News : Simon Estes shares his story with VSHS students

Simon Estes did not grow up dreaming of being one of the most renowned opera singers in the entire world. He never even heard opera music until he went to college. Estes, who will perform a concert Saturday evening at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School auditorium, shared his story with the Vinton-Shellsburg High School student body Thursday afternoon. From the time he was in junior high school, Estes was known for his incredible voice. The high school choir director in Centerville asked him to sing with the high school choir when he was still in junior high. But still, Estes never dreamed of a singing career until a college teacher at the University of Iowa suggested he go to Jilliard's School of Music in New York City. As soon as leaders there heard him sing, they offered Estes a full scholarship. Up until that time, Estes had worked his way through college. "I wasn't smart enough to be nervous about that audition," Estes told the students. To him, he said, it was just another performance. But that teacher at Iowa had seen the potential for a professional career in Estes' future. "He told me that when that happens -- not if it happens -- to always remember to stay humble," Estes told the students. Estes, who is 72, began his professional career in 1965. The following year, he sang at the first International competition in Russia, earning the Bronze Medal. Throughout the year, he has performed for several U.S. Presidents, and for the Kings, Queens and other leaders of many nations throughout the globe. "I've been to every continent but Antartica," he told the students. "The penguins have not invited me to come sing for them yet." Estes told the students that success requires several things. "You have to have faith," he said. He told the students that he has read the Bible through many times with his wife. "I thank God for the gifts he has given me," he said. "All I want to do with my life is to do His wil and help others." The book of Proverbs, he told the students, speaks about the importance of a good education. He told them to nourish their bodies, minds and souls. He also encouraged the students to have faith in themselves, and their potential. "You never know where life is going to take you," said Simon. "I never dreamed as a kid in Centerville that I would be singing for Kings and Queens all over the world. I never dreamed that I would get farther east than Chicago." Estes also told the students that he learned the value of hard work from a janitor at his Centerville junior high school. "He took pride in his work. I learned my work ethic from that janitor," he said. Estes also told the students to maintain their simplicity and humility, no matter what happens to them. "I'm still simple Simon," he said. "I just want to keep doing what I am doing as long as I can." Estes told the audience that with good care, a singer can continue singing into his 80s. "I am 72, almost 73," he said. "But at that age, you are already living on borrowed time." Student questions Estes had time to answer questions from the students. One student asked how being involved in both sports and music can help a person. Estes replied that being involved in sports -- although he said he was not very good -- helped him stay healthy and improve his lung capacity, something that is very important for singers. Later, while addressing the choir, Estes noted that there are many more females than males in the choir. He told the guys in the choir to tell other students that they can indeed play footbal and still sing in a choir. Another student asked if it was difficult for someone from Iowa to sing opera. Estes replied that yes, there are very few places in Iowa where operas are performed. There are many "opera houses" in Iowa, but very few places in the state have had actual opera performances. Estes said he had never even heard of opera until that college teacher told him he had the kind of voice that would be very good for opera. The teacher gave him a stack of vinyl LP records. Estes took them home and listened. "I came back and told him I like it," he told the students. Another student asked, "Will you sing for us?" Estes then sang for them "God Bless America." He told them that it is important to warm up before singing. He also said that talking is one of the worst things a singer can do. He said he will not talk at all the day of his singing performances.