UA Little Rock Students Compete at National Association of Teachers of Singers Competition
A group of 17 music and music education majors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock competed at the National Association of Teachers of Singers (NATS) student auditions Feb. 23-24 at Henderson State University, bringing home seven awards from the competition.
The National Association of Teachers of Singing celebrates the art of singing through a series of competitions and auditions designed to showcase the talented singers, performers, and composers who are the rising stars in the profession.
Valerisse Bell-Ovwiomorieu, a junior music education major who received two first place awards during the competition, said that it was wonderful to see the range of talent from students across Arkansas.
“As a student, having my studies and work being validated and praised by other vocal instructors confirms my purpose and passion for music,” she said. “I was very pleased with the notes that I received from the judges and actually astounded at the outcome of placing first in both of the categories that I competed in. The talent this year was outstanding, and I am honored to have shared the stage with them all.
The event consists of student auditions designed to resemble a professional audition, a professional recital by a guest artist, and a master class by visiting artists. Students compete in three categories – classical, musical theatre, and spirituals.
Five UA Little Rock students advanced to the final round and placed in the competition, including:
- Andrew Battie – First Place, Sophomore Men
- Kyndal Collins – Second Place, Senior Women; and First Place, Upper Level Musical Theater
- Kaitlyn Kendrick – Second Place, Student Adult Women
- Val Bell-Ovwiomoriemu – First Place, Student Adult Women; and First Place, Student Adult Musical Theater
- Joshua Warren – First Place, Student Adult Men
- Andrew Battie, a sophomore music vocal major from Bryant, found the competition exhilarating and was especially thrilled after winning his category performing “Come Paride Vezzoso.”
“The piece is an extremely challenging Aria that is full of isolated moments and melismas, so it’s very easy to get off track,” Battie said. “During the finals, I competed against two very talented singers, which motivated me to perform to the best of my abilities. When I found out I made first place, I couldn’t help but have the biggest smile on my face. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities UA Little Rock’s music program has given me and the other music students!”
Several UA Little Rock students who competed in NATS also advanced to the semifinals, including: Julia Branton and Shelby Loftis, Lower Level Musical Theater; Analise McKenzie and Saige Kelly, Sophomore Women; and Joshua Gregory, Junior Men
Additional UA Little Rock students who competed at NATS include Lyndsey Abbott, Diya Chakraborty, Mary Conley, Kennis Ellis III, Georgia Geren, Laila Leon, and McKenzie Smith.
Vocal Instructors Kristina Buck and Diane Kesling took the students to the competition, while Leann Jones, vocal coach and collaborative pianist, accompanied the students on piano during their competition.
The students were judged on tone, breathing, diction, accuracy in rhythm and pitch, artistry, expression, and synchronization with the pianist.
Kaitlyn Kendrick, a senior majoring in music with a focus on voice and music theory, noted that NATS is a great experience for musicians as they get to network with students from other colleges, attend master classes, and receive feedback from voice faculty across Arkansas.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to win second place this year and share a stage with so many musicians who I respect and adore,” Kendrick said. “It is a competitive environment, but there’s also a large sense of camaraderie and respect amongst all the musicians. Our music department specifically has such a big family feel to it, so to have so many of our students there and supporting each other was the best part of my experience this year. I had over 20 people in the audience including faculty supporting me and rooting for me on stage during the final round and that meant more to me than winning.”
