Collegiate Congrats: Hartl and Hovey shine at Minn. National Association of Teachers of Singing contest
February 7, 2022
The North Dakota State University Challey School of Music placed a record nine semifinalists and seven finalists this school year at the Minnesota National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition. The Challey School of Music also recorded two winners in the competition, Tessa Hartl (New Rockford, N.D.) and Zion Zaloudeck (River Falls, Wis.).
The Challey School of Music placed seven finalists in five different divisions, with all seven individuals finishing in the top three of their respective groups. NDSU's three graduate students that competed placed first or second in their groups as Hartl and Zaloudeck won their divisions and Camden Pruitt (Woodstock, Ga.) was runner-up to Hartl.
Three students from North Dakota placed, including division winner Hartl, as Seth Brandle of Grand Forks and Nicholas Hovey of New Rockford finished second and third, respectively, in the CL8A Division.
A pair of Minnesotans' Hannah Ray (Faribault) and Mariah Seidel (Fergus Falls) also placed as Ray finished second and Seidel placed third in their divisions, respectively.
Students wishing to advance to the National NATS competition will submit an audition video to the North Central NATS Region, which will select winners in March 2022 for students to compete at the NATS National Event. The semifinals and finals will be held July 1-6 in Chicago.
For more information on the Challey School of Music and NDSU Performing Arts, visit NDSU.edu/PerformingArts. Follow the department on Facebook and Instagram at @ndsuperformingarts.
NDSU Students at 2021 Minnesota NATS Student Auditions Winners & Finalists:
CL 5A - 2nd - Hannah Ray (Faribault)
CL7A - 3rd - Mariah Seidel (Fergus Falls)
CL8A - 2nd - Seth Brandl (Grand Forks); 3rd - Nicholas Hovey (New Rockford)
CL9A - 1st - Tessa Hartl (New Rockford); 2nd - Camden Pruitt (Woodstock, Ga.)
CL10 - 1st - Zion Zaloudeck (River Falls, Wis.)