2010 / 2011 Upscale Singers
Scholarship Profiles
Keri Orcutt. 1st Place …
an 8th grader at Explorer Middle School  …  member of school choirs, church choir, and the Phoenix Children’s Choir …  has performed with the Desert Foothills Theater, Gecko Teatro, Desert Stages, Homestead Playhouse, and Upscale Singers …  her all time favorite musical moment was singing the solo in “Defying Gravity” in a beautiful symphony hall in Shanghai, China on the PCC tour this summer
Jr. High Division

The Upscale singers are proud to award music scholarships to local students in an annual competition. This fall, over 40 students participated in the auditions, and ten junior and senior high students received over $3000. The moneys go directly to the vocal music teacher of the winner’s choice.

Taylor Ellsworth, 2nd Place ...
an 8th grader at Anthem Elementary ... Has performed with both the Starlight Community Theater and Musical Theater of Anthem ... Likes to swim and play soccer ... Is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and Student Council President at her school ... When Taylor was in 3rd grade she recorded “Where Are You Christmas” and two other songs.  Says Taylor: Even though I was young and a little off pitch, it is an experience I will always remember ! ... Received a nomination for the National Youth Theatre awards as an outstanding actress in a musical for 13 and under as Clarissa in MTA’s production of “Little Women”

Ali Flayton, 3rd Place ...
an 8th grader at Sonoran Trails … loves performing in plays ... also enjoys tumbling and being a cheerleader … in her school’s select choir with Darlene Duffy

Maddie Lopez, 4th Place …
an 8th grader at Anthem Elementary … in her school choir, plus many performances with the MTA (Musical Theatre of Anthem) …  received a nomination for the National Youth Theatre awards as an outstanding actress in a musical for 13 and under as the Lion in MTA’s production of The Wizard of Oz

Peyton Wayne, 5th Place ...
an 8th grader at Diamond Canyon Elementary School …  played the lead role of Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls Junior  at the Starlight Community Theatre …  has sung in school choirs, her church choir, the State Honor Choir, the MTA, and the Upscale Kids … received a nomination for the National Youth Theatre awards as an outstanding actress in a musical for 13 and under as the Scarecrow in  MTA’s production The Wizard of Oz
Rebecca Bauer, Honorable Mention  …  
 an 8th grader at Sonoran Trails Middle School …  in the choir and select choir with Darlene Duffy, and the junior high ministry band at North Ridge Community church …  has performed with the Desert Foothills Theater, Teatro Gecko and the Greasepaint Youth Theatre … a member of National Junior Honor Society and a cheerleader …
Nicole Lambert, Honorable Mention …  
 an 8th grader at Sonoran Trails Middle School …  sings with the choir and plays the viola …  enjoys writing her own songs …  looks forward to publishing her own book and making a music album …
Lauren Sturgeon, Honorable Mention …
an 8th grader at Norterra Canyon … favorite musical memory was going to see the musical Cats with her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother …Working on writing a fictional book that she hopes to publish …
Abby Walker, Honorable Mention  …
an 8th grader at Foothills Academy … sings in a rock band club and a worship team …  her favorite musical memory was the time she sang the National Anthem at Cardinal Stadium for a regional gymnastics competition …