Voice students make strong showing
Henderson State University voice students made a strong showing at the National Association of Teachers of Singing state conference and auditions. Fourteen students competed in 18 categories, with 12 advancing to the semi-finals and six to the finals.
The event was held Feb. 27-28 at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
Aaron Gilmer of Marion placed second in sophomore men and second in lower division musical theater. Mathew Walker of Hot Springs was second in senior men.
Daizha Lee of Pine Bluff was third in freshmen women, while Tanner Oglesby of Benton placed third in sophomore men and third for lower division musical theater.
Freddy Whiting of North Little Rock placed fourth among freshmen women, and Lisa Ridgeway, was fourth in the senior women category.
Semi-finalists included:
• Kendall Gibson of Cabot, freshmen women
• Josiah Burns of Fort Smith, sophomore men
• Kaitlyn Mahaffey of Camden, senior women and upper division musical theater
• Casey Williams of Magnet Cove, senior men
• Makenzie Lee of Malvern, senior men and upper division musical theater
• Jordan Murdock of Bryant, senior men
“This was an outstanding showing by our students, especially since these students had not had lessons or rehearsals the previous week due to the inclement weather,” said Dr. Laura Storm, professor of music.
The National Association of Teachers of Singing celebrates the art of singing through a series of competitions and programs designed to showcase talented singers and performers.
To learn more about Henderson’s music department, go to hsu.edu/music.