Students of two Mississippi University for Women voice teachers won prizes in a singing competition held April 16 and 17 at Delta State University in Cleveland.
Margaret Mary Henry, 51, of Columbus, a private student of Dr. Cherry Dunn, took first place in the avocational singing category of the contest, held by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Music education major Zane Lynn, a student of Dr. Debra Atkinson, won third place in the category of junior men.
Contestants prepared three to four pieces to sing. Judged by voice teachers at public and private institutions around the state, the competition unfolded in three rounds. To make the final round, performers had to score at least a 90 on aspects of musicianship, technique and artistry ranging from breath support and diction to phrasing, rhythm and stage presence.
Henry won with her performance of the Rachmaninoff art song “To the Children.” Lynn, son of Sammy and Kaye Lynn of Tupelo, won with his rendition of the aria “Che gelida manina” from the Puccini opera “La Boheme.” The two singers, who were awarded certificates and cash prizes, were accompanied by Columbus piano teacher Rachel Delk.
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