FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 6, 2012
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

MUW voice student places first in NATS auditions

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Two senior music education majors at Mississippi University for Women recently competed in the southern regional student auditions of the National Association of Teachers of Singing at Mississippi, where one of them went on to place first in her division.

Soprano Alisa Toy won first place with the aria, “Ebben?...ne andro lontano” by Catalani.

“MUW has been the long awaited catalyst for me to accomplish my dreams with education and performing. Preparing for and competing in the NATS competition has given me such great joy and confidence,” she said. “I am truly grateful for the support of my family and the MUW faculty and staff. Without them, this honor wouldn’t be possible.”

Toy is the wife of education professor Dr. Royal Toy.

Tenor Zane Lynn advanced to the semi-finals with “Reflessi” by Santoliquido.

Both singers are students of Dr. Cherry Dunn, assistant professor of music, and were accompanied by MUW alumna Rachel Delk.

The regional auditions were held at Mississippi College and include Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.