The School of Music took home the most awards at the 2012 West Central National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Auditions held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln the weekend of Nov. 2-3, including Singer of the Year honors for School of Music senior Kendall Reimer.
UNL voice students received 39 awards and 28 semi-finalist recognitions, more than any of the other 22 participating colleges and universities. The West Central Region of NATS includes Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.
Reimer won Singer of the Year honors, while David Rubio received honorable mention for Singer of the Year.
“I was incredibly excited to receive this award. I have participated in both State and Regional NATS for the last four years, and it really was a great honor to receive,” Reimer said. “I work very hard on all of my music and always enjoy having the opportunity to share it with others, even in a competition environment.”
She credits her teacher, Associate Professor of Voice Kate Butler, with her success.
“Throughout my time at UNL, I have had the wonderful opportunity to study with a phenomenal teacher, Kate Butler, and I could not ask for a more profound mentor to lead me through this portion of my musical journey,” Reimer said.
Butler said Reimer has a promising future.
“It has been my joy and pleasure to help guide and shape Kendall Reimer’s vocal development; to encourage her to express herself artistically, individually and honestly; and to share in her growth, discoveries and successes,” Butler said. “Kendall is a remarkable young woman. She has a gorgeous vocal gift, superb innate musical instincts and, onstage, possesses that special ‘lit-from-within’ quality one finds in true performers. I am so happy for her and look forward to her very promising future.”
Senior Lecture of Voice and Musical Theatre Alisa Belflower said UNL competes well at regional NATS.
“UNL’s student vocalists in the School of Music contribute every year to enhancing our reputation for artistic excellence,” said Senior Lecturer of Voice and Musical Theatre Alisa Belflower. “Despite increased competition from across the Midwest, UNL students won far more awards than in years past, winning first and/or second place in nearly every level of the auditions. Our students are wonderfully gifted young artists, who strive toward excellence.”
There were 450 student entries representing 22 universities and colleges and 20 private voice studios participating in this year’s auditions.
NATS was founded in 1944 and is now the largest association of teachers of singing in the world. NATS offers a variety of lifelong learning experiences to its members, including workshops, intern programs, master classes and conferences.
For a full listing of student winners, please visit http://go.unl.edu/nats2012.