Six from Taylor Win at National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition

Six musicians from Taylor University have won or placed in their respective categories during the recent Great Lakes Region National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition.

The vocalists, led by Taylor music faculty members Drs. Conor Angell and Loralee Songer, competed with students from universities from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario (Canada).

“We are exceptionally pleased that students from our program were able to distinguish themselves in a competition of this breadth and caliber,” said Angell. “Music, specifically vocal music, is a wonderful, evocative medium for expression and worship. Taylor University has historically attracted excellent musicians whose passion for artistic expression is matched by their desire to learn and their pursuit of God.”

Those who won or placed in their respective categories included:

• Anna Jones, first place, freshman classical female voice
• Gavin Kastner, first place, freshman and sophomore musical theatre male voice
• Marcus Haynes, third place, freshman classical male voice
• Gabriel Wilson, second place, sophomore classical male voice
• Hayley Mordecai, third place, junior classical female voice
• Ashton McKenzie (Taylor alumnus), second place, graduate classical male voice

Angell said each of these Taylor singers won monetary awards and qualified for the national NATS competition in San Diego in July.

About NATS: Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and more than 35 other countries. Whether working in independent studios, community schools, elementary and secondary schools, or higher education, NATS members represent the diversity of today’s music landscape, teaching in all vocal styles.