The John J. Cali School of Music Hosts Conference for Teachers and Students of Voice

The John J. Cali School of Music was proud to host the 2016 Eastern Region Conference and Student Auditions of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), one of the most widely recognized organizations which promotes the highest standards of vocal arts and supports education and continuous learning for vocal teaching professionals and students.

From March 11th to the 13th, Montclair State teachers and students of voice welcomed over 210 university and high school students and emerging professionals who competed in the National Student Auditions and in the NATS Artist Awards Competition for Singers. At this yearly conference, students participate in auditions or competitions, which are adjudicated by NATS members.

“We are honored to have been chosen to host this year’s conference; it’s a tremendous opportunity for pedagogic exchange and an incomparable learning experience for students” said Dr. Lori McCann, Associate Professor of Voice and Coordinator of Vocal Performance at the Cali School of Music and the regional governor of NATS.

Fifty educators from New Jersey and neighboring states in the northeast were also active participants and judges at this year’s Eastern Region conference. The educators who attended the conference serve as the impartial judges as members of NATS and are dedicated to the experience of further professional growth and sharing of skills, techniques, and ideas.

The conference also offered students first-hand experience in preparing for a vocal competition and to focus on their craft. Throughout the weekend, students and judges filled the corridors and lobby of Chapin Hall as they waited and prepared for their auditions which took place within Chapin’s numerous practice and performance rooms.

First year Musical Theatre student Ethan Lynch competed and placed first in the “Men’s Lower College Musical Theatre” category, and qualified for the next round and will wait to hear of his illegibility to attend the National Conference. “Over the course of the three-day conference, I found myself increasingly inspired by both the talent of my peers and the comments of the judges, which helped me to hone my performance with each qualifying round and to win in two divisions. I hope to make my way to the national convention this July!” explained Lynch about his experience.

Students are awarded monetary prizes and those with qualifying scores move on to the next round and the chance to compete at the nationals, which will be held in Chicago this coming July, where over 500 students from all over the country will attend. Of the 69 prizes awarded at the conference, 20 were Cali students, and those who will move on to the National Conference will be notified in May.

Musical Theatre student Cali Student Kiani Nelson, who placed 1st within the “Upper College Music Theatre Women and Men” category shared her enthusiastic thoughts about the conference: “first of all I had a blast, it was amazing to see both students and teachers all come together in a big discussion about our voices. It was a weekend of immense knowledge and I learned a lot about my instrument. It was also great to hear so many talented people! In my category alone the talent was outstanding, not to mention that they’re my good friends and I’m extremely proud of us all!”

Over forty students and recent graduates from the Cali School represented Montclair State, all of whom had prepared for the auditions over the course of the academic year. Often studying and preparing several pieces in various genres including classical and musical theatre, auditioners practice works in foreign languages while focusing on technique, pronunciation, articulation, developing character portrayal, and perfecting presentation and performance approaches. As an opportunity to sing for impartial judges, to perform, and receive recognition for their achievements, the conference proved to be both a rewarding and challenging experience.

First year Vocal Performance and German language student Taylor Bayes was among the 20 Cali students who received prizes, and one of the students who is moving onto the semi-final YouTube round for selection for the National Finals in July. As a 1st Prize winner of the First Year College Women category, she is grateful for the instruction and encouragement she received from her professor Dr. Lori McCann. “I initially intended to sing in the competition to garner feedback,” explained Bayes who didn’t expect to move on to the next round. “I am comfortable performing and the opportunity to hear constructive criticism from the judges is a great way to improve as a performer.”

In addition to the competition, students and teachers of voice benefitted from the wealth of resources that the conference offers through the workshops and master classes held throughout the weekend. Cali School instructor and Metropolitan Opera mezzo soprano Barbara Dever held a master class for both educators and students on the style and performance of opera, and Dr. Heather Buchanan, Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the Cali School, held a body mapping workshop which helped educators learn more about the science and techniques to attain ease of movement and physical alignment in performance.

“One of the highlights of hosting the NATS regional conference was to showcase the student and faculty talent at Montclair State,” explained Prof. Lori McCann, adding “in addition to the numerous learning sessions and the student competitions, on opening night we held the John J. Cali School of Music Faculty Showcase which is a unique opportunity to exhibit the rare talents of our program.”

The conference, which encouraged both learning and refining vocal skills, was also a celebration of the vocal arts on campus.  Second year Vocal Performance student Lisbelkis Santana and 1st place winner of her section described her experience thoughtfully, stating “as I advanced to each round, I looked at this experience as an opportunity to make beautiful music, and I was determined to do that with everything I had. Music has a way of bringing people together, and that is why I hold it to such a high value.”

To learn more about the Voice Performance program at the John J. Cali School of Music, please visit the program page.

Read more about the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the upcoming national conference.