UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

Patriot Spotlight: UT Tyler Performing Arts Students Recognized

April 22, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

Four UT Tyler performing arts students were recognized by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. at this year's chapter and regional NATS auditions.

These students were recognized in the Greater Houston NATS chapter students audition: Fourth place – Justin Forward of Tyler, junior men division; and semi-final rounds – Vanessa Stanley of Mineola, freshman women division and Eric Ware of Carthage, junior men division.

Taylor McNatt of Texarkana was also recognized and went on to the semi-final round in the junior women division at the Texoma Region NATS chapter student auditions. The regional audition is among music schools in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

"UT Tyler students have competed in NATS regional and chapter auditions many years, and this is the first year we have produced this many recognitions," said Dr. Sooah Park, opera director and assistant professor music. "I am so proud."

Founded in 1944, NATS is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada and nearly 30 other countries. Internationally, NATS is represented in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, with the number of countries growing every year.

For more information, contact Park, 903.566.7088 or spark@uttyler.edu.

The UT Tyler School of Performing Arts is comprised of a community of recognized artists and musical professionals committed to providing a quality learning and performing environment where students can develop knowledge, skills and professionalism for their future careers.

An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the school offers the bachelor of music, bachelor of arts degree in music and it also participates in the interdisciplinary studies master of arts degree program. Students may also choose music or theater as a minor.

Contact: 903.566.7450 or music@uttyler.edu.