Florence Birdwell

Florence Gillam Birdwell (September 3, 1924 – February 15, 2021), sometimes referred to as Flo Birdwell, was an American educator, musician, and singer. She taught musical theater and opera singing for more than six decades. She served as a professor of voice at the Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University from 1946 to 2013, and afterwards periodically teaching master classes as a professor emerita.

In 2024, the National Association of Teachers of Singers honored Birdwell's career and contributions by naming the first prize of its annual National Musical Theatre Competition "The Florence Birdwell Award." The competition, held in New York City and featuring O'Hara as honorary host, took place on Jan. 8, 2024. Life and career

Born Florence Gillam Hobin in Douglas, Arizona, Birdwell was the daughter of Warner and Grace (Gillam) Hobin.

Upon her death in 2021 at the age of 96, The New York Times noted that during her 67 years as an OCU faculty member, she established "herself as a dramatic, no-nonsense mentor. She helped aspiring musical theater and opera singers unlock the mysteries of captivating an audience, but she could also make her students weep with her candid feedback on their progress."

Birdwell received the state's highest arts honor, the Governor's Arts Award in 1985 from Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. In 1990, OCU established the Florence Birdwell Vocal Scholarship Fund in her honor. In 2004, she was recognized as a Member Laureate of Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women. In March 2007, Starry Night, a musical tribute to her lengthy teaching career, was held as a fundraising event to fund an endowed chair in Birdwell's name at the university.

Birdwell's students have included Kristin Chenoweth, Kelli O'Hara,

The Times' feature concluded with Birdwell sharing her philosophy on the importance of being tough on students preparing for a career as a performer. "Mrs. Birdwell has had people run from her classes, weeping hysterically, never to return. 'That’s life,' she said. 'If they can’t take the criticism they’ve asked for — then don’t come.'Also, she said, not everyone is cut out to be performer. 'There are other fields,' Mrs. Birdwell said. 'With one girl I said, "Go to cooking school," ' she recalled. 'And therapy! Everybody should go to therapy.'”