Downriver vocal students earn numerous awards

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

Downriver vocalists brought home armloads of trophies from the Michigan Music Association competition earlier this year in Grand Rapids.

Competing by age in divisions ranging from classical to pop and jazz, the vocalists, ages 7 to 17, are the students of voice teacher Jami Krause, who holds private lessons from a studio at the Downriver Council for the Arts in Wyandotte.

“It was our best year,” said Krause. “They competed well and were so supportive of each other throughout their competitions; it was awesome.”

A graduate of Eastern Michigan

University in vocal music, Krause has annually taken her students to the MMA contest, which offers an outlet for artistic talent and the chance to gain experience and confidence in developing musical abilities.

While her older students have been cast in their high school musicals, her younger students don’t always have the same avenues to showcase their talents. At the MMA contest, they are exposed to the talent of their peers from across the state.

At the end of April, Krause and her students will be attending the American Guild of Music’s 46th annual Great Lakes Regional Contest in Romulus.

It will be a busy weekend for Krause, who is the vocal director for Trenton

High School’s production of “Freaky Friday” being staged the same weekend.

Closer to home, Krause has connected with local arts organizations on behalf of her students to broaden their experiences. She said she finds the Downriver arts community to be very welcoming, supportive of each other, and interested in nurturing the budding talent within the region.

Krause will showcase her students June 10 during a student recital at the Trenton Village Theatre. It is open to the public.

FROM WYANDOTTE:

Aurora Fischer, 16, who recently appeared as Wednesday Addams in Roosevelt High School’s production of

“The Addams Family” musical.

Second Place Jazz category for Open Championship

First Place Classical

Addison Sauve, 14

Second Place Jazz

Erin Burgess, 16

First Place Inspirational

Third Place Pop

Third Place Classical

FROM GROSSE ILE: Evelyn Howes, 13

First Place Broadway and Inspirational

What’s happening Wyandotte ...

CRAFTERS WELCOME

Crafters meet every Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. in the social hall of St. Cyprian Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview. We knit, crochet and sew a variety of items such as hats and scarves for all ages, baby items, lap blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, dishcloths, and adult bibs just to name a few to donate to local groups who support those in need such at our veterans, soup kitchen clients, a local hospice and the homeless.

AMERICAN FLAG DISPOSAL

Heart to Heart Hospice of Southgate is a local site for American Flag disposal. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Heart to Heart will allow the general public to bring their tired and worn American flags to our Southgate office. The office is located at 1 Heritage Place, Suite 107, Southgate,in the Real Estate One building. For more information, call 734-282-0209.

AAUW SCHOLARSHIPS

The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net.