Minot State students sweep singing contest
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University students took to the stage at the North Dakota National Association of Teachers of Singing in Dickinson over the weekend and walked away with several awards.
“The NATS Voice Competition is held annually and includes collegiate and high school singers from all of the state of North Dakota and the greater North Central Region,” said Emerson Eads, Minot State director of choral activities and assistant professor of music.
Minot State student results:
- Megan Kramer, first place, First Year Treble Voice
- Evan Putt, first place, First Year Classical TBB Voice
- Caleb Blaze, second place, Second Year Classical TBB Voice
- Christina Larsen, second place, Second Year Classical Treble Voice
- Kylee Cook, third place, Third Year Classical Treble Voice
- Megan Klebe, third place, Fourth/Fifth Year Treble Voice
The singers were accompanied at the piano by Minot State students Kevin Vandal and Jacob Kirsch, Minot State alumna Lori Zavalney, and Minot State Division of Performing Arts and Minot High School students Claire Keeley and Taj Baang.
“This experience confirms what I believe. Music unites us, moves us, and uplifts. We heard some amazing singers, whose care-filled, committed presentations were thrilling and rejuvenating,” said DeVera Bowles, Minot State voice professor. “Congratulations to these talented MSU musicians. I will cherish the memory of all the wonderful sharing of heart and talent, and of the joy of reconnecting with my colleagues from across the region.”
The Division of Performing Arts Voice Studios of Ken and DeVera Bowles and Emerson Eads took the regional honors competing against students from the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, University of Jamestown, and Dickinson State, among other universities.
“What a wonderful opportunity for students to be able to perform for each other and receive expert feedback from teachers who are performers and pedagogues from around the region,” said Eads. “I was so proud of our students who, not only did so well in the competition itself, but supported each other so ardently. If an MSU student was competing, there was sure to be a group of MSU students supporting their colleagues in the audience. The whole competition was renewing, revealing that the joy of singing is alive and well here in the Northern Plains.”
In the attached photo, standing left to right, top row: Lori Zavalney, Emerson Eads, Kevin Vandal, Jacob Kirsch, Megan Klebe, Megan Kramer, Ken Bowles, and DeVera Bowles. Second row: Christina Larsen, Kylee Cook, Caleb Blaze, Kristin Grubb, and Evan Putt.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 04/03/23
