|
Phoenix junior wins alto voice By DAMIAN MANN In a competition featuring 100 schools from throughout Oregon, Phoenix High School junior Michelle Cox took first place in alto voice last weekend. "It came as a bit of a surprise," said Michelle, who competed against 17 other students in her section at the 2002 Oregon State Activities Association U.S. Bank Solo State Championships. When she returned to school Monday, she was overwhelmed by congratulations from students and faculty. "It's as good as it gets," said her vocal music teacher Durene Putney. "When they take first at state, it's fantastic." The event, held at Southern Oregon University last weekend, featured 449 of the state's best music students competing in categories such as strings, voice, brass, percussion, piano and woodwinds. Other students from Jackson County who finished in the top three at the event include Philip Lopez of South Medford High School, who came in second for the French horn; and Heather Bolstad of Ashland, who came in third for alto saxophone. During the competition, Michelle sang Hugo Wolf's "Verborgenheit" and "Non so piu cosa son" by Mozart. Putney said both pieces require a great deal of technical skill to perform, particularly the Mozart aria. She says Michelle's success springs from the maturity of her voice. "It is very full, resonant and polished," said Putney. "She is a consummate music student." Michelle, who competed against students from Portland and Gresham, said a combination of factors contributed to her win - including the type of judges selected. "I worked really hard," she said. "I take voice lessons once a week and worked once a day for a minimum of an hour." The competition was particularly tough because Michelle was singing against Nicole Greenidge from Portland who came in first last year. Nicole placed third this year. Bethany Kirstein of Gresham placed second. Michelle plans to sing in Rogue Opera's performance of "Barber of Seville" and will try out for the all-state choir in the fall. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com |
|
Mail
Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc.
| Dow
Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy
| Contact
Us |
