Two Brevard College voice students recently took top honors at the Music Theater Auditions held by the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in Greensboro, N.C.
Soprano Natalie Comeaux and Tenor Blake Ellege won their respective categories, marking the first time Brevard College has had two first place scorers at these auditions. Comeaux is a student of Brevard College Associate Professor of Music Dr. Kathryn Gresham, while Ellege studies under Assistant Professor of Music Dr. David Gresham.
Each year, between 550-700 students participate in NATS music theater auditions in November and classical auditions in February. At each set of auditions, a panel of NATS adjudicators listens and critiques each singer, giving written feedback as well as a numerical score. Since Comeaux and Ellege placed first in their respective categories they are now eligible to compete in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference and Auditions held by NATS in April.
NATS is the largest professional organization for voice teachers in the country, offering development and networking opportunities for teachers, and supporting young singers through auditions, scholarships and master classes. Participating students benefit both from the feedback they get from other teachers on their auditions and also from observing performances and master classes by some of the finest singers in the region.