Courtesy of Michele Ringer
Las Vegas native Michele Ringer, fourth from left in the purple and red dress, will be performing with the Brigham Young University’s Young Ambassadors on Feb. 25, 2011 at the Henderson Pavilion.
Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 | 1:55 a.m.
Las Vegas native Michele Ringer will be performing with the Brigham Young University's Young Ambassadors on Feb. 25, 2011 at the Henderson Pavilion.
Past Event
BYU's Young Ambassador Performance
- Friday, February 25, 2011, 7 p.m.
- Henderson Pavilion , 200 South Green Valley Parkway, Henderson
- All ages
Beyond the Sun
Map of Henderson Pavilion
Growing up in Las Vegas, Michele Ringer dreamed of one day performing with the Young Ambassadors of Brigham Young University.
Since she was 5 years old, Ringer has been a singer preparing for a spot on the competitive performing troupe that – since it was founded 40 years ago – has traveled to more than 60 countries to share its music, dance and song.
Ringer, 20, took voice lessons from Young Ambassadors alumnus Jeffrey Skouson for years. She honed her acting skills by performing in numerous musicals and plays as a student at Spring Valley High School. For three summers in a row, Ringer participated in a performing arts camp organized by members of the Young Ambassadors.
“It was always my dream to be in Young Ambassadors,” she said. “It’s been that way as long as I can remember.”
“I didn’t have to push her,” added her mother, Melinda Ringer. “Singing has always been a love for her.”
Despite two unsuccessful auditions, Michele Ringer persevered, and realized her childhood dream when she was accepted to the Young Ambassadors as a BYU junior.
On Friday, Ringer returns to her hometown to perform with the Young Ambassadors at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway.
“It’s exciting for her to return to where she was born and raised,” Melinda Ringer said. “It’ll be really fun to have her home.”
The group – composed of 10 male vocalists and 10 female vocalists, and a support team of student musicians, costume artists and technicians – is touring with its newest show: “Harmony: The Music of Life.”
The show sets the life cycle to music, starting with children’s fairytale songs, progressing to a teenage section with songs like “Popular” from the Broadway hit “Wicked,” and then through a love phase with songs like Michael Buble’s “Just Haven’t Met You Yet.”
The arch ends with a section on growing old, which will be capped by a solo performance of Steven Kapp Perry’s “The Way of Things” performed by Ringer.
“It’s a really cool, spiritual and meaningful song,” Ringer said of the piece, which captures the emotions between a mother and daughter. “It really touches the audience.”
Preparation for the show began in September with 16 hours of rehearsals each week, Ringer said.
“It was really difficult,” she said of juggling the practices with her classes as a communication disorders major. “You just had to be organized and smart with your time. I’ve been able to manage it pretty well.”
It was worth the effort, as Ringer will embark on her first tour with the Young Ambassadors on Friday.
“It’ll be really, really fun,” she said of the 10-day, eight-performance tour that will take her through Nevada and Southern California. “I’m so excited.”
Ringer’s extended family and friends will be among the 1,500 people expected at the Pavilion for the 7 p.m. show on Friday, she said. Tickets cost $5 each.
The home stage advantage is a welcome change, but one that comes with its own challenges, she said.
“It’ll be a little bit intimidating because more people than usual will be picking me out,” she said. But “everyone has been so supportive of me. I’m just excited for them to see the show.”
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