NDSU Challey School of Music students recently competed and placed in the Minnesota National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition held at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Of the 26 music majors who attended the prestigious student audition competition, eight were semi-finalists and three were finalists in their division. Student awards included two first place award and one third place award.
Award recipients included:
Lauren Craig, semi-finalist
Erin Ehlis, semi-finalist
Jacee Engels, semi-finalist
Tessa Hartl, first place
Elijah O’Sullivan, first place
Brady Ritland, semi-finalist
Angela Spidahl, semi-finalist
Tyrie Williams, third place
Four NDSU student pianists accompanied the auditions: Caleb Lawson, Hong Liang Andre Ng, Hannah Swanson and Xiang Wei.
Faculty members Mariane Lemieux and Robert Jones accompanied the students for the competition. “This kind of event brings out the best of our students. They prepare through our weekly performance class, which gives them confidence when they perform in a competitive setting,” said Lemieux. “Every singer get comments from the judges which helps them to identify their strengths and weaknesses and helps them improve. The auditions are public, so they also learn a tremendous amount by listening to all the talented signers from Minnesota colleges. It was very rewarding and affirming for all of us to have so many students advance and win awards.”
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