A small classroom hummed with anticipation as student vocalists waited just outside the door, quietly trilling scales under their breath and clutching judge sheets with sweaty palms. One by one, they stepped inside to perform for a panel of three judges.
By the end of the day, several walked away with top awards, ten being from Taylor University.
On March 7, students from Taylor University competed at Purdue Fort Wayne in a regional event hosted by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, a prestigious organization that brings together vocalists from across Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
The competition seeks to challenge singers by giving them opportunities to perform before a panel of professional judges who offer both rankings and personal feedback.
“The awards our students received testify to their diligent practice and expert instruction,” Conor Angell, department co-chair and professor of music, lyric theatre and voice, said. “We thank God for students who have chosen to develop the gift God gave them, putting in the hours of work even when it is a struggle. It speaks highly of Taylor’s program that our students earned awards in competition with students from excellent music programs throughout Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.”
For many students, the competition was a new and eye-opening experience.
Gideon Love, a freshman musical theatre major, said he had never heard of NATS before attending for the first time last fall. Still, like many performers, he quickly became familiar with the nerves bubbling in the pit of his stomach while awaiting his turn.
“The main way I combat it is trying to make sure I’m as well prepared as possible,” Love said.
So, he stepped into the room with his head held high.
For Love, NATS offered a chance to present his prepared repertoire to a completely fresh set of ears.
Each singer is evaluated by three judges, all trained vocal professionals, who score performances independently.
“We judge the singers based on a rubric that includes categories such as tone, breath and alignment, text and diction, musicianship, and artistry,” Angell said. “Each judge grants a score to each singer without conferring with the other judges. The scores are averaged in the tabulation room. Judges are trained to provide feedback that is constructive, not discouragingly critical.”
The feedback is among the most valuable parts of the experience, Love said. Receiving individualized comments motivates students to compete and helps them better understand how to grow as performers.
Ellie Rowls, a sophomore musical theatre major, found the experience both encouraging and affirming.
“I learned that I was more capable than I thought I was,” she said.
While awards are meaningful, they are not the ultimate goal of NATS, Angell said.
Each audition and competition gives a singer experience that can springboard to greater accomplishments, he said.
“I hope every student who competes can use the competition as a vehicle for growth regardless of the outcome,” Angell said. “Plenty of singers with strong potential do not receive awards, yet their journeys will be successful if they resolve to keep working.”
Ultimately, through competition, NATS provides a space for growth, courage and artistry.
“As judges, we are excited when we see singers give committed performances with bold choices,” Angell said. “This is an opportunity to step forward in courage, even if you feel like drawing back in fear.”
For Taylor students, that is what makes walking through the door truly rewarding.
