Southeastern vocalists claim awards at competition
Thursday, November 16, 2017 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
SOUTHEASTERN STUDENTS WIN ACCOLADES AT COMPETITION – Southeastern Louisiana University vocal students who were honored at the Southern Region Convention of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition held earlier this month included, from left, Brennan Simmons, Wesley Newton, Ryan Blanchfield, Cody Sires, Caitlyn Rodrigue, Rachel Denton, and William Dopp.
HAMMOND – Seven Southeastern Louisiana University vocal students were finalists at
the recent Southern Region Convention of the National Association of Teachers of Singing
(NATS) Competition.
A total of 26 Southeastern students competed in the competition, held earlier
this month at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, with 13 advancing
to the semi-final round.
Cody Sires of Chalmette received second place, and Ryan Blanchfield of Baton Rouge
took fourth place in the older student adult men division. Rachel Denton of Jena took
fourth place in the senior women division, while Brennan Simmons of Walker placed
second and Wesley Newton of Bourg placed fourth in the junior men division. Additionally,
Caitlyn Rodrigue of Thibodaux earned fourth place in the freshmen women division.
Also honored was William Dopp of Independence, a student in SLU’s Community Music
School, who placed second in the high school men’s division.
“We were extremely proud of the representation of Southeastern’s Department of
Music and especially the vocal area at Southern Division NATS,” said Director of Choral
Activities Alissa Rowe. “All of our students sang with musicality and a desire to
inspire. It was an incredible learning experience for all.”
Faculty and staff collaborative pianists Charles Effler and Mary Bresowar accompanied
the students during the competition. Additional Southeastern voice faculty members
who teach and mentor vocal students include Kristen Marchiafava, Joy Ratliff, Rowe,
Stephen Rushing and Kay Schepker.
