TAPA Student Wins Second Place in Regional Vocal Competition

Congratulations to Isabel Calvo for earning second place and a $2,000 prize at the regional Schmidt Vocal Competition! Isabel is a year four vocal performance student in Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s Talon Academy of Performing Arts and a member of the school’s elite vocal ensemble, Aquila Cantorum.

The regional competition, hosted by Schmidt Vocal Arts, brought together forty singers from across the Southwest United States. Isabel’s outstanding performance secured her a spot in the national competition, which will take place May 29–31, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida. There, she will join eleven other top vocalists representing the Western United States.

The Santa Margarita community celebrates Isabel’s achievement and looks forward to supporting her as she continues to share her incredible talent on the national stage.

For more information about the Talon Academy of Performing Arts, click here.

About Schmidt Vocal Arts

Schmidt Vocal Arts offers opportunities for young singers nationwide to develop their artistry while competing for over $650,000 in cash awards and scholarships annually. Their programs include:

• National vocal competitions for high school and college singers
• Need-based college scholarships
• Master classes with renowned artists
• Expert feedback and career guidance
• A strong network of alumni and educators
• Digital and in-person learning opportunities
• Partnerships with universities and music institutions

Founded in 1992 by William E. Schmidt and his family, the William E. Schmidt Foundation was created to nurture the next generation of classical singers. This vision led to the establishment of Schmidt Vocal Arts and its suite of programs, the Schmidt Vocal Competition, Schmidt Vocal Institute, Schmidt Vocal Education and multiple scholarship opportunities, designed to inspire and support young vocalists nationwide.