Hitting all the right notes
Local teen to sing in national choral group
BY CAITLIN GIDDENS Contributing reporter

Clearing his throat, WHS junior Heath Mayo prepares for the national gala concert at the Oregon Bach Festival. Stepping in front of the audience of 30,000, Mayo puts on his best showtime smile and hits the first note.

After making second chair at the All-State choir meet, Mayo submitted an application and audition tape for the Strangeland Family Youth Choral Academy held June 29 to July 15 in Eugene, Ore. He was then selected among 84 other high school singers across the country. "I was shocked when I checked the website and saw my name posted," Mayo said. "I just sent my tape in for my audition and then a month later we found out I was selected. I think I was the only person chosen from Texas."

Academy members spend 10 intensive days in workshops and rehearsals to prepare for the gala concert at the Oregon Bach Festival. The choir is conducted by Anton Armstrong, internationally regarded for his inspirational work with young singers.

"I'm a little nervous because we have to perform 10 or 12 pieces in front of him and the audience," Mayo said. "I'm just glad that I'll be with 84 other people when I perform."

The Oregon Bach Festival is one of the most acclaimed music festivals in the country, with a catalogue of 10 CD recordings, a Grammy award, and coverage from Newsweek, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and many other media outlets.

"School choir really has prepared me for this," Mayo said. "Amy McMichael taught me a lot this year. Choir has been fun, and I would definitely recommend the elective to any student who has room in his schedule."

Despite the festival's acclaim and the choir's well-regarded conductor, Mayo is most nervous about transportation.

"I can't wait to get to Oregon," he said. "I'm excited because I'm flying solo. I just hope I don't get stuck at the LAX connection."