Voice Teacher to the Stars: Florence Birdwell Visits Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O'Hara

www.okcu.edu/tonys
www.okcu.edu/music
Oklahoma City University alumnae Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara are both nominated for a Tony Award this year as best actress in a musical. The pair has something in common more than OCU - the legendary vocal professor Florence Birdwell. It’s a story that began in 1946 when Birdwell began her 67-year teaching career at the performing arts powerhouse Oklahoma City University.
Florence recently visited her former students in NYC to celebrate their nominations ahead of the Tony Awards June 7th.

[@nalex1997]

We need more teachers like her in every profession. Seeing the love and passion for teaching in her eyes is so inspiring.

[@SonjaBlade13]

I have the great honor of taking care of her. Definitely my favorite resident.

[@marieschatzl867]

Rest in Paradise Miss Birdwell! ✨

[@aprilpiscos0418]

She's definitely the Voice Teacher to the Stars! No doubt.

[@alexthrill1386]

R.I.P Florence Birdwell

[@kennethwayne6857]

So sad to hear that.

[@samlichtenstein2754]

Kristen Chenoweth was last year's Christmas Concert guest, and now Kelli has just been announced to be the guest artist for this year's Christmas Concert in Salt Lake City.

[@happyexpat3744]

What an amazing spirit! 90 years old in this video which I just found out as Ms. Birdwell passed away at 96 years old, in 2021. What a contribution she has made and continues to make, even in death, to the stage. Man, If I make it to 90, which I shall not, I hope to be as spirited and outrageous as she was...! Bless ya, Ms. Birdwell!

[@carlerle787]

What a joy to be teacher of music.

[@manonowen1398]

Aww. At 4:41. Bless her. 💗💗

[@oklahomacityuniversity]

Congratulations to alumna #kelliohara for winning “Leading Actress in a Musical”! #TonyAwards #musicals #florencebirdwell Here's her voice and life teacher Florence Birdwell who taught at OCU for 67 years visiting her in #NYC. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn7Te3SteqynjrM

[@oklahomacityuniversity]

Oklahoma City University alumnae #KristinChenoweth and #kelliohara are both nominated for the #tonyawards this year as best actress in a musical. The pair has something in common more than OCU - the legendary vocal professor Florence Birdwell. It’s a story that began in 1946 when Birdwell began her 67-year teaching career at the performing arts powerhouse Oklahoma City University. Florence recently visited them in NYC at their shows.

[@aprilpiscos0418]

the great Florence Birdwell.

[@akhilat.3323]

Wow, thank you for allowing us to learn about such a teacher...!

[@PrettyDamnBlondez]

What an amazing artistic teacher

[@shaunpattinson1621]

What a tremendous human being.

[@ErinHerrick1]

Anyone know if the footage of the masterclass will be released on youtube or elsewhere? Thanks! :)

[@thomasdellamonica]

Does anyone know what the piece of text she’s reciting at the end is from? Please and thank you!

[@cameronwilliams2190]

She looks like the White Della Reese to me for some reason man...

[@MA-jl1lg]

D

[@lynnmiller3937]

Jesus! These kids would have been good anyway!