June 9, 2026- Students in the eighth-grade chorus classes at Intermediate East received a special surprise yesterday when they learned that one of their own staff members, paraprofessional Tammy Tyburczy, previously enjoyed a successful international career as a professional opera singer.

Now in her first year at Int. East, Tyburczy visited chorus classes to share her musical journey, perform for students, and discuss the dedication and training required to become a professional vocalist. Many students were surprised to discover that the familiar staff member they see each day once performed on stages throughout the United States and Europe. Her operatic bonafides became abundantly clear as she sang for classes, accompanied by Dr. Josh Melson on piano:

Tyburczy earned a Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School in 2000 and later completed a master’s degree at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in 2004. During her professional career, she performed leading operatic roles including Musetta in La bohème, Pamina in The Magic Flute, and Teofane in Handel’s Ottone rè di Germania in Karlsruhe, Germany. She also appeared at renowned venues and festivals including the Aspen Music Festival and Ravinia Festival.

From 2007 through 2011, Tyburczy performed the soprano solo in The Lord of the Rings Symphony with major orchestras across the United States and Europe, including performances with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in Germany. Her career also included appearances with the Pittsburgh Opera, San Francisco Opera’s Western Opera Theater tour, and The Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to hear Tyburczy perform and ask questions about her educational background, professional experiences, and international travels. She emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning in pursuing any career goal.

A hidden talent no longer, Tyburczy wowed yet another audience yesterday, and certainly inspired many Rocket eighth graders.

"This experience provided students with a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning to the real-world while highlighting the remarkable talents and accomplishments that exist within the Intermediate East school community," said Melson.