Holy Music Competition Batman

Hello again!
I'm writing to you coming out of what could be the two most stressful days of the fall for vocal music majors and their accompanists. I like to call it "the purgatory of contests," but you'll probably hear everyone else refer to it as NATS. NATS, or the National Association of Teachers of Singing, hosts an annual "audition" in which college and high school singers have the opportunity to sing for two or three accomplished music educators for comments and possibility of cash prizes. This year, I went to sing in the Freshmen Men's division and also accompany several of my regular vocalists. All in all, I took part in 7 auditions...when the average is 1.

Now you're wondering "what does this have to do with me?"

Never EVER overbook in college...especially in your first year. As an accompanist, singer, or instrumentalist, a lot of preparation goes into any performance opportunity. Multiply that by any number and you have a lot more preparation. I think 7 "portions" of preparation was too much, and I had more stress than Monk (USA). You get the idea.

There are 3 rounds, and two of my people made it all the way to the finals, which take place the next day in a four hour recital. Luther brought more than 50% of the people participating (that's a guesstimate), and took home at least 50% of the top 3 rankings. That's pretty good considering that most all of Iowa's colleges participate in this competition.


So, this has been yet another short addition to my Luther life blog....but now that NATS is over I can go on living life, and experiencing even more to tell you about soon!

Later
Jake