Boardman graduate sings for Obama

By Harold Gwin

Christopher Hutton sang the National Anthem before the president’s address last night.

YOUNGSTOWN — Christopher Hutton of Boardman was honored when he learned of his selection to sing both the National Anthem and the school’s alma mater at Arizona State University’s commencement Wednesday night.

As a baritone who has sung with opera troupes around the country for years, Hutton said he’s always experienced some “positive anxiety” before a performance.

“You use it as adrenalin,” he said.

But when he found out that he would be singing before an estimated 70,000 people in Sun Devil Stadium, and that President Barack Obama would deliver the commencement address, the pressure level rose dramatically.

“That’s when I was nervous,” Hutton said.

He recalled that he was sitting in the campus library translating an opera when he got a text message from friends telling him he would be singing for the president.

He thought they were referring to the president of the university and texted back that, sure, the president of the university would be there.

“No,” came the reply, with an explanation that he would be singing for President Obama.

“It’s just an honor,” said the 1988 Boardman High School graduate, pointing out that he was selected by the voice faculty at ASU to sing at commencement before it was known that the President would come to speak.

Commencement usually takes place in the Wells Fargo Arena on campus, but, with President Obama coming, the event was moved to Sun Devil Stadium where a crowd of about 70,000 was expected.

It was by far the largest group before which Hutton has performed, he said, noting that his previous largest audience was in the 3,500 range.

Two very proud Boardman residents were among the crowd. His parents, Richard and Carol Hutton, made the trip to witness their son receive his master’s degree in voice performance and pedagogy (the study of the mechanics of singing).

Hutton earned a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music in 1997, studying with Professor Allan Mosher.

Following graduation, he did some young artist programs and performed with various opera companies, including the Florida Grand Opera, Opera Cleveland and the Boston Lyric Opera.

He’s been singing professionally for 10 years and would like to teach in college, which would require him to earn a doctorate, he said.

He plans to enroll in a doctorate program at ASU this fall, but will take some time this summer to play the role of Silvio in the opera, “I Pagliacci,” with the Sugar Creek Symphony & Song in Watseka, Ill.

During the past two years at ASU, he’s been a teaching assistant in voice and will become a teaching assistant for opera while working on his doctorate.

It’s really an honor to be chosen to sing for your school, and the fact that President Obama would be at the ceremony just adds to that honor, Hutton said.

“I’m beyond ecstatic for this opportunity,” he said.

gwin@vindy.com