11 Students Advance to Semifinals at NATS Competition

This spring, Taylor University vocal students earned strong results at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) regional auditions, with 11 of 13 students advancing to the semifinal round and nine earning top placements in their categories. 

NATS is a nationwide organization that supports singers and voice teachers by creating performance opportunities and encouraging vocal training. Taylor students participate in the Great Lakes region of NATS, which includes Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The audition beings with state-level competitions in the fall, followed by regional auditions in the spring. This year’s regional competition was held at Purdue University Fort Wayne. 

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. 

• Marcus Haynes, tied for 1st place 
• Kaelyn Harvey, 2nd place 
• Brynn Dunlap, 1st place 
• Grace Bradshaw, 2nd place 
• Gideon Love, 2nd place 
• Isaiah Owens, 1st place 
• Cam Damesworth, 1st place 
• Ellie Rowls, tied for 2nd place 
• Lisa Pinsenschaum, tied for 2nd place 

For Dr. Brewer, Assistant Professor of Music and Voice Instructor at Taylor University, the results reflect the work happening throughout the semester in lessons and rehearsals.  

“As President of the Indiana State NATS chapter, it's a really valuable contribution to voice study,” Brewer said. “Anytime we can get people who are in the field of singing in front of others who are knowledgeable to be able to provide commentary recommendations, it's a good thing.”  

The Value of Feedback 

A key part of NATS is the feedback students receive during auditions. Each performer sings for a panel of three judges who are trained in their field. 

This process provides students with detailed written comments and scores designed to help them refine their technique and approach. Junior Vocal Performance major Gaby Valdez found this played an important role in her development as a singer. 

“My original motivation for NATS was to get good feedback from people outside of Taylor,” Valdez said. “It’s good to hear an outsider’s opinion on things we may not have noticed before.”  

Students who score an average of 90 or above, or receive two out of three judges scoring above 90, advance to the semifinal round. This stage requires video submissions that are evaluated by judges from another region. Those who continue beyond this stage may qualify for the national conference, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas.  

Results That Reflect the Work 

“When we take 13 students and 11 of them qualify, that makes me see that God is doing amazing things here,” Brewer said. “We’re really proud of our students.”  

This pride extends into the daily work of the program, where students continue refining their craft through lessons, feedback, and performances such Taylor Theatre and Chorale.  

Moments like these continue to build Taylor’s vocal program, giving students the chance to grow as performers and share their work beyond campus.