Williams named best female vocalist in North Alabama district

Abigayle Williams is the Most Outstanding Female Choir Student in Alabama District V, encompassing north-central/northwest Alabama. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Abigayle Williams, a junior at James Clemens High School, also was named to All State Choir during auditions at the district level.

“Abigayle is an extremely talented and hardworking singer. She has a clear and beautiful soprano voice,” James Clemens Choir Director Stuart Tankesley said.

For Williams’ district audition, “the committee not only considered her singing ability but also considered her interview answers and resume to select the winner. I believe her outstanding leadership and high academic grades also help set her apart from the other candidates,” Tankesley said.

Music has interested Williams since childhood. She participated in church youth choirs and studied piano several years. “But, I first experienced singing in a school choir in sixth grade. My director, Jeremy Williams, helped to grow my interest in choral performance,” she said.

When her family moved to Madison in 2013, she had hope in finding new friends in James Clemens choral program. Williams’ voice teacher, Martha Brouse, also influenced her and scheduled performance opportunities.

For district auditions, she prepared her resume packet, was interviewed and sang the Italians aria, “L’ho perduta, me meschina!” from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.” Having just returned from Vann Vocal Institute in Montgomery, she “already had that song polished and ready.”

In April 2015, Abigayle will compete with six other students for the prestigious title of Most Outstanding Female Choral Student in the state.

At James Clemens, Williams participates in National Honor Society, Beta Club and theatre productions. At Asbury United Methodist Church, she volunteers with children’s worship and sings with a contemporary praise band and CHRIST Choir.

Williams has been an All State Choir member for four years, two in Georgia and two in Alabama. She was accepted in the Vann Vocal Institute in Montgomery.

Abigayle’s parents are Matthew and Amy Williams. Abigayle’s brother, Caleb, is an eighth-grader at Liberty Middle School. The family is originally from Michigan.

Another Madison student, Leah Boyd at Bob Jones High School, was named alternate to the outstanding vocalist title.