Audrey Buxton

Audrey is currently a senior at Glendale High School and is very involved in Glendale High School's award-winning Chamber Choir and Advanced Choir under the direction of Kevin Hawkins. She is a 2009 All State Choir Soprano and has performed with the All-District choir. Audrey has received three superior ratings for solos and ensembles at the state level her sophomore and junior years. Audrey currently studies voice with Carol Chapman.

This is Audrey's ninth year of singing with the Children's Choirs of Southwest Missouri. A favorite memory was having the opportunity to sing in Notre Dame when the Ensemble traveled to France and England in 2004. Last year, she was privileged to be able to sing during the Nutcracker with the Springfield Ballet. Audrey hopes to double-major in Spanish and Biology next year in college. She really looks forward to another great season in the Children's Choirs!

Amanda Hostetler

Amanda, one of four 12-year members of CCSM, began singing as a Caroler in first grade. She always had a song in her heart during her toddler years. Since then, music has become a passion in her life. Amanda is currently a senior at Parkview High School. She is the alto section leader in the Parkview Concert Choir. She studies voice with Duane Harris, director of Lyric Singers, and has taken instruction from Jennifer Powell for audition preparation. While a member of CCSM, Amanda has performed in Carmen and Sleeping Beauty with the Springfield Regional Opera. She also had the rare opportunity of singing the Mahler twice with MSU, the Mid-America Singers, and the Springfield Symphony. Amanda was selected as the CCSM Outstanding Singer as an eighth grader in 2005. In addition to singing, Amanda plays cello, piano, and guitar. She has received top honor ratings at district and state contest both as a vocalist and instrumentalist.

Amanda plans to attend Harding University in the fall of 2009 and receive degrees in music and missions. After that, she hopes to get a masters degree in Music Therapy. Being in CCSM has left a lasting impression on Amanda and she hopes to share her passion of music with others. Amanda would like to thank Debi Lee for dedicating her time and effort to Amanda's music learning, Duane Harris for being a constant encourager and inspiring Amanda to make music from the heart, her mother for always supporting her through love, joy, and faith, and all of her family and friends for being helpful and supportive. The past twelve years have been a blessing in Amanda's life.

Emily Haden

This is Emily's first year singing with CCSM. She has been involved in First and Calvary Presbyterian Church choirs her whole life, and is in the Chamber and Advanced Choir at Glendale High School where she is a senior. She was selected for the Missouri All State Choir for 2008 and 2009, and was chosen as one of two MSU Outstanding Singers in the MSU Honor Choir for 2008. Emily studies voice with Carol Chapman and has received one ratings at the district and state levels throughout high school. As well as music, she enjoys tennis, art, and spending time with her family and friends. Emily plans to study music in college next year, and is thrilled to be a part of the Children's Choir this year!

Jocelyn Bogue

Jocelyn is a junior at Parkview High School, and has been singing in the Children's Choirs for seven years. She is in choir at Parkview, but her main focus at school is theatre. She has just been cast in her sixth main stage show at Parkview. She has performed with All-District Honor choir. She loves Children's Choir, and could not imagine her life without being involved in this program.

Andrea Coleman

Andrea joins CCSM for the first time this year as a member of the Lyric Singers and one of the Young Artists. She is a junior at Glendale High School where she participates in Advanced Choir and Chamber Choir under the direction of Kevin Hawkins. Andrea has sung with All-District Choirs and has received superior ratings on her vocal solos at the district and state levels.

Singing has always been a passion in Andrea's life and she appreciates the instruction and encouragement she has received from her vocal instructor Connie Bilyeau, choir director Kevin Hawkins, and from her family and Lou Howard for encouraging her to try out for CCSM. She considers it a privilege to work with Duane Harris, director of Lyric Singers and Young Artists.

Andrea is an honor student with many interests and activities including: Student Council, National Honor Society, World Language Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and City Elements. She enjoys scuba diving, soccer, and knitting.

Andrea considers being a part of the Young Artists Showcase a privilege and exciting opportunity to perform.

Christina Beatie

Christina is currently a sophomore honor student at Aurora High School and has had a passion for music from a very early age. She has enjoyed singing solos and participating in many musicals at church and school and is currently preparing to play the lead role as Laurey in her high school's upcoming production of Oklahoma. Christina has sung with CCSM for five years now and was able to accompany them to sing at the Missouri Governor's Mansion and in the tour of New York City. She is also an accomplished pianist earning a I rating at state level in both voice and piano last year. Christina is the section leader of the clarinets in the Aurora marching band and loves to compete. She made the District Honor Band for several years, while also playing keyboards in the jazz band. She enjoys singing on her church's praise team and playing keyboards for the youth praise team. She is currently learning some percussion instruments to play for the Winter Percussion Line and playing the saxophone for Winterfest in Aurora. She has studied the clarinet with Dr. Cifelli of Missouri Southern and voice and piano with Pam Brumley of Aurora. Christina is enjoying her first year as a Young Artist and plans to continue pursuing her passion for music in her future.