McKendree University Hosts First-Ever Classical Solo Vocal Competition for Local High School Singers
(LEBANON, Ill., April 21, 2022) – Eleven high school singers from across Southern
Illinois and the St. Louis metro region participated in McKendree University’s first
Classical Solo Vocal Competition on Saturday, April 9 in Bothwell Chapel. Participants
sang two classical solo pieces and were adjudicated by Christine Brewer, distinguished
McKendree alumna and Grammy Award-winning soprano; Amy Prince, instructor of applied
voice at McKendree; and Dr. John McDonald, assistant professor of music education
and director of choirs at McKendree.
The winners of this year’s Classical Solo Vocal Competition are as follows:
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First place: Arielle Pedersen, Valley Park High School, Valley Park, Mo.
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Second place: Callie Barks, Father McGivney Catholic High School, Glen Carbon, Ill.
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Third place: Olivia Knopf, Triad High School, Troy, Ill.
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Honorable mention: Lars Gindler, Metro East Lutheran High School, Edwardsville, Ill.
The top three singers by score and one honorable mention participated in a master
class with Brewer and Prince that afternoon. The top three students performed on a
recital joined by Brewer, Prince and McKendree voice students Elizabeth Coady, Laura
Dismer and Samantha Elling. McKendree staff collaborative pianist, Jessica Anderson,
accompanied the competition, masterclass and recital.
-McK-
