A new voice is coming to the ISU music program. Simon Estes, a world-renowned opera singer and Iowa native, was appointed a faculty member of the ISU Music Department Tuesday. “Mr. Estes is a very distinguished artist in the musical world,” said Sue Haug, associate professor and chairwoman of music. “The fact that he chose to come to Iowa State is very exciting for us.” Estes will be at Iowa State for 10 weeks throughout the year in a newly created position. “He will be teaching voice, helping with special music projects, working with music-theater students and the opera studio, and expanding opera here,” Haug said. Estes also will get involved with Ames community school students from kindergarten through 12th grade to generate interest in music. Peter Rabideau, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said the music department is hoping to open a school of music and theater. “We want to launch a campaign to establish an endowment for a school of music and theater,” Rabideau said. “Estes promises to help us out with that project.” Estes has much international knowledge to bring to Iowa State, having sung at opera houses throughout Europe and performed in more than 100 opera roles. Estes is the only black opera star who has had lead roles in major productions. “There is no finer influence on young musicians than Mr. Estes,” Haug said. “He is a very kind and generous man; truly one of a kind.” Estes was first brought to Iowa State by former President Martin Jischke as part of a project to support the arts. Last year Estes was here for a short time as an artist in residence. “The music department realized how much students benefited from Mr. Estes’ being here,” Haug said. “He seemed interested, and we worked it out that he could be here for 10 weeks a year.” One of the goals for Iowa State is to have the best faculty teaching here, and Rabideau said he feels Estes qualifies. “His life is a remarkable story,” Rabideau said. “Someone with that level of accomplishment is great for Iowa State and the students here.” Estes is currently singing in Los Angeles through September with opera star Placido Domingo, but will arrive in Ames in late September. In November, Estes will join the music faculty in a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.