Thirteen Taylor Students Won Awards at National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition

students pose on recital hall stage

On Saturday, November 1, a group of Taylor University students competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Indiana State Auditions, hosted at Indiana Wesleyan University. Thirteen Taylor students won awards at the annual singing competition, representing the most awards ever won by Taylor students at this competition.   

NATS draws student competitors from universities across Indiana—including Ball State University, Notre Dame University, Marian University, DePauw University, Indiana State University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana Wesleyan University, Anderson University, Huntington University, St. Mary’s College, Butler University, Indiana University, among others. 

“Not only is this a huge accomplishment for each student, but it’s also a testament to the strength of the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department. We are immensely proud of our students’ dedicated work to their craft and calling,” said Dr. Mary Kathryn Brewer, assistant professor of music.  

Below is a list of the award winners from Taylor, who are voice students of Dr. Mary Kathryn Brewer, Dr. Conor Angell, or Dr. Loralee Songer. 

  • Cameron Damesworth (BFA, Musical Theatre), 1st place, third year musical theatre men 
  • Brynn Dunlap (BFA, Musical Theatre), 1st place, first year musical theatre women 
  • Selah Grannis (BFA, Musical Theatre) 2nd place, third year musical theatre women 
  • Milo Guevara (BFA, Musical Theatre), 1st place, second year musical theatre men 
  • Gabrielle Hamilton (BM, Musical Theatre), 3rd place, second year musical theatre women 
  • Kaelyn Harvey (BFA, Musical Theatre), 3rd place, first year musical theatre women 
  • Gavin Kastner, (BFA, Musical Theatre) 2nd place, fourth year musical theatre men 
  • Gideon Love (BFA, Musical Theatre), 3rd place, first year musical theatre men 
  • Isaiah Owens (BFA, Musical Theatre), 1st place, first year musical theatre men 
  • Lisa Pinsenschaum (BFA, Musical Theatre) 3rd place, second year musical theatre women 
  • Maya Quillen (BM, Music Education) 3rd place, first year classical women 
  • Gaby Valdez (BM, Music Performance) tied 1st place, third year classical women