FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              April 5, 2006

NORTHWESTERN SINGERS PARTICIPATE IN NATS COMPETITION

            Seven Northwestern Oklahoma State University students participated in the Oklahoma District National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) spring conference vocal competitions at East Central University March 31-April 1.

Those from Northwestern Oklahoma State University taking part in the Oklahoma District National Association of Teachers of Singing spring conference included (from left, front row) Ryan Wiebener, Dr. Aija Shrader, Kari Jantz, (back row) Emmy Irving, Jillian Bartow, Suzy Herber, Ja’kee Rivers, Adam Treeman  and Elizabeth Smith.

            Jillian Bartow of Laverne tied for second place in the sophomore women category. Others from Northwestern who competed were Suzy Herber of Shattuck; Kari Jantz, Cherokee; Ja’kee Rivers, Midwest City; Elizabeth Smith, Alva; Adam Treeman, Alva; and Ryan Wiebener, Alva. All are students of Dr. Aija Shrader, assistant professor of music.

            Charla Parker accompanied the singers on piano, and Emmy Irving, graduate student from Mutual, assisted Shrader.

            In all, 170 students of 35 voice teachers (who also act as the judges) and 33 accompanists participated in the preliminary round of auditions. There was then a finals round.

            Shrader received a plaque in recognition of her service to the organization as auditions chair for the Oklahoma NATS district for four years and as the auditions chair for the Texoma region for two years.

            “I have really enjoyed being a part of the organizing structure of the conference,” Shrader said. “The only way to make something better is by becoming involved. I thank Emmy for her invaluable assistance.”

            “I am convinced that all our students sing better and present themselves better because of the opportunities to compete and compare provided by the NATS organization. This competition does not differentiate between size of school or department. Northwestern students have competed against singers from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma, as well as smaller schools. I am very proud of all our voice students. They work hard. The musical education provided at Northwestern cannot be rivaled throughout our state.”

-NW-

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