The Blair School of Music celebrated another round of wins, with one Blair Academy student and seven collegiate students securing top vocal awards at the Tennessee National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Statewide competition. NATS is one of the nation’s leading organizations for advancing excellence in singing. Its statewide events bring together hundreds of young vocalists who compete across classical and musical theatre categories. These competitions are designed to support professional growth and artistry for singers at every level.
“Whenever I am fortunate enough to see Blair students compete and perform outside of our school walls, I am again reminded of the uniquely talented, driven, and high-caliber musicians we have the honor to teach on a weekly basis,” said Tyler Nelson, area chair and associate professor of voice at the Blair School of Music. “It’s wonderful to see them receive recognition for the excellent work they are doing.”
“Competing at NATS was a valuable opportunity for us to get exposure and performance experience outside of the “Blair bubble,” but it was also a truly wonderful chance to be inspired by the artistry of other singers our age,” said first-year Ingrid Flaherty. “I loved getting to know my Blair peers more closely and bonding with them, as well as the other singers, in a spirit of friendly, supportive competition.”
This year’s results reflect the depth of training across Blair’s voice area, highlighting the strength of their training and the dedication of the students. From high school to upper-level collegiate divisions, Blair vocalists earned top honors across classical and musical theatre categories, showcasing both emerging talent and advanced musicianship.
Vanderbilt University Results:
Josephine Packard, HS Junior (Student of Hailey Clark, Blair Academy)
1st Place – High School Classical Treble Voices
1st Place – High School Musical Theatre Treble Voices
Ingrid Flaherty, freshman (Student of Tyler Nelson)
1st Place – First Year (college) Classical Treble Voices
Lalima Sharan, sophomore (Student of Dashon Burton)
1st Place – Second Year Musical Theatre Treble Voices
2nd Place – Second Year Classical Treble Voices
Ethan Prickett, sophomore (Student of Tyler Nelson)
1st Place – Second Year Musical Theatre TBB Voices
1st Place – Second Year Classical TBB Voices
Paula San Antonio, junior (Student of Tyler Nelson)
1st Place – Third Year Classical Treble Voices
Kady Hillman, senior (Student of Hailey Clark)
1st Place – 4th and 5th Year Classical Treble Voices
Paityn Taylor-Gunter, senior (Student of Tyler Nelson)
1st Place – Upper College Musical Theatre Treble Voices
Caleb Brock, senior (Student of Hailey Clark)
1st Place – 4th and 5th Year Classical TBB Voices