Young Artist Competition - 2010 Winners

Melissa Blain has been performing since she was 5 years old. She is currently a vice president of the senior class at Richwoods High School and Madrigals Leader. Most recently, Melissa was seen as Johanna in the Corn Stock Theatre production of Sweeney Todd and as Eponine in their July production of Les Miserables. She played Soupy Sue in the 2010 Illinois State Theatre Festival production of Urinetown and was selected for the 2010 Honors IMEA All State Chorus. Some of her other favorite roles over the years include Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Richwoods), Jo in Little Women (Richwoods), Maggie in A Chorus Line (Corn Stock), Rumpleteazer in Cats (Peoria Players) and young Eponine/Cosette in Les Miserables (Eastlight). Last March, Melissa was selected to perform a solo for Franc D’Ambrosio’s Longest Running Phantom show at Five Points Center. She has also performed at the White House, Epcot Center, Sea World and in Branson and plans to pursue her musical theatre interests in college.


Annalise Pittenger is a 17-year-old homeschooled senior who absolutely loves music and performing. This is her second time as a winner in the Civic Chorale Young Artist Competition. She first won the competition as a 15-year-old sophomore. She is so excited to have this amazing opportunity again! Annalise has received many music honors and awards during her high school career. She was chosen to sing in the IMEA Honors Chorus and received third place in her division at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition. Annalise was also chosen to sing at Broadway actor Franc D’Ambrosio’s concert as the result of a competition earlier this year. Annalise has been in 20 shows with two of her favorite roles being Cinderella and Cosette in Les Miserables. She studied piano for eleven years and has taught piano and voice to young students for the past two years. Annalise plans to study vocal performance at a four-year university. She would like to thank her family for their support and love and her wonderful voice teacher Shirley Salazar, who has faithfully taught and encouraged her for the past three years. Most importantly, she would like to thank her Lord Jesus Christ for His love and for creating music. “The Lord is my strength and my song, He is my savior.” – Psalm 118:14