Simon Estes shares his story with HS Choir

By Dean Close · 11:46am October 29th, 2010

VINTON, IA — 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
Juilliard’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.