Wichita, Kan. – Friends University voice students recently competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) West Central Region Student Auditions. They competed against college and university students representing a four-state area including Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming.
Students submit their auditions digitally where they earn scores from a panel of professionals.
For the sixth year in a row, Friends University had by far the most finalists and semifinalists of any private school in the region and the third highest total overall behind two Big 12 state universities.
“Twelve finalists and 25 semifinals (out of 28 auditions): That’s an all-time record for Friends! We are so proud of this huge accomplishment, which demonstrates that our vocal program is competitive with the very best colleges and universities in the region.” said Associate Professor of Voice, Dr. Matthew Schloneger.
Finalists are eligible to enter the NATS National Student Auditions this spring.
Congratulations to the following students from the studios of Dr. Matthew Schloneger, Rolaine Hetherington, Charleen Ayers, Ashley Winters and Jennifer Marcum:
- Naomi Cavanaugh, 1st Place, 3rd Year Classical Treble
- Lorenz Looney, 1st Place, 3rd Year Musical Theatre TBB
- Zach Garraway, 1st Place, First Year Musical Theatre TBB
- Jordan Roth, 2nd Place, 4th/5th Year Classical TBB
- Nick Wetta, 2nd Place, First Year Musical Theatre TBB
- Mia Krebs, 2nd Place, First Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Clayton Reitz, 3rd Place, 4th/5th Year Musical Theatre TBB
- Joshua Kelley, 3rd Place, 2nd Year Musical Theatre TBB
- Nelson Martin, 3rd Place (Tie), Adult Non-Traditional
- Tim Shenk, 3rd Place (Tie), Adult Non-Traditional
- Emily Kreis, 4th Place, 2nd Year Classical Treble
- Chenille Hawkins, 5th Place, 4th/5th Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Bethany Filer, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Classical Treble & Musical Theatre Treble
- Abigail Hale, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Classical Treble
- Rebeccah Hale, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Classical Treble
- Hannah Howard, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Classical Treble
- Asael Gonzalez Castillo, 4th/5th Year Classical TBB
- Caitlyn Fox, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Elizabeth Fulcher, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Olena Withrow, Semifinals, 4th/5th Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Salma Pena, Semifinals, 3rd Year Classical Treble
- Ali Kells, Semifinals, 1st Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Kaylee Jo Reinke, Semifinals, 1st Year Musical Theatre Treble
- Dillon Boldt, Semifinals, 1st Year Classical TBB
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.