Libbie Schrader '01 (right) on stage with Jewel.

Libbie Schrader '01 and her band--then known as The Wash--won the "New Voice of 2001" award in the national Pantene Pro-Voice music competition, following their live performance of "Blood Red Moon" on July 19 in New York's Central Park. As a result, Schrader and her group received the opportunity for a "demo" recording contract with Atlantic Records, a $10,000 endowment to the high-school music department of their choice, a new Ford Focus, distribution of their winning song on the Pantene Pro-Voice CD, and multiple performances as the opening act on an established artist's concert tour.

At publication time, the group--which in the interim has changed its name to Think of England--was in the midst of a 22-city cross-country tour as the lead act for the group POE, ending Dec. 3 in Portland's Aladdin Theatre.

The decision was announced following the Pantene Pro-Voice Summer Showcase, a free concert that included performances by special musical guest Jewel, rising pop/R&B artist Willa Ford and four other Pro-Voice finalists. The competition was based on lyrical composition and stage performance, and was judged by an advisory board of celebrity talent and music industry professionals. The finalists were selected from the more than 1,200 female singer/songwriters who entered the contest.

In addition to Schrader, Think of England consists of guitarist Jason Mandell '01; bass player Nick May '01; drummer Matt Taylor, dean of campus life at Pomona; and back-up singer Katie McIntosh (Scripps '01).

The band's contest entry, "Blood Red Moon," written by Schrader--along with a sampling of other songs performed by the group--can be heard at the band's Web site, which also lists upcoming concert dates (www.thewash.net).

The first-ever Pantene Pro-Voice music competition was open to unsigned female solo artists and female-fronted bands who compose and perform original music in the genre of their choice. Contestants had to submit a written copy of the original song's lyrics and a recording of the original song.