The voices of five Southeastern music students captured the attention of judges for the world’s largest professional association of teachers of singing.
The National Association for the Teachers of Singing competition encompasses vocalists at both high school and college levels with divisions for appropriate age groups and years of study. NATS provides an opportunity for students who have taken voice lessons to showcase their musical talents. These vocal students placed in the top three of their categories for the spring 2014 NATS state-wide competition: Ben Vollentine, Alyssa Hernandez, Kristina Temple, Stephen Dale and Kimberly Dupre.
“These awards are not given out just because someone has a nice voice,” said Steven Rushing, voice professor. “They are awarded to those who display a level of artistry that takes incredible discipline and hours of practice and study. Indeed they deserve it.”
NATS is established on the national, regional, state and local chapter levels and is held every semester. The regional NATS competition is held each fall, while the states NATS competition is held each spring. This semester’s competition was held Saturday, March 8 at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.
“Southeastern students benefit from the exposure to professionals from across the state, region and nation,” said Rushing. “These awards are first and foremost a reflection of the students rank among their peers in the classical vocal arts.”
Founded in 1944, NATS mission is to encourage the highest standards and education of vocal art. Competing vocalists have the opportunity to win certificates as well as monetary awards.
The conference is designed as a learning experience with each performer receiving comments from judges after the first round of performances.
“These comments allow us to realize how well we are doing and what technique we need to work on. It is a great way to get feedback from different professors other than the ones here at Southeastern,” said Hernandez, who won third place in Junior Women. “I am proud to represent Southeastern in any aspect. I wish more students would realize the amazing and talented musicians they attend school with.”
Temple, a senior, placed in both categories she entered: first place for Senior Women, and second place for Male and Female, Music Theatre over 21 years of age, Category 19. She expressed her excitement in receiving both awards.
“I am very excited and honored to have placed in both categories,” said Temple. “NATS is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world and supports the growth and enrichment of its members on all aspects of singing and the teaching of singing. This means a lot to me because I feel like my hard work has finally paid off.”
As for future musical pursuits, Temple plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance.
Dupre, a senior, has studied voice for 12 semesters. She has competed in three regional and one state NATS competitions, though she was unable to make it to the finals. Due to her past experiences with the NATS competitions, Dupre was reluctant to participate this semester.
“Since I am graduating in May, making this past NATS competition my last one as an undergrad, I decided to try one more time, and I’m glad I did,” said Dupre. “I placed first in my category against many women who sang extremely difficult soprano operatic arias and sounded fabulous doing so. It gives me a little more confidence in my craft as I prepare to graduate.”
Dupre earned first place in Advanced Women. She recently auditioned to attend the Masters vocal program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. where she hopes to participate in European study abroad opportunities.
Vollentine placed first in Sophomore Men, Category 6 and Dale placed first in Male and Female, Music Theatre over 21 years of age.
Joy Ratliff, associate professor of voice, along with Rushing, attended the conference with the students. She expressed her pride in the vocalists’ performance.
“Our students showed considerable expertise and poise in a very competitive atmosphere against students of the same length of vocal training and age,” stated Ratliff in a Southeastern press release. “They performed beautifully under the stress of competition. These talented students represented Southeastern very well.”
Visit NATS website at nats.org for more information on opportunities for vocal competitions.