By JANET HART LEONARD
For The Reporter
For 16 years, the Great American Songbook Academy has welcomed 40 of the top high school vocalists in the nation to spend a week with Michael Feinstein and some of the top vocal coaches, music directors, educators, and Broadway performers.
The Academy celebrates the songs of Broadway, jazz, and those who recognize the rich heritage of American music, as well as the composers who wrote these songs.
Last Saturday night, the 40 vocalists came together for a night of song and dance at the Allied Solutions Center of the Performing Arts in Carmel. This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.
On stage was a Noblesville High School student named Soren McLaughlin. Soren proved she has music in her DNA. She is the third generation of excellent singers and musicians. Her father is Jeff McLaughlin, musician and educator. Her mother is Sarah Scharborough McLaughlin, a singer-songwriter and worship leader who has also graced the Palladium stage.
Her grandparents, Bill and Marlene Scharborough, owned the music store in Broad Ripple for many years.
Her uncle is Jon McLaughlin, singer-songwriter-pianist and record producer.
Soren’s plans are to study abroad. No matter where she goes, her voice will be heard … and loved. Soren’s voice has stories to tell.
My daughter played opposite Jon when they were both in elementary school in a play at Anderson University.