The West Valley Chorale, under the direction of Ken Goodenberger, announces the winners of its fifth annual Young Singers Competition.

There are two first-place winners, Leilani Miranda and Maximilien Fargas, and the second-place winner is Brianna Stenke.

Leilani is a senior from Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise. She has studied voice for many years with several voice teachers.

Even though she has sung some of the classical works such as Handel’s Messiah, her first love is musical theatre. She has been part of Arizona Broadway Theatre’s HyRev Teen Program where she has been able to learn from industry professionals in one-of-a-kind classes and workshops. She is excited to be performing with the West Valley Chorale.

Maximilien is a junior from Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale. He says he has been singing since before he could speak.

He joined the Phoenix Children’s Chorus when he was in fourth-grade and continues to perform with them in countless concerts in and around the Valley, as well as nationally and internationally. Max studies voice with Andrea Squires. He auditioned and was selected to be in both the AMEA Regional and All-State Concert Choirs.

Brianna is a senior from Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix. She has also been studying with Squires, her private voice teacher, for more than four years. She has sung in her school vocal ensemble and regional choir for the past two years.

Brianna also sang and toured with the Phoenix Children’s Chorus for two years. She has played lead roles in many school and community theater productions.

These winners will be performing with the West Valley Chorale in December and March.

Visit westvalleychoraleaz.org/west-valley-young-singers-competition for more information. High school juniors and seniors who reside in and attend high school in the Phoenix area during the 2024-2025 school year are eligible and encouraged to apply. Scholarships totaling up to $2,000 will be awarded.

The West Valley Chorale is a Surprise 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization comprised of auditioned singers from 11 communities throughout Phoenix and the West Valley.

Support comes from Sanderson Lincoln, 2023-24 season sponsor, by concert sponsor Royal Oaks, advertisers, ticket sales and tax-deductible donations from patrons. Donations can be mailed to The West Valley Chorale, P.O. Box 9415, Surprise, AZ 85374.