robinson (area head for Voice), Associate Professor Robert Ward (director of choral studies) and Professor Scott McCoy (voice and pedagogy) for their holistic musicianship, and she says she is especially thankful to Associate Professor Kristina Caswell MacMullen (assistant director of choral studies), who has been very supportive of her.

Robinson enjoys the freedom her music minor gives her to pursue singing while majoring in international studies with a pre-law focus. The School of Music welcomes many students to its choirs, orchestras, and symphonies who are non-majors. In fact, hundreds of non-music majors are involved in the School of Music’s ensembles and academic courses.

“The School of Music is very inclusive. Major, non-major, it doesn’t matter,” Robinson said, “I’ve always felt like there’s a place for me in classes and performances.”

She is looking forward to performing in the Feb. 5 concert as one in the quartet of singers for the Beethoven mass. 

While most comfortable singing classical music, Robinson likes to dabble in every genre. She believes that the rigor and technicality of classical music makes it easier to master other styles.

“I see beauty in every type of music. I have fun with whatever I’m singing, whether it’s a solo in a performance or just doing karaoke with my friends,” Robinson said.

Though Robinson plans to practice law in the future, singing is something she wants to continue, be it singing in church, doing oratorial performances or sponsoring the arts in her community.

Robinson will perform her solo on Feb. 5 in Weigel Auditorium when the Ohio State Symphony Orchestra and choirs present two masterworks in the choral/orchestral repertoire at 8 p.m. Assistant Professor Katherine Rohrer will join the Men’s Glee Club for Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody based on a text by Goethe, conducted by Robert Ward; the Symphonic Choir, Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and the orchestra will present Beethoven’s Mass in C, conducted by Marshall Haddock. First performed in 1807, op. 86 is one of two settings of the Beethoven mass and will feature student vocalists Daina Robinson, soprano; Lianna Wimberly Williams, mezzo-soprano; Mark Thress, tenor; and Jeff MacMullen, bass. Ensemble directors: Robert J. Ward, Kristina MacMullen, Scott McCoy; Marshall Haddock. This concert is free and open to the public.

Visit the School of Music for more information.

Photos courtesy of Anna Oberla, undergraduate student

By Tatiana Tomley, ASC Communications student