Wood County teen captures TFB's Talent Find top win

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Jennifer Dubbs

January 9, 2003 -- A local singer hit the high notes and won the Texas Farm Bureau Talent Find Contest during the TFB's annual convention in early December.

Jennifer Dubbs, a 16-year-old junior from Mineola, took the honors after singing the Italian love song, "Time to Say Goodbye;" then, with only a three second pause, the singer changed speeds with country classic "Blue."

The combination, according to Dubbs, showed her vocal range which "impressed the judges" at the event held in Corpus Christi.

Strong competition came, the winner though, after hearing first runner-up Tanner Wilson of Baird playing "Toccata" on the piano.

"I had never heard anyone play like that," Dubbs said.

Dubbs, who represented Wood County, was sponsored by Wood County Farm Bureau.

"She is a beautiful and talented young lady," said Barbara Bridges, who works to find local talent for the event. "We are honored to have Jennifer representing Wood County and I expect her to go far with her career."

Dubb's talent was discovered by her parents (Jeff and Wanda Dubbs) at the age of 6. At the time, she was taking piano lessons, but after listening to her sing along to the movie "Cinderella," they felt the need to drop the piano instruction and pick up vocal.

"We heard her singing 'Cinderelle, Cinderelle,' along with the mice (in the animated version). She was in tune. She carried the note. We knew she had talent," her mom said.

She has been singing every since.

Ask the 16-year-old her favorite song and she will reply, "What year?"

"I have been exposed to all kinds of music; gospel, country, opera. I like it all except for new age," Dubbs stated.

Music is Dubbs' life. She plays the French horn and mellophone in her high school band, is a member of a church band, and sings first soprano in three choirs.

"I am real active in church. We have two services on Sunday morning and I sing during both services," Dubbs cited.

Dubbs, a member of the Key Club and Junior Historians, was also the first runner-up at the 2002 Miss Mineola Pageant and "will win this year."

Of all the awards she has won, the singer said "this was the most important" of her TFB win.

The Mineola native feels thankful for living in a small town.

"I have had all kinds of opportunities here that I probably wouldn't have had if I lived in a big city. I love Mineola," she stated.

You would think this young lady would like to having a famous singing career.

"I've had my 15 minutes of fame. I would like to go to the UNT (University of North Texas) and (earn a doctorate) in Music. Then, hopefully teach," Dubbs said.

"Don't let her fool you," Wanda said. "She would love to have a music career."

"I would like to do Apollo (an audiorium in Harlem known for its talent find)," Dubbs answered thoughtfully.