Travis sergeant featured in recital Published May 7, 2010 By Merrie Schilter-Lowe 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. -- Tech. Sgt. Mechele Newell is passionate about science and music. But it's her passion for classical music that will be on display May 7 when Ms. Alina's Music Studio presents the sixth annual performance of "The Ride of Enchantment." The show, which is free and open to the public, takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theater at 1010 Ulatis Drive. A microbiology and medical laboratory technician at the David Grant USAF Medical Center on Travis, Sergeant Newell, a soprano, will sing an aria from Christoph Gluck's "Orpheus and Eurydice." It's a long way from her first recital when she was the voice of Peter Pan. "In the seventh grade, I was the understudy for the boy playing Peter," she said. "His voice started changing during rehearsals so they told me I'd have to sing his parts in the show." She did so from off-stage. The rest of the time she danced. "I started off in dance, but switched to music in the seventh grade," Sergeant Newell said. The school changed her major based on her vocal talents as Peter Pan. Sergeant Newell inherited her love for music from her father's side of the family. Four of her siblings, as well as her father, sing, too - mostly in church. And although she sings in church, her voice is not exactly designed for "gospel music," Sergeant Newell said. "But I do sing in the church choir and I'm one of the praise and worship leaders," she said. Sergeant Newell also leads the dance and drama team at Word of Faith church, which is located just outside the main gate at Travis. Additionally, she's performed background vocals for friends in the entertainment world. However, her love for science divides her loyalties. "People ask me all the time where I want to be in a few years," she said. "I would like to sing with a symphony. But I can see myself working in a lab." Sergeant Newell was a medical assistant before joining the Air Force 11 years ago and plans to continue in the medical field when she separates from the military later this year. To ensure she's qualified, Sergeant Newell has earned a master's degree in business and a bachelor's degree in health administration. "But I love classical music," she added. She's had years of training having attended grades fifth through twelfth grade at the Cleveland School of Performing Arts in Ohio where she grew up. Sergeant Newell is one of four people from Travis scheduled to perform in the recital. Marisa Gomez, 17, is a junior at Vanden High School and also a soprano. She will perform an aria from the "Marriage of Figaro." Marisa is the daughter of Master Sgt. Teresa Gomez who is assigned to the medical center. Reagan Cargill, 7, and her sister, Perri, 6, are pianists. They will perform a Ukrainian folk song and a piece called "Morning Song," respectively. The girls attend parochial school in Vacaville and are the daughters of Steve Cargill, TriWest Healthcare Alliance area service director at Travis. The recital is the culminating event for students, said Alina Solodovnikova-Adams, director and assistant concert master with the Solano Symphony. She is also a former member of the Ukrainian State Philharmonic. Ms. Solodovnikova-Adams teaches voice and music to several other Team Travis members. Although not in the upcoming recital, Airman 1st Class Sara Hildreth is a violinist and medical laboratory student at DGMC. Kendahl Hawkins, 13, plays piano while brother, Karson, 10, plays violin. Their father is (Dr.) Lt. Col. Claude Hawkins, a general surgeon at DGMC. The first half of the recital will feature classical music while the second half will feature melodies from popular Disney shows and movies. Guest performers include the Vacaville Ballet Academy and Champagne Flutes, said Ms. Solodovnikova-Adams. For more information about the show, please call 448-2889.