Friends University Returns Home Victorious from the 2022 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition

Wichita, Kan. – Over 20 Friends University voice students recently competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) West Central Region Student Auditions at Colorado State University. They competed against college and university students representing a four-state area including Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming.

For the sixth year in a row, Friends University had the most finalists of any private school in the region and, for the first time, the most of any university in Kansas!

“Five first place winners! That’s the most first place winners of any university in the competition at all levels,” said Associate Professor of Voice, Dr. Matthew Schloneger. “We are so proud of this huge accomplishment, which demonstrates that our vocal program is competitive with the very best colleges and universities in the region.”

Finalists are eligible to enter the NATS National Student Auditions this spring. 

Congratulations to the following students from the studios of Dr. Matthew SchlonegerRolaineHetheringtonCharleen AyersGeorgeanne Yehling and Jennifer Marcum:• Naomi Cavanaugh, 1st Place, Senior Treble Classical and 1st Place, Advanced Negro Spirituals• Zachary Garraway, 1st Place, Lower College TBB Musical Theatre• Abigail Kreis, 1st Place, 1st Year College Treble Classical • Aubrie Culver, 1st Place, Lower College Negro Spirituals and semifinals, Freshman Treble Classical• Hannah Howard, 2nd Place, Senior Treble Classical• Jordan Roth, 2nd Place, Upper College TBB Classical • Joshua Kelley, 2nd Place, Upper College TBB Musical Theatre • Isabelle G. Loucks, 4th Place, 1st Year College Treble Classical• Salma Pena, Semifinals, Senior Treble Classical and Upper College Treble Musical Theatre• Emily Kreis, Semifinals, Junior Treble Classical and Classical Masterclass Performer• Davis Green, Semifinals, Lower College TBB Classical and Musical Theatre Masterclass Performer• Madyson Groves, Semifinals, Lower College Treble Musical Theatre• Rachel Mullen, Semifinals Lower College Treble Musical Theatre • Shelby Beckmann, Semifinals, Freshman Treble Classical • Michael Jabara, Semifinals, Non-Traditional 

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.