By Suzy Alstrin
Voice students in Reinhardt University’s School of the Arts received high scores in the state-level Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing (GA NATS) auditions. Berry College hosted the rotating annual event on November 1st and 2nd. All of the students represented Reinhardt with impressive performances, including five who sang their way into the top three spots of their categories.
Congratulations to:
Madison Burdette (RU-2027): 3rd place room winner – 2nd year College Musical Theatre Treble
Danielle Lusian (RU-2027): 2nd place room winner & semifinalist – 2nd year College Musical Theatre Treble
Alexis McCone (RU-2025): 3rd place overall – 4th year College Musical Theatre Treble
Sydney Smith (RU-2027): 2nd place overall – 2nd year College Musical Theatre Treble
Aislyn Welch (RU-2028): 3rd place overall – 1st year College Musical Theatre Treble
Throughout the event, adjudicators provide feedback to each student, along with rankings. Sydney Smith (RU-2027) placed second in her category. She believes the process is just as rewarding as the success explaining, “This competition can provide helpful feedback from other vocal coaches to give another perspective on your voice. I love going to GA NATS and seeing how much I grow throughout each competition.”
The auditions help students prepare for the regional auditions, with the hope of then advancing to nationals.
Dr. Rebecca Salter serves Reinhardt as an associate professor of voice and voice area program coordinator as well as a governor of the NATS Southeastern Region. She exclaimed, “We are incredibly proud of all of our NATS participants. Just the act of training for such a rigorous vocal competition propels our students to excellence by preparing them for future professional auditions. When so many of our students advance, it is a direct reflection of our wonderful program. We could not have been more pleased with their performances last weekend.”
