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Media Contact: Maddy Elledge
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Young Harris College Students Excel at National Singing Competition
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Three Young Harris College students recently competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing’s (NATS) National Student Auditions where they successfully made it through regional competition and the first round of national screenings to the semi-final round.
Senior theatre majors Kevin Garland, of Adairsville, Ga., and Drew Andersen, of Atlanta, Ga., and senior music education major Emily Roberts, of Euharlee, Ga., traveled to Boulder, Colo., with Professor of Music, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities, and Musical Theatre Co-coordinator Jeffrey Bauman to participate in the event held on the University of Boulder campus. Singers from all over the country were present to perform for the judging panels and compete for $35,000 in prize money.
“To have three students from any one school advance to the semi-final round is a great honor and is a testament to the vocal music program at YHC,” said Bauman. “The comments from the judges’ panel were very positive, complimenting Kevin, Drew, and Emily on their preparation and artistry. All three of our students performed very well under immense pressure.”
Andersen advanced to the finals where he placed second in the advanced musical theatre category.
“It was an honor to even be invited to attend,” said Roberts. “It was the first time in YHC history that three students advanced to the national rounds at one time—and we’re all from the same studio. I will compete as long as I’m eligible, so I’m excited to see what next year holds.”
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Teachers of Singing is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with nearly 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and nearly 30 other countries.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting college located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through the highest quality liberal arts education. The College currently has more than 1,100 students across five divisions—Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga., has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. Recent LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, new residence facilities, and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. YHC is among fewer than 300 colleges and universities nationwide named to the 2017-2018 list of Colleges of Distinction and is listed as a “Best National Liberal Arts College” by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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