UST-Houston’s singers soared at the April 6 Greater Houston National Association of Teachers of Singing competition at Houston Christian University. Of the 10 University of St. Thomas singers, six were finalists, and one made the semi-finals.

Formidable Competition

This spring’s fierce regional competition drew singers from Sam Houston State University, Lamar, HCU, Blinn College, Texas A&M Prairie View, and most of the local junior colleges—Lonestar College, Houston Community College and San Jacinto College.

Dr. Brady Knapp, UST’s acclaimed artist-in-residence, Chair of Music, and head of choral and vocal studies at St. Thomas, lavished praise on Professor Jasmine Hatem who has accompanied UST’s singers since 2006.

“Playing a range of classical vocal repertoire spanning the 17th to the 21st centuries, Professor Hatem is a brilliant collaborative pianist and remains a great asset to the music program,” Dr. Knapp declared. “Her work with young singers is phenomenal, and it allows students to sing with freedom, finesse and sensitivity.”  

Both Dr. Knapp and UST adjunct instructor of voice, Dr. Joan Allouache, were invited to serve as adjudicators for the high school and various collegiate divisions.

Finalists and Semifinalists from Dr. Allouache’s UST Studio:

·      Daniela Garcia, Undergraduate Junior Women third place

·      Nataly Cruz, Junior Women semi-finalist

·      (Tho Tran also competed and sang beautifully)

 Finalists from Dr. Knapp’s voice studio:

·      Jessica Thrift (MSM), Graduate Women first place

·      Ayanna Nguyen, Undergraduate Senior Women second place

·      Meredith Mullenax, Undergraduate Sophomore Women third place

·      Raphael Gonzalvo, Undergraduate Sophomore Men second place

·      Evion Evanson, Undergraduate Sophomore Men finalist & honorable mention

Dr. Knapp commented that undergraduates Josiah Snow and Laura Newcomer, who is a non-music major, also competed and sang very well in their divisions.

Reflecting on the students and his colleagues, Dr. Knapp said, “I am proud of our talented and hardworking vocal students, and I am grateful for my amazing colleagues, Dr. Allouache and Professor Hatem. It truly takes a village to help students find success and build lasting skills so they can enter the profession with confidence and competency.”

The Public Is Invited

Audiences are invited to see and hear these talented singers perform in UST’s biannual Opera & Musical Scenes program on April 19 at 7:30pm or April 20 at 3 p.m. in the UST Cullen Hall. Scenes will come from “Cosi Fan Tutte,” “A Little Night Music,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Guys & Dolls” and “Titanic,” with stage direction by Debra Dickinson. All events are free and open to the public.