Gray Bee Accepted to Julliard Pre-College Program

Since elementary school, UDI Felicia Abbass ’26 knew she wanted to attend The Juilliard School. The combination of her talent, ambition and support of St. Benedict’s Prep faculty earned the gifted vocalist a place in the Juilliard Pre-College program. The highly competitive program, which meets every Saturday from September to May, offers conservatory-style training to students 8-18 years old who demonstrate potential to pursue serious music study at the college level.  

Felicia’s singing career began in second grade when she was cast as Eponine in a school production of Les Miserables. She moved on to roles with a community theater company and at St. Benedict’s became involved in Drama Guild and chorus. Director of Theatre Patricia Flynn H’95 encouraged Felicia to apply to the Juilliard Pre-College program and music teacher Joshua Mauldin worked with the singer three to four times a week after school to help her prepare for the audition process and even accompanied her on the piano at the first audition.

The acceptance notice came in early June. Juilliard awarded Felicia generous financial aid and a St. Benedict’s alum is graciously picking up the balance. Ms. Flynn describes Felicia as a “complete professional,” adding, “she’ll be just fine at Juilliard.”