On November 14, a group of 22 singers, three pianists and five faculty members from the music department traveled to Rockford, Ill. to compete in the National Association of Teachers Singing regional auditions at Augustana College. The regional competition featured roughly 300 singers from southern Illinois, southern Iowa and all of Missouri. Each audition was judged by three adjudicators made up from the faculty attending the auditions.

The preliminary rounds are being held November 15, with first and second rounds being held all day November 16.

Chris Thompson, associate professor of voice, said this competition carries quite a bit of weight. “There is a lot of emphasis on self-improvement and goal setting for our vocalists. Students will receive comments from others and get to hear some totally new ideas. Plus, they’re also exposed to repertoires and singers they may have never heard of before,” said Thompson.

The graduate students in the music department have also created SNATS, a SOFAC funded organization that is allowing many of the 22 singers to attend these auditions.