StM News

Christina Vial Comer ’91

• Attended 8th - 12th Grade
• Voted “Friendliest” her Senior Year
• Mother of Mary Alice ‘27, Brittan ‘28, and Vivienne ‘30
• University of the South, BA 
• San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Masters of Music

In March, Christina Vial Comer, of the Class of 1991, stepped into the role of Musical Director for this spring's rendition of "Music Man, Jr." Yet, her storied journey in performance traces far back to her 8th-grade debut in Pirates of Penzance at St. Martin's.  Following her passion, Christina ventured to the University of the South for her undergraduate studies, then further refined her artistry with a master's of music and postgraduate diploma in operatic performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.  Christina is a lyric soprano who has performed numerous operatic roles such as  Susanna in "Le Nozze di Figaro" and  Musetta in "La Boheme." She has also been a featured soloist in the great oratorio works of Handel’s "Messiah" at San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall and in masterpieces like  Mozart's "Requiem." Now, as the Choir Director for the Middle and Upper Schools since the fall of 2022, she shapes the voices of not just her three children who attend St. Martin's but also those of her nieces, nephews, and numerous students, continuing a family legacy intertwined with the school's musical tradition.

Talk about some of your favorite classes and teachers from your time at St. Martin’s:

Eileen Beckman really left a mark on me.  College was of course challenging, but not in my English courses, and I credit that to her!  I'll never forget Senior Leadership Day when I got to teach 8th-grade English about Romeo and Juliet," stepping into her role for a bit. The course that was a life changer for me at StM was  the Humanities class taught by a team of upper school teachers.  This course really opened my eyes to how music, literature, history, philosophy  and art are all connected and are a reflection of the politics and culture of their  time.  Dr. Mooney, one of the Humanities teachers also played a big part, by pushing me towards Sewanee and seeing a future for me in music before I saw it myself, telling me I was at my best when singing. And I can't forget Pedro Perez, Dr. Rosenbaum, and Dr. Aguilar. 

Were you a student in the performing arts? 

Music was always a big part of my life growing up. We all took piano lessons and I played trumpet throughout elementary and middle school.  However, it wasn’t until my first year at St. Martin’s in 8th grade where I got one of the lead roles in the musical that I learned I could sing.  It kicked off my deep dive into performing arts at St. Martin’s. I ended up being in choir and pretty much every musical the school put on, and participated yearly in All State Honor choir.

What attracted you to Sewanee, and what did you pursue there? 

Growing up on 48 acres in Luling, I've always loved being outside, something that St. Martin's really encouraged with its Outdoor Education program. We'd go canoeing, hiking or rock climbing monthly and even spent a whole month hiking in California. Sewanee is an Episcopal University with a campus of 10,000 acres, so between the outdoorsy feel of the campus and my family's  Episcopal faith, it seemed the perfect fit. I began Sewanee as a premed student following in the footsteps of many of my family members, but by my second year of college, I realized my heart was in music.  

What brought you back to StM? Why St. Martin’s?

St. Martin's always felt like home to me, and I wanted my children to grow up being challenged in the same nurturing, academic environment that I had as a student.  Also being a life long Episcopalian, it's really special to keep living out that tradition here at my old school, now leading the choir. It's like everything's come full circle.

Talk about your role as music director working with the cast of “The Music Man, Jr.,” as well as the MS/US Choir:

Opera has been my focus for the past thirty years, but I’ve always loved classic musical theater so I was  really excited to dive into the musical intricacies of The Music Man, Jr. with the students.  It was also incredibly fulfilling to  challenge some of the Upper School boys  by adding the barber shop quartet piece, Lida Rose as our show opener. We all worked countless hours on a very successful production and as a result I was able to spend many  afternoons with my family,  my students as well as collaborate with our incredibly talented theater director, Lynne Bordelone.

I’m proud to say the Middle and Upper school choirs have been blossoming the past two years.  The kids are not only singing incredibly well but they’re learning lifelong skills.  In choir, it's not just about singing. I teach them how to breathe properly to support the sound, project their voices, as well as sing in multiple languages.  They’re learning  to speak up, stand tall, and own their space, which boosts their confidence.  We even opened for The Rockettes in New York City last November, and now we're prepping for a big recital in May. 

I love introducing  students to really great music—the kind of choral music I've been singing for years. There's nothing like seeing their faces light up when everything comes together—the harmony, the melody, the perfect blend.   And when they get it, they really get it!!   Discovering those who didn't even think they could sing and helping them find their voice is the best part. It's such a joy to uncover that talent. What an incredible gift to give and receive!
 

What has been special about the StM experience as a parent?

There's a real sweetness to being back at my old school, especially watching my kids sing the same songs I did, including our alma mater and all the chapel songs we learned at St. Martin's. As a parent, I really value how the school blends a strong focus on academics with a solid foundation in faith. St. Martin's is deliberate about teaching kindness and compassion, right alongside aiming for high academic standards. They work to develop students who are not only smart but also caring and well-rounded. You're encouraged to do your best, but in a way that doesn't make you forget what's really important. Success here isn't just about grades; it's about growing both emotionally and intellectually and with a little help from me, musically.