The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) holds an annual competition, this year held April 6-7 in Denton, Texas. During this time students of the Tarleton State University Choral Program under the direction of Dr. Troy Robertson, Dr. Iwao Asakura, and Heather Hawk competed against other musicians on a collegiate level from the likes of the University of North Texas and Texas Christian University.

At each competition, students prepare their pieces for performance, undergo three rounds of competition, and hopefully receive a score of 90 or above to advance. This year proved to be a successful, rewarding year for Tarleton’s vocal student competitors.

Among these students, vocal performance major Ashley Morrison shared her experience for this year and in years past at the NATS competition.

“I have competed in NATS at the collegiate level ever since my freshman year of college,” Morrison said. “There are three rounds for this competition. In preparation for the competition this year, I prepared a German aria, English art song and French piece. You perform in front of three judges each round and compete against your grade level of singers. The numbered score you receive determines whether the singer advances to the next round or not. For the past two years I made the finals and received second place. Performing is what I love to do so I look forward to this competition every year.”

Morrison was awarded second place in the Classical Division VII. Along with her achievement, senior vocalist Kelly Wolff received second place in Musical Theater Division III. Zach Steele was awarded second place in Musical Theater Division IV, first place in Classical Division VI, as well as the distinguished Betty Utter Award for Outstanding Musicians in Lower College Division VI.

Senior vocal performance major Jenny Dryer was one of several Tarleton semi-finalists in the Texahoma NATS competition, an experience she described as, “nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time.”

Dryer, along with Andrea Rydell, received recognition in Musical Theater Division III. Among other semi-finalists were Jacob Humphries in Classical Division VI and Bradley McKinney in Classical Division IV.