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The Surprise-based West Valley Chorale, under the direction of Ken Goodenberger, announced the winners of its sixth annual Young Singers Competition.
High school juniors and seniors from throughout Valley-area school districts were eligible and encouraged to compete.
There were two first-place winners: Autumn Stanley and Hailey Young.
Stanley is a senior from Boulder Creek High School in Anthem. She has studied voice for the past 10 years, participated in concert choir for eight years and show choir for two years. She has won awards in the “Upscale Singers” and “MusicFest” vocal competitions.
Last spring, Stanley won Best Performer in a Musical for Boulder Creek’s musical production. She also enjoys singing with her church worship band. Stanley has a passion for musical theater, which she has pursued throughout her life. She will continue this pursuit in college.
Stanley will perform during the West Valley Chorale’s upcoming concerts on April 8 at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, and on April 10 at Shepherd of the Hills UMC in Sun City West.
Young is a senior from Betty H Fairfax High School in Laveen. She has been a member of her school choir for three years.
During her junior year, Young served as vice president of the choir. This year she is the choir president.
In August 2024, Young began studying with a private voice teacher. Each year she has actively participated in both the “Greater Phoenix Honor Choir” and the “Regional Honor Choir.” She has also participated in All-State Honor Choir and All-State Show for the past two years.
Young sang at each of the West Valley Chorale December concerts.
The seventh annual Young Singers Competition will be back in the fall. Details will be posted in the summer on the West Valley Chorale website at westvalleychoraleaz.org/west-valley-young-singers-competition.
High school juniors and seniors who reside in and attend high school in the Valley during the 2025-2026 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 (2024-25 season sponsor), Setterberg Jewelers (fall and spring concert sponsor), Royal Oaks (spring concert sponsor), advertisers, ticket sales and tax-deductible patron donations.
Donations can be mailed to The West Valley Chorale, P.O. Box 9415, Surprise, AZ 85374.
