Two students from the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University received top honors at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Auditions (NSA) Finals, July 7-8 in San Diego.
According to Associate Professor of Music Deirdre Welborn, this year’s NATS NSA Competition began with district auditions last fall, followed by regional auditions from which students qualified to audition for the quarter final first round of the National NSA.
“From 13,000 singers at the district level, it finally came down to three singers from each category to sing in the finals this weekend. This year’s NSA also included some international students from NATS Chapters abroad,” said Welborn, who is a NATS member and vocal coordinator at the South Carolina School of the Arts. “It is a great achievement to make it to the finals.”
In the final round for her competition, Mabry Boyle, a 2023 Music Education graduate, performed “Rosa’s Confession” from The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Boyle was awarded second place for her category.
Welborn said of Boyle, “She sang beautifully with poise and presence and great character.”
Harper Krimm, who is pursuing a BM in Vocal Performance and Commercial Music, performed “In Bright Mansions Above,” arranged by Jacqueline B. Hairston. Krimm was awarded third place for her category.
“Harper sang beautifully and presented the song with sincere and authentic emotion and connection,” Welborn said. “I am very proud of these two singers. I am privileged and honored to teach them. The Voice Department of the South Carolina School of the Arts is proud to once again be well presented on this National stage.”
Krimm said, “Traveling to San Diego for the NATS National Student Auditions this summer was nothing short of an honor… Being on the youngest side of my category, I was definitely somewhat intimidated by the maturity and poise of my competitors; so, I chose to observe their professionalism for my own personal growth. It was a blessing to have had the opportunity to share my story with the judges and audience through the avenue of music. I am extremely grateful to Professor Welborn for her guidance and her belief in cross training her voice students in multiple genres of music. After my time at AU, I aspire to spend a number of years touring as a jazz vocalist. Many thanks to God for His wonderful blessings and for the gift of music.”
Boyle said, “I am so very thankful for the opportunities AU gave me to pursue both my love for teaching music and performing. I was constantly encouraged by my professors to love both teaching and performing. Being able to perform has made me a better musician, especially because of opportunities like the NATS competition. Performing for NATS helped me to always have something I was working towards. If it were not for my voice teacher, Ms. Deedy Welborn, I would not have made it this far in the competition. I am delighted to say that she was my voice teacher for all four years of college. She was my constant support, encourager and mentor throughout my time at AU. She always challenged me to do my very best and pushed me to become the musician I am today.”
The South Carolina School of the Arts
The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees with majors and concentrations in graphic design, painting and drawing, ceramics, art education, musical theatre, acting, theatrical design, theatre, acting and directing, dance, worship leadership, music education, and vocal, keyboard and instrumental performance. Visit them online here.