Meet a talented singer – and learn more about this fascinating program, now in its fourth year …
2010 Portland Teen Idol finalists mingle with friends, during intermission at the Parkrose High School Theater.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The grand finale for “2010 Portland Teen Idol”, a program of Portland Parks & Recreation, took place onstage at the Parkrose High School Theater on Thursday, July 1.
Madalyn Bach, director of the Portland Teen Idol program, told us backstage during intermission that this competition, now in its fourth year, began its preliminary city-wide rounds in February.
Audience members enthusiastically cheer on their favorite Portland Teen Idol.
Portland Teen Idol judges Loomis Hendrix and Loretta Stites listen intently, as contestants perform.
The finals included a ballad and an upbeat song performed by each finalist, as well as performances by judges Loretta Stites and Loomis Hendrix.
“We started off with about a hundred kids,” Bach said, “and we ended up with 12 finalists.”
The best thing about the program, Bach smiled, was encouraging music education for Portland’s young people. “Another thing is watching them, as they form a sense of community and camaraderie with one another. It’s great to see them backstage, supporting one another, and learning and growing using music as a common language. This is really amazing.”
Portland Teen Idol finalists gather on stage, as the judges get ready to announce the winners.
But, it wasn’t all over for the 12 finalists when the winner was selected, Bach said.
“They’ll go on performing at the Portland Parks & Recreation Concerts in the Park series,” Bach noted. “We offer our finalists workshops and professional mentorship – from myself, and some of the professionals who work with them.”
The Portland Teen Idol finalist from Parkrose High, Alexandria Hall, sings Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” during the competition.
Parkrose gal places in competition
Parkrose High student Alexandria Hall was named the fourth runner up in this year’s competition.
“I will be a senior next year,” Hall told us. “I’ve sung with the Debonairs, Treble Choir, and A Cappella Choir. Ms. [Lesley] Bossert has really helped me improve my singing; most definitely!”
About the competition, Hall said, “It gives me a really, really fulfilling kind of feeling. All of these competitors are so great. They’re so full of support, and these are just such amazing people to be around. I love it. I do look forward to performing with them during the summer.”
Madalyn Bach, director of the Portland Teen Idol competition, stands with Parkrose High student Alexandria Hall, as she’s named the fourth runner up.
© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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