By: Paula Green
On Sunday, August 28, the International Youth Music Competitors 2022 was held in New York City. Three local residents, Michael Barnes, 63, of McCandless Township, Christian Cooper, 16, of Ben Avon, and Ady Burgoyne, 12, of Ben Avon, made the trip to the “Big Apple” and sang in the global contest at The DiMenna Center for Classical Music. The vocalists represented The Music Note, which is located at 7110 Church Avenue in Ben Avon.
The trio sang their way to some top honors. “Michael was named a winner in the music category, Ady won first place honors, and Christian was awarded second place,” said the Music Note owner and music director, Christopher Brewer. “I am beyond proud of these three. They worked so hard, and it really paid off for them,” Brewer added.
Barnes performed an old 19th-century folk called Shenandoah, while Burgoyne sang The Alto Lament, and Cooper performed I Attempt from Love’s Sickness to Fly. “This music competition hasn’t been around that long, IYMC began in 2019, so they’re still relatively new. Even though the awards are called International Youth Music Competitors, it’s open to everyone, children and adults.
“I look forward to taking a group again next year. It’s a great experience for all involved,” said Brewer.
“Upon taking voice lessons with Christopher, I would never have anticipated winning a competition and the additional honor of singing my song Shenandoah in New York. Music has always been a big part of my life, and Christopher has brought out potential in me that I never dreamed possible,” said Barnes.
The Music Note opened for business on April 1, 2021. “It was fun to open up on April Fools’ Day,” Brewer added. In addition to voice, The Music Note offers instrumental lessons for numerous instruments, everything from piano to harp. In addition, they also have a regular choir and a handbell choir. For more information, visit https://themusicnotebenavon.wixsite.com/themusicnote