Dana student and alum earn top honors at fall 2024 NATS Auditions
October 23, 2024
Dana School of Music student Erika Walker, along with Dana alumna Rachel Gardner, were awarded first and second place honors, respectively, at the fall 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Ohio Chapter Student Auditions, held Saturday, October 19, at Kent State University.
Students of professor of voice Misook Yun, both Walker and Gardner placed in the Adult Classical – Treble Voices category. Walker is a second-year Master of Music, Vocal Performance student, and Gardner graduated with her Master of Music degree in May 2024.
Walker and Gardner’s success follows the announcement that two YSU Musical Theatre students, Brooke May and Ryan Bedi, were awarded first place in their respective performance categories at the 2024 NATS Tri-State Chapter “Student Auditions” Competition, held Saturday, October 5, at West Virginia University. The Tri-State Chapter of NATS encompasses Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia.
The Ohio Chapter of NATS holds its Student Auditions each fall with the goal to inspire and encourage students and teachers to continue their singing practice. The event provides a supportive atmosphere to competitors, allowing them to receive constructive feedback on their performance from a panel of experienced adjudicators.