NATS WINNERS
HEARTWOOD ANNOUNCES NATS WINNERS
HEARTWOOD ANNOUNCES NATS WINNERS
Beth Preston’s vocal students, part of Heartwood Theater’s new programming in their Educational Studios @ 18 Biscay, came away with several awards from the 2019 NATS Competition, held Nov. 23rd at Bates College.
Twenty-five students trained with Preston at Heartwood this fall, ten of whom participated in the Maine NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Musical Theater Competition.
Lincoln Academy students included Honora Boothby, Emmie Ferrell, Brennan Cruz, Harrison Pierpan, and Ava Nery. Also competing were Elaine Landry of Camden Hills Regional High School, Lilly Christ of Medomak Valley Middle School and Sophia Scott of the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Scott and Christ competed in the Division I (7th and 8th grades); Pierpan and Nery competed in Division II (9th and 10th grades); Boothby, Ferrell, Landry, and Cruz competed in Division III (11th and 12th grades), the most competitive field of singers; Jenny Brown and Kelly-Ann Walker competed in the Avocational Division.
Each student, accompanied by the incredible Sean Fleming, was required to sing two songs of contrasting styles from a stage or movie musical, one of which needed to be published prior to 1985. They were also required to demonstrate “belt” and “legit” styles. Competitors were judged on tone production, breathing, articulation, musicality, style, interpretation, diction, artistry, and full characterization of the lyrics.
All singers performed in the morning preliminaries, before a panel of three judges who gave constructive criticism and helpful hints for improvement. After the preliminary round, the judges for each division selected three singers to advance to the finals.
Four of Preston’s students went on to place in their divisions, accompanied by Ed Reichert, USM Musical Theater Vocal Coach: Sophia Scott placed first in Division I; Harrison Pierpan placed third in Division II; Jenny Brown placed first and Kelly-Ann Walker placed second in the Avocational Division. Each winner received a cash award and certificate.
Signups are open for the Winter Session of vocal lessons, including two 5th - 8th grade student groups on Wednesday mornings at 9 and Thursday afternoons at 3:15. Full details available at www.heartwoodtheater.org.
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