Cynthia Ballentine began singing at the age of 5 in her church choir, an acitivity she would participate in until the age of 18.  She was one of the first participants in the ACDA guest choir in Nashville, TN at age 12.  Cynthia would solo at Virginia All-State and All County choirs, then went on to receive a BM in Vocal Performance from James Madison University, singing the school alma mater at the graduation ceremony in front of her classmates and the govermor of Virginia.   Cynthia received a full graduate assistantship to Florida State University where she received her MM in Voice Performance.   Afterwards she participated in several opera apprenticeships and is currently enjoying an active career as a soprano oratorio and opera soloist.