Baylor Vocalists Earn Success in Regional Competition

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321
WACO, Texas (Nov. 22, 2013) -Baylor vocalists recently competed in the Texas and Oklahoma regional competition of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Semi-finalists from Baylor were placed in all 10 collegiate divisions, with 11 of those students going on to become finalists. Four students earned first place, each in a different division.

The Grady Harlan Award, awarded to one student from the competition who exhibits the most promising professional voice, went to Baylor student Rebekah Howell from the graduate women's division.

"We are very proud of our singers' performances at the NATS competition," said William May, Ph.D., dean of the School of Music.

"We enjoy a long and rich history of winners and finalists in this competition against a large number of very fine music schools in this region," he said. "To win in a single division is special; to win in several is remarkable."

The complete list of Baylor successes is as follows:

• Division XI (Graduate women)
Rebekah Howell - First Place and winner of the Grady Harlan Award
Kaylie Kahlich - Tied for Second Place
Kaitlyn Stobbe - Tied for Second Place

• Division VIII (Junior men)
Sean Jackson - First Place
Zachary Barba - Tied for Third Place

• Division VII (Junior women)
Bethany Wharton - Fourth Place
Vanessa Todora - Fifth Place

• Division VI (Sophomore men)
Scott Clark - First Place

• Division III (Freshmen women)
Victoria Peterson - First Place
Ashton Griffin - Fourth Place
Hannah Ellis - Fifth Place

by Kristen Bennett, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.