Eve Raphael, actress
2008 William Haralson Encouragement Award Recipient
"One of the main important things to me, I have encountered at WVS, is the feeling of being at home, and a part of a musical family. Mr. Wickham puts all his heart into his teaching and has goals for each student by getting to know them. From mental to physical work.

Direction is key at WVS. I walked into the studio at the age of 13, having no knowledge or clue about the instrument, singing, or where I want to get within 5 years from then.  Now I am 19, 6 years later and still a WVS student, I can say I have been put on the right direction/path, and now I know exactly what I want to do because of the hard work and care Patrick put into helping me find what I am passionate about, an AMAZING mentor... learned how to control every aspect of my voice. I gained the confidence you need to perform on a stage by many performance opportunities through WVS.  I auditioned every year for the William Haralson Scholarship Auditions, and after 4 years I have finally deserved and won a scholarship to study with WVS and studios affiliated with them, which was a goal of mine since day one at WVS.

I Listened to a recording of mine from my FIRST day in voice lessons, in comparison to a recording 5 years later, my eyes popped out I could not believe the difference, I didn’t believe that the recording was me, which also gave me the confidence I needed, cause I know I can go even further, With just one hour a week with Patrick!!!

The greatest experience I had at PCC was my first off- Broadway experience in a new musical “Bellevue Sketches,”... truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I met amazing and talented people that where dedicated and made rehearsals and performing fun (cast and crew).  The cast recording in a music studio was also a great opportunity, learning what you have to do in the professional world, and seeing if you have what it takes, the drive and strength you need for all that work and hours, I am very grateful for such an amazing mentor, writer and composer!"