Artist description Serena grew up in West Virginia and North Florida, giving her a stong Country Music background. However, she is also influenced by Celtic and Rock elements. Serena's sound is best described as New Country with Pop crossover potential. At the age of twenty-seven, Serena's life as a sessions vocalist, Jazz singer, and part-time model has been fulfilling, though now she is ready to pursue an independent singing career.

Music Style New Country

Musical Influences Patsy Cline, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina

Similar Artists Serena's angelic voice and sound is distinctly her own, though some have compared her style and skill to Faith Hill, Martina McBride, and Celine Dion.

Artist History Her mother raised her singing Southern Gospel in the hills of West Virginia. Every Sunday Serena's mom would take her up to the alter to sing old Hymns for the church congregation. At the age of three Serena performed her first full-song in front of an audience (Sun's Coming Up in the Morning). It was in her formative years that Serena learned a love for stage and voice. Like many other young girls, the soundtrack to the movie Grease was her favorite album. Unlike other girls, however, at age six Serena had memorized the entire soundtrack and could sings it flawlessly. At age nine, Serena and her family move to Florida, where she continued to pursue music and voice. At fourteen, Serena sang for WPIO -- a local Christian radio station and in Middle School Serena sang in choir. High School offered more opportunities for her to perform. Serena was involved with four different singing groups and auditioned every year for All State -- a select group of the state's best vocalists based on their ability to sing a-Capella and sight read. Each year at All State Serena performed a solo and, for this, she received a Superior rating for four consecutive years. Serena was also selected several times to sing at Disney for their Christmas Celebration, where she became known for the bell-like clarity of her high notes.During High School, Serena attended Barbizon's School of Modeling and went on to teach modeling after graduation for several years, honing her own stage skills and presence. While modeling in High School, Serena caught the eye of a Disney producer and was given an extra role on the Mickey Mouse Club because of her great talent and stage presence. Over the last few years, Serena has been juggling life as a mom, full-time music student, and emerging Country-Pop crossover vocalist in North Florida. Being mom, of course, is the most challenging and rewarding duty, but singing studio background vocals for Debbie White (CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year, 2001) was a thrill in May, 2002. "It was marvelous having the opportunity to sing with Debbie. She's a class-act -- the kind of artist I would like to model," says Serena. Singing with Debbie was not the first time Serena has shared her extraordinary voice in the studio. She has been a regular sessions vocalist for producer Donald Johns of Starlight Studios, Lake City, FL., who produced her current 4-song demo CD. Working with Starlight, Serena has performed background sessions work for many artists, including rising country star Kylie Williams, Sara Jo Roberts, and Terra Perry, among others. Serena has also recorded songs for demo written by songwriter Michael Ehmig, known for having written for artists like Deana Carter, Meatloaf, Lita Ford, and Kansas. Serena has performed Country, Pop, Christian, Opera, Chamber, and Jazz -- yes, even Jazz. Though she moonlights at Starlight Studios, Serena's day job is music school where she sings and travels with the LCC Gateway City Band under the direction of Mr. Harry Wuest. Wuest has had an illustrious music career. He was the Director of Music for Disney for 7 years (Top of the World Orchestra), working with singers like Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Anita Bryant, and Vonda Van Dyke. Wuest also played Jazz with major names like Jimmy Dorsey, Bennie Goodman, and Art Mooney. He comments that, "In my many years of experience in the music industry, few and far in between are the 'money voices,' but that's what Serena has been blessed with." Serena's "money voice" has been years in the making, but she's always had a great love and appreciation for music.

Group Members Serena and various sessions musicians. All song written by Serena, copyright 2002.

Instruments Voice

Albums 4-Song Demo

Press Reviews Even before the demo was finished in April, 2002, Serena's performance of her original song Wendy McGee had won a talent contest in November, 2001 (Lake City County Fair), and the same song advanced to the finals in another talent contest in March, 2002 (Suwannee County Fair), eventually taking third place. Wendy McGee, Serena's first single, has already received air time on several local radio stations (WQHL and WQLC) in North Florida. With local radio stations anxiously awaiting her next release and several performances scheduled for the near future, Serena looks forward to growing her fan base and creating a regional buzz with her marketable act. Serena's natural gift of voice and melody-making, her stunning beauty, and her drive to succeed make her one of the most promising Country-Pop crossover artists today. She says, "I love to share my music with people and see their shining faces." Serena is poised to make many faces shine by the simple act of sharing of her music and message. Give Serena's music a listen and your face is sure to shine too -- enjoy.

Additional Info serena_music@hotmail.com

Location Live Oak, FL - USA

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