SE student singers place highly at NATS Student Auditions

November 7, 2023

DENTON, Texas – Southeastern Oklahoma State University was well represented at the Texoma Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions, which were held at the University of North Texas on Wednesday-Saturday, November 1-4.

Representing SE were Averie Attaway of Sherman, Texas; Joseph Bowen of Denton, Texas; Lauren Manon Gibson of Antlers; Deja Godwin of Paris, Texas; Haylie Kreitz of Durant; and Brenna Tuttle of Broken Bow. These students participated in auditions and attended masterclasses, artist sessions, and recitals. The Texoma Region of NATS encompasses singers from the states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

From those auditions, Manon Gibson placed first in the fourth/fifth year treble category and Bowen placed second in the third year TBB (tenor, baritone, bass) category. Additionally, Manon Gibson auditioned in the NATSAA (Artist’s Award) competition and was selected as one of seven finalists from 24 competitors.

As the winner of the Texoma Regional in the fourth/fifth year treble category, Manon Gibson advances to the national semifinal auditions, where the top three advance to the national finals. The live national semifinal and final auditions will be held in conjunction with NATS 58th national conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, June 28–July 2, 2024, with the live auditions held during or adjacent these dates.

These Southeastern students are instructed by Dr. Jeremy Blackwood and Dr. Stella Yoon, with accompaniment from pianist Dr. Sunbeam Choi.

“We are so proud of all of our students for their hard work leading up the auditions and their excellent performances last weekend,” Blackwood said. “This is one of the strongest performance weekends Southeastern has ever had at this competition, which shows exemplary accomplishment by our students.”