Southeastern vocalists claim awards at singing competition
Monday, March 23, 2015
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Eleven Southeastern Louisiana University vocal performance students were finalists – including five first place winners -- at the recent Louisiana Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition held on the Southeastern campus March 14.
Receiving first place nods were Alex Williams of Kentwood, currently enrolled in the Southeastern Community Music School, first place, high school male category; Ivan Stroup of Des Allemands, freshmen men; Rachel Denton of Jena, sophomore women; Ben Vollentine of Covington, junior men; Ryan Thomas of Hammond, upper student adult; and Analynn Sober of Lake Charles, upper division, musical theater.
Other Southeastern students being recognized were Faith Entrekin of Luling, third place, freshmen women; Lauren Gibson of Walker, second place, sophomore women; Stephanie Arledge of Walker, third place, junior women; Dana Arthur of Abita Springs, second place, senior women; and Kalee Broussard of Destrehan, second place, graduate women.
The auditions were judged by voice tachers from the NATS Louisiana Chapter. Students participated in lectures and master classes as part of the one-day conference.
Members of the Southeastern voice faculty who contributed to conference events included Kristen Marchiafava, Joy Ratliff, Alissa Rowe, Stephen Rushing and Kay Schepker. The collaborative pianist staff included Irina Cunev, Chuck Effler and Raisa Voldman.
