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SEVEN NJCU STUDENTS ARE WINNERS IN NJ NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING FESTIVAL

Seven ��è�ƽ�� (NJCU) music students have been named winners in the “Festival of Singing 38th Annual Auditions” of the New Jersey National Association of Teachers of Singing (NJNATS).

The statewide event, which drew 76 competitors from colleges and universities across the Garden State, was hosted by NJCU this year on Saturday, February 20.

Award recipients in the Advanced Upper Women/Men category are NJCU graduate students in performance LeAndre Scott – First Place, who studies with adjunct faculty member John Hancock, and Sarah Blood – Second Place, who studies with Dr. Donna Connolly, NJCU coordinator of graduate studies and vocal studies and NJNATS Festival host.

The award winner in the Lower College Music Theater Women/Men category is freshman Kyle Blocker – First Place and in the Upper College Music Theater Women/Men category, the winner is senior Najee Esmond – First Place. Both undergraduates study with Marc Dalio, NJCU Coordinator of Musical Theatre Studies.

Award recipients in the Junior Men category are junior Israel Hernandez – First Place, a voice performance major who studies with Dr. Jerry Forderhase, an adjunct faculty member, and Al-Jabril Muhammad – Second Place, a music education major who studies with Mr. Hancock.

An award winner in the Junior Women category is junior Elizabeth Smith – Second Place, a performance major who studies with Dr. Forderhase.

“Participating in the Festival is an invaluable experience for NJCU students,” Dr. Connolly said. 

She added, “Our students see where they stand comparatively among others at the collegiate level. As a result, they gain self-confidence and realize they have the talent and necessary skills to be competitive. We are so proud of their success.”