Anderson University Music Students Win State Awards
Continuing a strong
legacy of excellence in vocal music performance, several Anderson University
students were recently recognized at the South Carolina awards competition for
the National Association of Teachers of Singing. The competition was held the
second week of March.
Anderson sophomore
Octavia Hall was the top winner among her classification in the state, while
Maggie Hill won the top award among juniors. In addition, the following AU
students were qualifiers for regional competition in their respective
disciplines:
Regional
Qualifiers: Classical Categories: Anna Sheehan, Sophomore College
Women; Christopher Hulsey, College Junior Men, Kalon Moon, College Junior Men,
and Kenneth Washington, College Senior Men (student of Dr. Tommy Watson).
Musical Theater Categories: Elyse LeRoy and Brittany Roether, and Crystal
Stewart, Freshman\Sophomore College Women; Maggie Hill and Lizzie Porcari,
Junior\Senior College Women.
AU
music professor Deedy Francis, who teaches the top two winners plus many of the
regional qualifiers, says that while AU typically wins in the highest levels of
competition, this is a banner year for recognition of the program.
“I
was very proud of the students who won and for the students who qualified for
regionals. It is certainly the highest number we've ever had,” she said.
“It is a special honor for Octavia Hall, Sophomore College Women, to have won
her category again this year. She was a winner at the State auditions
last year, and it is a great honor for her to have won in two consecutive
years. Miss Hall also placed third in the Regional Auditions last year.
Maggie Hill placed second in her Musical Theater category at regionals
last year.”
Anderson University is a comprehensive university affiliated
with the South Carolina Baptist Convention offering bachelors and masters
degrees. Anderson is ranked in the Top Tier (top 25) of colleges and
universities in the South, and
one of “77 Schools to Watch in America,” by U. S. News & World Report. Anderson has also been named one of “Americas
100 Best College Buys,” Located in The Upstate region of South Carolina near
the foothills of the Appalachians, Anderson University features a rigorous
education in a supportive Christian environment.
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