From left, Lamprini Lindeman, Vera Voznyuk, Aaron Murphy, Chelsea Davidson and Kaylee Gallagher.
Five students from the Lee University School of Music placed as finalists in the NATS regional auditions held in Bowling Green, Ky. NATS, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, holds competitive regional vocal auditions every spring.
The NATS Mid-South Regional Auditions includes colleges and universities in Kentucky and Tennessee. There are three levels of auditions: preliminary auditions, semi-finals and finals.
Nine of Lee’s vocal instructors took 38 Lee students to the auditions this year. Out of the 38 students, 21 made it through to the semi-finals and five made it to the finals where they performed for the entire delegation.
First place winners included Lamprini Lindeman for Advanced Women, Chelsea Davidson for Junior Women and Kaylee Gallagher for Senior Women. Vera Voznyuk placed in second for Advanced Women and Aaron Murphy won third for Senior Men.
The vocalists are students of Virginia Horton, Tony Deaton and Dr. Andrea Dismukes and were accompanied by pianists Mary Beth Wickes, Rachel Appleton, Perry Mears and Ying Chuan Chang.
Lee NATS members include voice faculty members Chery Brendel, Dr. Ron Brendel, Mr. Deaton, Dr. Dismukes, Dayne Frost, James Frost, Ms. Horton, Debbie Sheeks and Dr. Loralee Songer.
"Lee University has a great presence at these auditions,” said Dr. Dismukes, professor of music and trip coordinator. “In every level of competition our students present themselves so well, professionally and artistically. We are all so grateful for the support we receive from the university to participate in this life-changing event for our students.”
According to the NATS website students must study with a current member of NATS and eligibility is usually decided based on the amount of time the student has studied voice, or by age. The competition provides an opportunity for vocal students to receive feedback and make connections with other singers.
For more information about NATS and the competitions visit www.NATS.org. For more information contact the School of Music at 614-8240.
PHOTO: Pictured are finalists (l to r) Lindeman, Voznyuk, Murphy, Davidson and Gallagher; Also pictured are all 2013 NATS audition participants
ATTACHMENT: List of all 2013 NATS participants
The 2013 NATS audition participants from Lee University