November 2, 2022 Issue, Page 3 of 12

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November 2, 2022 News The Elk City News - 3 Oklahoma’s Own Susan Powell is “Coming Home for Christmas” structor Florence Birdwell. She pleasure to share a stage with to sing with the players. “Coming Home for Christ- gained valuable performing ex- him in my home state. Like- “I know this show will have mas” is part of the Chickasaw perience, and while competing wise, the OKCPHIL is my home a twinkle and sparkle like no in the Miss America pageant, orchestra and I have a deep, other,” she adds. “Love and Nation Pops Series, and runs landed her first big break. abiding love and feel endless Christmas—and the joy of for three performances, Friday “[ sang “The Telephone Aria’ pride to be in front of these friendship will color every glo- Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday on television during my Miss great players. This organiza- rious note that will be heard in America talent competition,” tion has taught me to love the the Civic Center Music Hall. It Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at she said. “The head of Seattle music, listen to the music and will just be so much fun!” Civic Center Music Hall. Opera was watching and cast me in their new gala produc- tion of Die Fledermaus. So, the next year I had a job with Seattle Opera doing a leading role that started rehearsals the morning after I gave up my ti- tle to the next Miss America. I was off to the races. I moved to New York City shortly there- after and began auditioning, looking for management and continued to study voice and acting, Miss America has given me so much.” Powell’s first experience with the OKCPHIL came as a young girl when she heard the orchestra play in the Elk City auditorium. “I remember they stopped on their western Oklahoma tour,” she recalls. “Without a doubt, that was a formative event in my musical life. Hav- ing a high-caliber orchestra in Oklahoma City is essential to the growth and life of the community. We are ultimately defined by our culture. It will outlive all of us. When we ex- perience great music together, it transcends talk. It puts us on a plain together as a com- e Loan Adminis rator munity in complete harmony (pun intended!), lifting us to our higher selves and leaving a living legacy for generations to ¢ Member Service come.” ‘As she makes plans to come Representative home for the holidays, Powell says she is thrilled to be per- (iJndurance forming for an Oklahoma City audience. “This is as good as it gets for me,” she said. “There’s a sweet familiarity that makes me tru- ly feel home, and I take risks as a performer when I’m in this atmosphere. Risks I might not otherwise be willing to take Federal Credit Union www.endurancefcu.org in a newer environment. So, I always grow as an artist when T'm with my OKC audience.” a Emmy-nominated per- 105 Regional Drive - 225-2269 former Michael Feinstein will By Mark Beutler Jed the way, but my community headline the concert, and Pow- helped me dream big” ell says she is excited to work Visit endurancefcu. g/careers for an application One of the best parts of While she was still in high with her old friend. the Holiday season is music school, Powell studied at Okla- “Michael and I are great and full job descriptions. E.O.E. and laughter, and catching up homa City University every friends,” Powell said. “He is a with old friends. Tuesday with legendary in- MEGA star. It gives me great Now your Oklahoma City Philharmonic is bringing back an all-time favorite entertain- er, Susan Powell. The Elk City native has performed on concert stag- es around the world, and is coming home to perform in an all-new magical holiday extravaganza, “Coming Home | will work to ensure our tax dollars are used wisely and efficiently in all areas of for Christmas.” “I'm so thrilled to be com- District 3 to improve our roads and bridges and maintain our existing infastructure. ing back to this wonderful orchestra,” Powell said in an interview from her New York ¢ 51-year-old native of Washita County District 3. City home. “I mostly look for- ward to making music, seeing * Over 20 years experience in both municipal friends and family, especially as we approach this most won- and county government and infastructure. derful season! But also see- ing the unmistakably unique IX= * Knowledge of all areas within District 3. landscape of our beautiful WASHITA COUNTY COMMISSIONER IST.2 LET’S KEEP DISTRICT 3 state. That never gets old.” Powell grew up on the plains of western Oklahoma. Her great-grandparents were some of the original settlers A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE in the Land Run, so her Okla- homa roots run deep. She was “Miss Elk City, 1977,” and a few short years later was crowned “Miss America, 1981.” “Pm very proud to say Elk City is my hometown,” Powell said. “It always seemed what- ever dreams I had, the whole community supported those dreams. My parents of course