Vocal performance majors win big at Ohio conference
On October 21, 16 Miami University vocal performance majors excelled at the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions at Ohio University.
On October 21, sixteen Miami University vocal performance majors excelled at the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions at Ohio University. To prepare for the event, the students polished 3-5 pieces each in different languages and styles.
“It’s a big challenge,” Dr. Alison Acord, one of their professors said. “We're so very proud of all of them!”
The winners are as follows:
Richard Miller Award for Overall Best Performance - Jeysla Rosario Santos
1st place, 4th/5th year Treble - Jeysla Rosario Santos
1st place, Hall Johnson Spirituals - Jeysla Rosario Santos
1st place, 4th/5th year TBB - Eric Riedel
1st place, 3rd year Treble - Kayla Hughes
1st place, 1st year TBB - Connor Grimm
2nd place, 4th/5th year TBB - Jacob Threadgill
2nd place, 3rd year Treble - Ava Nastasi
2nd place, 2nd year TBB - Logan Crooks
2nd place, 2nd year Treble - Maddie Erwin
3rd place, 2nd year Treble - Molly Stein
3rd place, 1st year TBB - Will Loudin
Honorable mention, 2nd year Treble - Mary Goodney
Other students who participated included Anna Hylton, Andrew Peterson, Lindsey Rohrig, Calynn Kimberlin who all received positive feedback on their score sheets, and Luke Ramsey who supported his fellow singers at the event.
“We also commend all of our other voice students because of the ongoing support they routinely show to one another and because of the high expectations they hold of one another,” Acord said. “We are grateful for such a terrific group of students and look forward to teaching them each day!”
Voice professors Ben Smolder, Jessica Rivera and Acord also thank Dr. Christina Haan and Carol Walker for coaching the students and playing for them throughout the 6-hour day.
“Miami is well-known among voice professionals in Ohio as having a very strong music and vocal program. We have historically been a strong presence at the Ohio NATS competition, but this was an exceptionally good year,” Acord said. “We are happy and proud to always represent Miami well!”