2008 Woodie Awards
Vocal performance students compete, win state contest
By: Alexandra Smith
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: LifeStyle
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For vocal students at Webster University, singing in the shower or accompanying the radio as they get ready in the morning is merely a warm-up for the day that will follow. More than a hobby or recreation, they have chosen singing as the path to lead them through their college education, and eventually to their chosen career.
On Oct. 27 and 28, this path led approximately 15 students to Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., to compete in the National Association of Teachers of Singing state competition. Fifteen students advanced as far as the semi-finals in the competition, and three continued on to the final round.
"Having so many students do so well is not common, and it speaks well on the quality of the vocal program at Webster University," said Michael Parkinson, chairman of the music department.
Not all students who entered the competition were vocal performance majors. However, they were all students who take a weekly voice lesson through the music department in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. Individual voice instructors asked students who they felt were ready to attend the competition.
In the category of Junior Women, Angie Dinkelman, a music major, placed first and Kimberly Moller, a music major, placed second. Adam Bock, a music education major, placed third in the category of Freshman Men.
For the competition, students were required to learn and memorize three pieces. The first two were an English art song and an art song in a foreign language. For the third song, students could choose between an Aria, Oratorio or art song in any language.
"Learning the language and sounding authentic in that language is the most difficult thing," said sophomore Lauren Lee, a vocal music education major who competed in the semi-finals.
Students perform alone in front of adjudicators, most of whom are vocal teachers from participating schools.
"It can be a very stressful situation, but it's about the relaxation and the belief in oneself," Parkinson said. "We want them to be able to really get into the character of the song they are singing."
On Oct. 27 and 28, this path led approximately 15 students to Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., to compete in the National Association of Teachers of Singing state competition. Fifteen students advanced as far as the semi-finals in the competition, and three continued on to the final round.
"Having so many students do so well is not common, and it speaks well on the quality of the vocal program at Webster University," said Michael Parkinson, chairman of the music department.
Not all students who entered the competition were vocal performance majors. However, they were all students who take a weekly voice lesson through the music department in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. Individual voice instructors asked students who they felt were ready to attend the competition.
In the category of Junior Women, Angie Dinkelman, a music major, placed first and Kimberly Moller, a music major, placed second. Adam Bock, a music education major, placed third in the category of Freshman Men.
For the competition, students were required to learn and memorize three pieces. The first two were an English art song and an art song in a foreign language. For the third song, students could choose between an Aria, Oratorio or art song in any language.
"Learning the language and sounding authentic in that language is the most difficult thing," said sophomore Lauren Lee, a vocal music education major who competed in the semi-finals.
Students perform alone in front of adjudicators, most of whom are vocal teachers from participating schools.
"It can be a very stressful situation, but it's about the relaxation and the belief in oneself," Parkinson said. "We want them to be able to really get into the character of the song they are singing."
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