MiddletownJournal.com

TRENTON — Edgewood High School senior Drew Helton has taken first place in his class and third place overall in the Opera Guild of Dayton's 2007 High School Vocal Competition.

Singing two songs selected by his voice teacher, Bess-Arlene Camacho of Fairfield, Helton received a $300 scholarship for his effort.

"This was his first big competition at that level," Camacho said. "You don't just walk in and audition."

Helton performed an Italian art song, "Caro Mio Ben" by Giuseppe Giordani, and a musical theater selection, "The Kid Inside" from "Is there Life After High School?"

"The pieces don't need to be from an opera, but just contrasting pieces to show their ability and training," Camacho said.

Students representing 13 area high schools competed for cash awards at the April 14 event.

Helton, a baritone, can soon be seen in Encore Summer Theatre for Youth's production of "The Wiz" July 25-28 at Hamilton High School.

As for his college plans, "I would like to major in vocal performance and music education because I'd like to be a teacher," Helton said.

The Opera Guild's High School Vocal Competition, established in 1973, has awarded monetary prizes and provided encouragement to hundreds of high school juniors and seniors through the years.

Greg Gallagher, a graduate of Troy Christian High School, and Valerie Reaper,

a soprano and graduate of Oakwood High School, took first and second place, respectively.

Judges were Jennifer Capaldo, a member of the voice faculty at the University of Dayton; Carol Chatfield, director of music at Fairmont Presbyterian Church and private voice teacher; and Jane Ellen Gurokovich, instructor of voice at Sinclair Community College and soloist with Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir. The chairwoman of the competition is Linda Menz.

"We've already got his literature picked out for next year," Camacho said. "It's even more challenging music, and we're all convinced that he'll walk out of there with first place."