糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Music Students Compete at the National Association of Teachers Competition
Music students from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock traveled to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition (NATS).聽
This competition and conference, held from Feb. 28 to March 1, is a culmination of talent from across the state of Arkansas. It allows students to not only compete with others but is a place for them to learn and improve their singing abilities.
The students compete in a variety of categories, such as musical theatre and classical music. They can attend master classes where they learn from professional singers and teachers. There are even recitals performed by professional singers that showcase a range of musical genres.
鈥淚t was a great learning experience,鈥� said Analise McKenzie, music student. 鈥淚t was an honor, and there was such an encouraging spirit from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students! I work with Professor Kristina Buck, and without her training, I would not be where I am now!鈥�
Six singers made it as finalists in the competition. They are:
- Lexi Anderson – 1st Place, Younger Student Adult Classical 鈥� Treble聽
- Valerisse Bell-Ovwioumoriemu – 3rd Place,聽 Upper Non-Traditional Adult Classical Treble, and 1st Place, Musical Theatre聽
- Donavon Lloyd – 1st Place, Upper Non-Traditional Adult Musical Theatre Tenor, Bass, Baritone (TBB)聽
- Analise McKenzie – 2nd Place,聽 Third Year Lower Classical Treble聽
- Evan Smith – 1st Place, Third Year Lower Musical Theatre TBB
- Joshua Warren – 1st Place, Upper Non-Traditional Adult Classical TBB聽
- JT Watford – 1st Place, Adult Avocational Musical Theatre TBB, and 1st Place, Adult Avocational Classical TBB聽
Semifinalists of the competition were Julia Branton, Mary Conley, Victoria Gardner, Kaitlyn Kendrick, Avery Litton, and Madisyn Thomas. Other students who participated in the competition included Lyndsey Abbott, Kennis Ellis, Georgia Geren, and Bricen Green.
鈥淭his is my third time participating in NATS. I now hold five certificates from placing all three of the years that I’ve gone,鈥� said Valerisse Bell-Ovwioumoriemu, voice student of Diane Kesling. 鈥淚 love having the opportunity to receive affirmations and confirmation from other vocal instructors who judge my performances. Their notes are very helpful and beneficial to my vocal studies.鈥�
Voice professors Diane Kesling, Don Brazile, and Kristina Buck were also in attendance, supporting their students.
鈥淧rofessor Kesling, Professor Brazile, and I are so proud of all the hard work and dedication our students have put into this event,鈥� Buck said. 鈥淭he music area is fast growing, and it鈥檚 exciting to see the growth and success that all of our music students are accomplishing.鈥�