NEWS: SUU’S DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC’S VOCAL STUDENTS DOMINATE AT N.A.T.S. REGIONAL COMPETITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/16/12

Whitney Hershberger
Marketing and Public Relations Associate
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Southern Utah University
Office: 435-865-8667
cpvamktg@suu.edu

Photo credit: SUU Vocal Students who competed in NATS. Photo: Dr. Kevin L. Baker

                                                                                         

SUU’S DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC’S VOCAL STUDENTS

DOMINATE AT N.A.T.S. REGIONAL COMPETITION

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Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah: When it comes to raising their voices, vocal students from SUU’s Department of Music know how to get attention and shine in the spotlight. Dr. Keith M. Bradshaw, Music Chair, is pleased to announce that eighteen of SUU’s vocal students placed in top positions in the Las Vegas chapter of the National Association of Teachers Singing competition. When the final results were tabulated, SUU students placed first in six divisions with three second place and four third place finishers and five honorable mentions. The competition was held on March 24, 2012, in Las Vegas.

Upon receiving news of this accomplishment, Dr. Bradshaw remarked, “These outstanding results reinforce the music department’s position in the region as a center for excellence in music. Additionally, the awards are a credit to an exceptional faculty of artists and teachers.”

Senior Matthew Clegg, Junior Gregory Watts, Freshmen Michelle Reid and Brandon Campbell, Sophomore Alex Byers, Junior Corbin Iverson, all took first place in their divisions.  Freshman James Harris, Sophomores Christina Meikle, Brooke Alldredge and Alan Larson, Juniors Arielle Tholen, Sara Thorson and Clayton Barber, and Seniors Geneil Perkins, Shaye Leavitt, Graduates Kim Padilla and Theora Hansen rounded out the strong showing with seconds, thirds and honorable mentions. This outstanding success rate continues a trend seen in SUU’s vocal department in the past few years. Since 2008, the number of winners at NATS from Southern Utah University has nearly doubled.

Each of Southern Utah University’s three full-time voice faculty members, Professor Carol Ann Modesitt, Dr. Lawrence Johnson and Dr. Kevin L. Baker, had students from their studios who won their division in the competition.  Adjunct faculty members Sara Guttenberg and Jackie Jackson had students place as well with two coming from Ms. Jackson’s studio and one coming from Ms. Guttenberg’s. The results are particularly notable since this is a peer-reviewed competition. This broad representation of the voice faculty in the competition is a testament to the quality of the teaching that students enjoy every day at Southern Utah University. Additionally, collaborative pianists Mary Anne Andersen, Tracey Bradshaw and Dr. Willem van Schalkwyk were invaluable as they shared the stage, their talents and their insights into the music with the students.

The vocal students’ outstanding achievements were accomplished through their hard work and dedication to excellence, cornerstones of the Department of Music’s programs.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE
The Southern Utah University College of Performing and Visual Arts is comprised of nationally accredited departments of Art and Design, Music, Theatre Arts and Dance, as well as a graduate program in Arts Administration. The College offers 16 different degree areas, including liberal arts Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees; professional Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and theatre degrees; and a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration degree. More than 60 full- and part-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 550 majors in the College. Over 1100 students enroll each year in over 195 arts classes on the SUU campus. The College presents 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year. The College’s affiliate organizations include the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery, American Folk Ballet, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the SUU Ballroom Dance Company. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, contact the Office of the Dean at (435) 865-8561, or by e-mail at cpvamktg@suu.edu.