Jason Schachter McKinney of the class of 1996 was inducted into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame at Whitefish Bay High School in December 2024. As a freelance opera singer and featured soloist, Jason McKinney’s powerful voice has resonated across some of the nation’s most distinguished stages. He was even honored to perform the iconic title of Porgy in Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” at our very own Skylight Opera Theater.

His versatility and skill have made him a sought after soloist, inspiring audiences with every performance. Jason has sung many genres including medieval, baroque, classical, romantic, modern and postmodern. He has earned a reputation as a quick study, performing new opera roles even with very little notice.

International tours have brought him to Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Israel, England, Hungary, and Ireland, showcasing his dedication to fostering cultural connections through music.

Additionally, Jason is a composer, author, playwright and multi-instrument musician. His choice of opera and vocal technique have served him well in his chosen career.

Jason has said that his parents and teachers at WFB encouraged him to improve and showed him the doors to success. BUT it was band director Stan Luth who was a mentor and friend. Mr. Luth encouraged Jason to be true to himself, to listen and to understand others. Jason acknowledges he honed his musical talents, and performed in theater productions but that Stan Luth showed him what it means to be a “Character with Character “.