March 27, 2012 (Jackson) - Students in the Belhaven Music Department are winning many top honors in competitions around the state. Nine Belhaven University Vocal Arts students competed successfully at the National Association of the Teachers of Singing Competition (NATS). This competition was held at the University of Mississippi on March 23 and 24, 2012.
The annual vocal competition draws hundreds of student singers from every major university along with many high school singers.
Belhaven’s John Mathieu, a junior, took first place, competing against all junior men in the Classical category. Ellie Wise, another Belhaven junior, took first place, competing against all junior and senior women in the Musical Theatre Category.
Andrew Craig, a junior, took third place, competing against all junior and senior men in the Musical Theatre Category.
Jeff Tarver, a Belhaven High Scholars student, took second place in the men’s high school division.
In another competition on March 24 at Alcorn State University, Maggie McLinden placed third in the Fifth Annual National Piano Competition.
McLinden, a sophomore and music major with an emphasis in piano performance, previously placed third in both last year’s competition and in the Mississippi Music Teachers Association Piano Competition held earlier this spring at Jones County Junior College.
Congratulations to all of these Belhaven students!