FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          April 20, 2005

NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS COMPETE AT NATS

            Four students from Northwestern Oklahoma State University participated in the Oklahoma District of the National Association of Teachers of Singing spring conference vocal competition earlier this month at Oklahoma Christian University.

            Kevin Kerr, a sophomore from Conway Springs, Kan., won first place in the Sophomore Men’s category and Jillian Bartow, Laverne freshman, advanced to the final round for Freshman Women. Also competing were Esther Hougham, Carbonado, Wash., senior, and Savannah White, Alva sophomore. Charla Parker was the accompanist.

            Aija Shrader, assistant professor of music and vocal instructor of the Northwestern students, also serves as auditions chair for the Oklahoma District, as well as the Texoma Region of NATS. Emmy Irving, Mutual graduate student, is her assistant.

            “I really enjoy being a part of the organizing structure of the conference. The only way to make something better is by becoming involved,” Shrader said. “I am convinced that our students sing better and present themselves better because of the opportunities to compete and compare provided by the NATS organization.”

            Shrader explained that the competition does not differentiate between size of school or department. Northwestern students compete against singers from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, as well as from many other smaller schools in the state.

            Approximately 240 musicians participated in the competition, including 170 singers representing 40 teachers (who also serve as judges) and 33 pianists who accompanied the singers.

            “I am very proud of all our voice students at Northwestern; they work hard. It proves what we’ve known all along—the musical education students get at Northwestern cannot be rivaled throughout the state,” Shrader said.

-NW-

Back to News Page