A Successful Weekend for Covenant Vocalists

Covenant College vocal students had a successful weekend at the Southeastern Regional National Association of Teaching and Singing (SERNATS), also known as NATS . The conference and student auditions were held this year at Georgia Southern University, an event that brings together the top collegiate vocalists from across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Covenant brought ten student singers to the conference and seven advanced to the finalist rounds in their respective division, an exciting result given the depth and breadth of the competition. Among some of the most competitive university music programs, Covenant’s representation in the finals was a testament to the talent and dedication of the students.

Four Covenant students ultimately placed among the top five in their categories, making them eligible to audition for the national NATS competition. These students were: Daniel Hill ’29 (3rd place, Musical Theater), Adison Smith ’28 (4th place, Classical), Olivia Vande Kerkhoff ’27 (5th place, Classical), and Emmaline Mountain ’26 (4th place, Musical Theater). As well as her competition placement, Olivia Vande Kerkhoff was selected through a competitive audition to perform in the conference’s opening masterclass, an honor awarded to only a small number of singers from across the participating states. Additional Covenant students who advanced to the finalist round were Isabella Miglarese ’29, Claire Morton ’29, and Danielle Sanchez ’28.

The success of these students reflects the outstanding work being done in Covenant’s vocal program, both by the singers and the faculty studios. Associate Professor of Music James Richardson says, “We are deeply proud of how these students represented the college on a regional stage and look forward to cheering on those advancing to the national level of competition.”