ARKADELPHIA —Seven Ouachita Baptist University students were named finalists last weekend in the Arkansas state auditions of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), held at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
“The National Association of Teachers of Singing is an organization whose goal is to promote elite singing and quality teaching,” said Dr. Jon Secrest, coordinator of OBU’s vocal studies program and professor of music. “It assists them in developing their artistry, their skill set and confidence for performing and more fully informs them of the requirements for elite vocalism.”
The following students were NATS finalists, in order of hometown:
Arlington, Texas—Xavier Lagunas, a senior musical theatre student of Dr. Glenda Secrest, earned second place in the senior men division and fourth place in the upper music theatre division.
Garland, Texas—Meredith Martin, a sophomore choral music education and vocal performance student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, earned second place in the sophomore women division and third place in the lower music theatre division.
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Glen Carbon, Ill.—Joel Rogier, a sophomore vocal performance student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned second place in the sophomore men division. Rogier was also a semi-finalist in the lower music theatre division.
Grapevine, Texas—Shay Michael, a senior music theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned third place in the upper music theatre division.
Springdale, Ark.—Rachel Harris, a senior musical theatre and vocal performance student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, earned firstplace in the upper music theatre division. Harris was also a semi-finalist in the senior women division.
Sungai Petani, Malaysia—John Tneoh, a junior vocal performance student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned third place in the junior men division.
White Hall, Ark.—Bethany Gere, a freshman musical theatre student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, earned second place in the freshman women division and second place in the lower music theatre division.