2012 Young Artists Vocal Competition Results

Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus announces
results of 60th Anniversary

Young Artists Vocal Competition

Saturday, October 13, 2012

As part of its 2012 celebration of 60 years of performing Handel’s musical masterpiece Messiah the Gulf Cost Messiah Chorus (GCMC) announces the winners in its inaugural Young Artists Vocal Competition held October 13 on the Jeff Davis campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Six young singers from the six coastal counties of Mississippi were awarded scholarships and solo appearances with the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus this fall season.

Ashley Fountain, mezzo-soprano, daughter of Albert and Denise Fountain of Biloxi and Jade Withington, soprano, daughter of Lorie Breland of Lucedale were both awarded scholarships of $400.00 to continue their vocal training.

Murakami Carpenter, soprano, daughter of Charles and Ann Carpenter of Saucier was awarded a solo appearance with the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus at their December 1st 60th Anniversary performance singing the aria “Come Unto Him.” Miss Carpenter also was awarded a $700.00 scholarship to further her musical education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jeff Davis campus.

Hank Hill, baritone, son of Bill and Carol Hill of Diamond Head was awarded a solo appearance at the same performance singing two solos; “Behold, darkness shall cover the earth” and “Thus saith the Lord.” Mr. Hill was awarded a $700.00 scholarship to provide continuing voice lessons and other opportunities for musical development.

Carter Collins, tenor, son of Joe and Becky Collins of Long Beach was awarded two solo appearances with the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus on December 1st and 2nd singing the solos “Come unto Him” and “Every valley shall be exalted.” Mr. Collins was awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship to further his musical education at Mississippi College where he is a Music Education major.

Brandy Cramer, mezzo-soprano, daughter of Robin Allen of Gulfport was awarded a solo appearance on December 1st singing four solos; “Behold, a virgin shall conceive,” “O thou that tellest good tidings,” “Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,” and “He shall feed His flock.”

Miss Cramer was awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship to further her music education at William Carey University in Hattiesburg where she is a Voice Performance major.

Assisting the young singers in the competition was Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus accompanist Guy Bowering of Long Beach. The panel of judges were Tara Rhodes, Music Teacher at East Hancock Elementary School and GCMC soloist; Carol Mahler, GCMC Board Member and soloist, and current President of the Gulf Coast Music Teachers Association; Yvonne Young McGrath, private voice teacher, GCMC soloist and past President of the GCMTA; and Dr. Paul McGahie, Music Director and Conductor of the Messiah Chorus. A special performance of Handel’s Pastoral Symphony was performed by Wesley Newton, violinist with the GCMC and Guy Bowering, Messiah Chorus accompanist. The entire YAVC project was chaired by Donna Snell, a soloist with the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus.

Funding for the YAVC scholarships was provided through donations to the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus to help young musical artists advance their vocal education.

2012 YAVC Scholarship Winners

(l to r): Murakami Carpenter, Jade Withington, Brandy Cramer, Hank Hill, Ashley Fountain, Carter Collins

Murakami Carpenter, Soprano soloist and $700 YAVC Scholarship winner	Guy Bowering, GCMC accompanist at YAVC
Ashley Fountain, $400 YAVC Scholarship winner	Tenor soloist, Carter Collins, $1000 YAVC Scholarship winner
Bass soloist, Hank Hill, $700 YAVC Scholarship winner	Jade Withington, $400 YAVC Scholarship winner
Alto soloist, Brandy Cramer, $1000 YAVC Scholarship winner	Violinist, Wesley Newton, playing for the Young Artists Vocal Competition