Ponoka's Zuri Ayuno's gift for song was evident from the get-go when she was a young child. And these days, the 12-year-old's talents are taking her to exciting new heights.
Ayuno was part of Team Canada at the World Championships of the Performing Arts in Long Beach, California in early July.
She was also the only junior representative from Canada, Not only was it a blast for the youngster, it was also a triumph, as Ayuno landed a spot in the semi-finals and ultimately won gold in her 'pop' category.
"There were so many countries participating - it was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience," she said, adding that she competed in several categories including opera, musical theatre, and R&B/Jazz, among others.
Ayuno has been garnering awards at local and provincial singing competitions since those very early days, but the Long Beach event was like nothing she's has experienced yet, she said. Contestants from more than 60 countries took part in the 10-day event.
"Some delegations were quite big," she said, adding that other competitions were held in modelling, acting and dancing. "And as you went along, the crowds got bigger."
She had auditioned with a video submission last August and was selected. This past May, she jetted off to Toronto to meet the Canadian contingent.
Meanwhile, she had a very early start with professional instruction under the guidance of Dr. Wendolin Munroe at Burman University, and that came about with support from her dad, Arnel Ayuno.
Not only was Zuri able to clearly carry a tune early on, but she was also just fascinated with music, he said, adding there are several in the family who sing professionally.
When she was just four, he approached Munro to see if she would teach his daughter.
"I said to (Munro), please just see her," he recalled with a laugh.
"She had told me on the phone that Zuri was a bit young, and that lessons didn't typically start until a child reaches six or seven years of age."
Still, a meeting was arranged, and Munro was promptly impressed with what she heard. Training started up, and it's proved an amazing partnership to this day, said Zuri.
"She's amazing, and she has so much experience. She only does what is best for me; she chooses the best songs. She's done a lot for me, and I appreciate her so much," she said.
For Zuri, singing is the ideal means for self-expression.
"Whenever I sing, and whatever emotion that I'm trying to relay, I try to get the crowd to feel that too. That is the art of singing. Singing really is 'performing' art. It's a way of storytelling - you deliver the message of a song to people through voice. It's a powerful way of spreading stories. And that is why I love it.
"You also have to find your own way of changing the song and putting your own artistic style into it."
With a wealth of experience already, Zuri is pretty much at home on the stage, too.
"I've kind of gotten used to the feeling now. It's not as nerve-wracking anymore. When I'm waiting to be called up, I'm just focusing and running through the notes in the song that I've been practicing."
Although she competed in a number of genres during the Long Beach event, musical theatre is one of her very favourites.
"I'm kind of a musical theatre/opera kid," she said, adding some of her biggest musical inspirations include Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Beyonce and an array of Broadway performers.
"I also have favourite jazz artists. I love Aretha Franklin, too. I have a lot of favourite singers."
These days, she has big dreams of the future - including perhaps performing on Broadway one day, or working in voice acting. Even during her stint in Long Beach, several offers for a number of projects were coming her way.
"I was super excited, but I'm 12," she added with a laugh. "But yes, it was amazing and wonderful."
Zuri knows she has a special gift, and her heart is to use it to inspire and bless others.
"I want to use it. I also want to inspire other kids who have dreams, and who want to do things like I do. Kids who want to act, dance and sing."
As for Long Beach, the experience has also inspired her to focus even more deeply on honing her craft.
"Knowing that I have competitors who are practicing every single day makes me want to push forward even more and do better."
