Six University of St. Thomas-Houston students competed at the Greater Houston National Association of Teachers of Singing (GHNATS) Classical Auditions Saturday, April 15. Accompanying the students was UST Visiting Instructor Jasmine Hatem. 

UST GHNATS Finalists: 

• Amy Erlandson-Kerswell, soprano, Master in Sacred Music, placed first in the Intermediate Adult Division 
• Su-Jin Baker, soprano, Master in Sacred Music, placed third in the Advanced Adult Division. 
• Raphael Gonzalvo, tenor music major, placed second in the Freshmen Collegiate Men Division. 
• Evio'n Evanson, tenor music major, placed third in the Freshmen Collegiate Men Division. 
• Jessica Thrift, a soprano music major, made the semi-finals in the Collegiate Senior Division. 
• Laura Newcomer, a UST freshman, competed in the largest collegiate division (Freshmen Women!) 

Knapp said, “Our students competed with other talented music majors from all over this region: Sam Houston State, Prairie View, Texas A&M, Lamar University, Houston Christian University (formerly HBU), Houston Community College, the Lonestar Community College campuses, San Jacinto Community College, University of Houston, Blinn College and more.”

Knapp adjudicated a division of high school women at the competition, and a Collegiate Male Division. “Our talented students represented UST with excellence,” he said.

Setting UST Music Apart

Unlike larger universities, UST Music majors have multiple solo and small ensemble performance opportunities every semester, starting their freshman year. With rigorous training in choral, operatic, and instrumental music, students explore the rich and diverse suite of ancient and modern Western music from sacred and secular traditions.

By integrating musical, liturgical, and pastoral dimensions into the program, the Master of Scared Music gives students a professional foundation of liturgical music as a ministry. The MSM prepares graduates for work with priests, pastors, and congregations, as well as for teaching.