MUsic "Bi-Weekly": NATS Competition

Dr. Todd Ranney’s vocal studio attended a National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition on February 8.

Nine Mansfield vocalists attended the competition at Moravian College and were given the opportunity to compete in various categories. “While the studio has a wide variety of vocal disciplines represented: music education, performance, technology and business, our common focus each year is to provide outstanding ‘operatunities’ to each and every singer no matter their career path,” said Dr. Ranney.

“Each student has a voice and so the ability to expand and broaden their career options rests in part to extracurricular activities provided.”

Mansfield had several representatives in the finalists’ circle out of over 140 entries. Junior Michael DeShield took first place in the upper college song and aria divisions, with senior Rachel Gardner and sophomore Jessica Nistad earning semifinalists. Sophomore Matthew Merolla claimed first in the lower college song and aria category, with junior Marita Gattone and freshman Carson Witherite taking semifinalist awards.

“NATS provides singers a snapshot of peer competition, both locally and regionally, in a neutral environment. Singers hear new voices and song repertoire while receiving adjudicated remarks from university professors and studio teachers,” said Dr. Ranney.