SU Music Students Advance in NATS Auditions

SALISBURY, MD---Two Salisbury University music students are eligible for the national round of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) auditions following recent success at the Mid-Atlantic regional level. They are:

•    Jeffrey Todd of Salisbury – first place, freshman men classical; and honorable mention, freshmen men musical theatre; and

•    Syed Jaffery of Salisbury – honorable mention, sophomore men classical and musical theatre.

They each received an average score of 90 or better out of a possible 100 points and were judged on tone quality, vocal technique, body alignment/freedom, artistry, musicianship and effectiveness of communication.

The national auditions are scheduled Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10, at the 54th annual NATS national conference in Chicago. Some 150 students from around the country (approximately 14 in each category) will compete. Winners divide some $30,000 in awards.

Prior to the regional competition, SU students also fared well at the Maryland/Washington, D.C. NATS auditions. Students placing in that freshman/sophomore categories of that round included:

•    Jeffrey Todd of Salisbury – first place, classical and musical theatre;

•    Syed Jaffery of Salisbury – second place, musical theatre; third place, classical;

•    Desiree Borges of LaPlata, MD – first place, musical theatre; and

•    Maggie Jones of Salisbury, second place, musical theatre.

    For more information call 410-543-6385 or visit the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.