The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

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March 14, 2010

Two Alpha Omega musicians advance to state competition

By Jay Ermis Managing Editor

HUNTSVILLE — Two Alpha Omega Academy musicians are advancing to the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools state solo and ensemble competition April 17 in Belton.

Junior Annie Knight will be making her second appearance at state. while senior Jessica Stem will be making her first.

They both earned Division I ratings at the TAPS regional solo and ensemble contest March 1 in Pasadena.

Knight and Stem were among six Alpha Omega musicians to enter the regional event where overall they earned two Division 1 ratings, three Division 2 ratings and one Division 3 rating — all in solo competition.

In 2009, Knight received a Division 1 rating in regional and Division 2 at state.

Also singing on the regional level were sophomores Michelle Mekeel, Suzy Partida, Audrey Davidson and senior Ashley Thompson.

Cynthia Cross, who is in her fourth year as music director at Alpha Omego, said Stem and Knight will each be performing Italian pieces.

Stem studies with voice teacher Mari Montgomery and Knights studies with Elisa West.

“I am very excited about going to state,” Stem said.

Knight echoed Stem’s comment.

“This is definitely coming into a different kind of competition,” Stem said. “It’s really neat and a different experience. It’s not necessarily competing against somebody else.

“It’s your singing for the judge and how the judge rates you. It’s not one against each other. It’s one for themselves.”

Knight said “I think it’s a great experience for all of us. Just to go to the regional meet and then for Jessica and myself going to state. It’s just grows us as people and learn to support each other.”

“We’re still preparing, I don’t think you can ever get too prepared,” Stem said.

“You can never be too prepared for anything,” Knight said.

“These girls are using their God-given talent to honor the Lord, first of all, and then they very well represent Alpha Omega,” Cross said.

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