Operatic Performance From Luling Youth Sails to Top of Farm Bureau Talent Contest

Brittany Schaubhut, 19, from Luling, sings her way to victory in the Senior Talent Contest at the 94th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans.  Shaubhut said she wants to either be a performer or music educator. 

STORY BY Amy Robertson

A piece from the comedic opera, Pirates of Penzance, wowed the judges and the audience alike at this year's Senior Talent Competition at the 94th Annual Convention of the Louisiana Farm Bureau.

For Brittany Schaubhut, this year's winner, it was more about ghrd work, dedication, love for music and a lot of heart.  

“Music is one of the most beautiful things in life and can be something really spectacular,” said Brittany after her big win Saturday night. A passion for opera is what drove her song selection for the competition. 

Schaubhut, 19, is from Luling in St. Charles Parish and is studying vocal performance at Loyola University.  She competed with 11 other contestants during the convention.  

Singing in earnest started at the age of 13 for Schaubhut. She said her interest in singing stems from her fantastic music educators. 

“I had some amazing music teachers who believed in me, invested in me and they pushed me to be better,” Schaubhut said. 

Shaubhut said she practices between two to three hours a day. 

“All her hard work has paid off,” said Luke Schaubhut, he father. 

Brittany’s mom, Gwen agreed.

“We are so incredibly proud of her,” Gwen Shaubhut said.  “She gets her musical talent from her dad.”

Shaubhut's parents have supported her desire to grow in her musical abilities from the very beginning. 

“I’d love to have a career performing music but, I’d also love to become a music educator as well,” Shaubhut said. “My music teachers encouraged me to pursue my dreams.” 

Shaubhut did have some words of wisdom for other students of music and future Talent Contest competitors who want to grow in their artistic abilities. 

“Don’t let anyone discourage you,” she said.  “Work hard and take every opportunity, you will be surprised how far you go.”