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Seven Sacramento State students made impressive showings at the regional National Teachers of Singing competition, taking first or second place in nine divisions.

NATS is a national organization of voice professionals, including private teachers and singing instructors from community colleges and universities. The local group is called the California Capitol Chapter and was chartered just last fall.

The March 31 competition is an annual “Student Auditions” in which singers who study with chapter members compete with one another. The event drew

Sac State students found success at the National Teachers of Singing competition. From left are Michael Beal, Andrew Nickell, Kate Murphy, Kyle Sullivan, Matt Surges, Christine De La Rosa, and Erica Wilens.

20 teachers and 76 student singers. Sacramento State Music Professors Robin Fisher and Michael Sokol had 14 students entered.

Sac State standouts were:

• Andrew Nickell – First place for Classical Art Song: ages 25 or older; and for Musical Theater Duets
• Kyle Sullivan – First place for Musical Theater Duets
• Michael Beal – First Place for Classical Art Song: ages 25 or older
• Christine De La Rosa – First place in Classical Duets; and also for Classical Art Song: ages 25 or older
• Kate Murphy – Second place in Musical Theater: ages 21-24
• Erica Wilens – First place in Classical Duets; in Classical Arias by ages 21-24; and also in Musical Theatre: ages 21-24
• Matt Surges – First place in the One Composer category, singing Gershwin’s “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

“We are very excited about the students’ achievements,” says Fisher. “Singers came from Modesto, Yuba City and the University of the Pacific, and Sac State made a very strong – and vocal – impression.”

The students received $100 for first places and $75 for second-place finishes.

“It is a pleasure to work with these young people who sing from the heart,” says Fisher.

For more information about Sacramento State’s Music Department, visit www.csus.edu/music. For media assistance, call the University’s Public Affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

– Craig Koscho
ckoscho@csus.edu