Alexandra Ayoob
A Singing Ovation
Alexandra Ayoob wasn't sure what it would feel like to sing with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra in "A Night on Broadway." But she not only delivered a composed Through the Eyes of Love in front of a crowd of 1,000-she stole the entire show.
The crowd bravoed and applauded for more than a minute-one of the longest tributes of the February 4 th performance. Out of 11 featured soloists that night, most of them local adults, it was 9-year-old Alexandra who ignited the auditorium.
"I was like 'Wow! I can't believe this is happening to me with all those good singers!'" remembers Alexandra. "Maestro Grant Cooper motioned for me to come back and he whispered, 'take another bow.' God gave me such a great opportunity because I was there at that moment and I thank him very much for that. I love getting into people's hearts."
In just the fourth grade, she knows what a standing ovation feels like. But you wouldn't know it to look at her. Her long wavy chocolate hair is topped with a headband of pearls as she shows the cards and flowers that arrived from family, friends and strangers in the wake of her WVSO solo. She is excited at the newfound attention, but also modestly surprised.
"She's so brave," says her mother, Mary Jane. "I don't know what she'll do after this but she'll still be humble. We walk into the YMCA and people ask, 'Will you sing for us?' She'll sing at the drop of a hat."
Her chorus role in Children's Theatre's Aladdin,Jr. in March will mark her tenth play. Her first role was Gretel in The Sound of Music with Tech Players in 2003. The play's music director encouraged lessons, and she has studied voice with Dr. Mark Hornbaker ever since. She has also taken piano lessons for four years.
"I sing around the house a lot," she says. "I want to be a singer and actress. I love being in plays, but I would like to try movies, too. I will have to work my way up to get there."
She performed twice a month in 2005, from weddings to sporting and community events. "Last year was just wild," her mother explains. She has performed "The National Anthem" over 30 times, including the dedication of the West Virginia quarter at the capitol.
Alexandra just smiles and says, "I love singing, but I also love the people enjoying it."
