10 compete in first-ever ‘Red Cedar Idol’ contest
By LeAnn R. Ralph
COLFAX — A total of ten Colfax High School students competed in the first-ever ‘Red Cedar Idol’ contest held by the Red Cedar Sounds during their sixth annual Harvest of Harmony Show “Flirtin’ with the Fabulous Fifties.”
Audience members voted for their favorite contest performers both during the Red Cedar Sounds afternoon show and the evening show held at Colfax High School November 3.
During the afternoon show, Andy Buckley (freshman) won first place in the Youth in Harmony Red Cedar ‘Idol’ Contest for his performance of “What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele.
Andy was accompanied on the piano by Paula Tribolini.
Second place during the afternoon show went to Heidi Lieffort (junior) for “How Could I Ever Know” from “The Secret Garden” by Marsha Norman.
Heidi also was accompanied on the piano by Paula Tribolini.
Third place went to Abbie Greenwell (sophomore) for “Someone Like You” by Adele.
Abbie accompanied herself on the piano.
Honorable mention went to Shayne Holtzman (senior) for “Santa Fe” from “Newsies” with lyrics by Jack Feldman.
Paula Tribolini accompanied Shayne on the piano.
Evening show
Six Colfax High School students participated in the Red Cedar Idol contest Saturday evening.
First place went to Natalie Dworak (sophomore) for “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles.
Natalie accompanied herself on the piano.
Second place went to Jordan Johnson (sophomore) for “How Great Thou Art” by Stuart Hine. Jordan performed accapella.
Third place went to Samantha Simonson (senior) for “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl.” Samantha was accompanied on the piano by Carrie Christianson.
Honorable mentions went to — in no particular order — Rebecca Lynn Nelson; Ashley Sault and Shayne Holtzman; Lori Strangfeld.
Rebecca Lynn Nelson (sophomore) performed “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz and was accompanied by Carrie Christianson.
Ashley Sault (sophomore) and Shayne Holtzman performed “I’ll Cover You” by John Larson from “Rent” and were accompanied by Christianson.
Lori Strangfeld (freshman) sang “I Hope You Dance” by LeeAnn Womack and was also accompanied by Carrie Christianson.
Contest
A number of Colfax students auditioned for the Red Cedar Idol contest, said Pat Eggert, a member of the Red Cedar Sounds.
The Red Cedar Sounds decided to hold the contest to provide recognition and a venue for young up and coming local musicians, she said.
Audience members at both performances voted for the top three musicians.
Fifties
“Flirtin’ With the Fabulous Fifties” was the Red Cedar Sounds’ sixth annual cabaret style show.
The Red Cedar Sounds began singing together in 2000 and became a chartered chapter of Sweet Adelines International in December of 2003.
Some of the songs they performed November 3 included “Sh-Boom (Life Could be a Dream),” “Autumn Leaves,” “At the Hop,” “Lollipop,” “Mr. Sandman,” and “Unforgettable.”
Sir Arthur’s Court-tet also performed during the Red Cedar Sounds Harvest of Harmony show. The quartet includes members from Eau Claire, Bloomer and New Auburn. The four singers were asked to perform “God Bless America” and the “National Anthem” at the 2010 and 2011 Country Jam in Eau Claire.
The Red Cedar Sounds are directed by Dawn Marie Roberts. Lois Barrett and Jennifer Dworak serve as assistant directors.
Other chorus members include Judy North, Karen Hoepner, Karen Geissler, Ashley Sault, Pat Eggert, Toni Moody, Mona Thorson, Marion Zweifelhofer, Kathy Tape, Chris Thome, Claudia Hogan, Doreen Lorenzen, Leah Buerkle, Jennifer Davis-Farlow, Norene Lueck, and Carol Chrostowski.