Anderson One Seeking District's Best Singer

Anderson School District One held preliminary auditions for the 1st annual “Best Singer in the District” competition on Saturday, March 2 at Powdersville High School. Students from every school in Anderson One had the opportunity to audition for this competition and over 140 students showcased their talents. The winners from this audition will compete in a final competition on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at Powdersville High School.

Jane Harrison, district coordinator for this event, said, “I am amazed at the level of talent these students have in Anderson One. The judges had a very difficult time narrowing the finalist lists. This has been a great experience for our students and we want to showcase their talent. It will be a fun evening for all. We are expecting a sell out so get your tickets early at each local school office or the district office. All proceeds will be used to support the choral programs in our schools.“

The purpose of the Best Singer in the District competition is to identify, encourage, motivate, promote and reward vocal music development and excellence within South Carolina’s school districts while providing needed financial funds and support for our local school’s music departments.

High School Finalists:

Nia Anthony, Wren High

Griffin Binnicker, Wren High

Hayden Campbell, Wren High

Hope Johnson, Wren High

Luke Morales, Palmetto High

Devin Nix, Powdersville High

Shannon Simmons, Palmetto High

Sarah Wyatt, Wren High

1st Alternate: Maxeene Lidlow, Palmetto High

Middle School Finalists:

Alyson Ballard, Powdersville Middle

Emilee Batson, Wren Middle

Kelsey Crews, Wren Middle

Jessica Jennings, Wren Middle

Rory Lindsay, Powdersville Middle

Emily Shultz, Wren Middle    

Breonna Talley, Palmetto Middle

Jordan Thurman, Palmetto Middle 

1st Alternate: Julia Richey, Palmetto Middle

2nd Alternate: Savannah Bonds, Palmetto Middle

Elementary Finalists:

Kelsie Barrineau, Wren Elem

Jennifer Becerra, Powdersville Elem

Ally Cannon, Cedar Grove

McKenzie Dirton, Spearman Elem

Sarah-Emilee Dunn, Wren Elem

Addie English, West Pelzer Elem

Joesie Finley, Cedar Grove

Ellen King, Wren Elem

Olivia Knutson, Powdersville Elem

Makinlyn Shockley, West Pelzer Elem

Alternate: Reagan Hiller, Powdersville Elem

Three Divisional awards will be presented for each competition level/division:

• Elementary

• Middle School

In addition, one Overall Winner will be awarded a trophy and cash grand prize of $500.00! The overall winner will participate at the state level in April.

Judging: Judging is based on performance and showmanship and is graded on a scale from 1-10 based on these criteria. 

• Wardrobe

• Pitch

Additionally, special genre winners will also be named and will receive a trophy and special recognition at their individual school. Genres like Classical, Jazz, Pop, Country, R & B, Rap, Inspirational or other styles as determined by the judging panel.

Complete information regarding the “Best Singer in the District” competition can be found at http://www.bestsingerinthedistrict.com/index.html

Tickets for the March 28th competition are $10.00 each and can be purchased through the music department of any Anderson District One school. For any additional information, please contact Jane Harrison at 864-847-7344.