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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Fine Arts Students Sweep International Singing Auditions
Big Blue students Morgan Reckamp and Croix Baker earned honors at the NATS National Student Auditions.
DECATUR, Ill. – congratulates students and faculty members on their success at the .
Morgan Reckamp, a Vocal Performance major through the , took first place in the Lower College Classical (treble voices) division and Croix Baker, a Musical Theatre major through the , took second place in the Lower College Musical Theatre (tenor/baritone/bass voices).
The NATS National Student Auditions is an audition-only event, extended to students from 14 regions across the United States and Canada who study with a NATS member teacher. Hundreds of participants arrived at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn., in June to compete over a four-day period. Reckamp and Baker rose to the top of their respective categories to take first and second place among the nation's top candidates.
"Winning first place in my division was a dream come true, and something I'd been working endlessly toward since last October," said Reckamp. "I'm so excited to keep working as hard as I can to compete again this coming year!"
"When my name was called, I just gave out a huge breath of gratitude and relief. I was grateful to just make it to the finals. To place second was more than I could have asked for. It was an honor to be able to represent Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in such a cool way! It is also a reminder that you can achieve anything if you put your mind, body and soul into it," remarked Baker.
Reckamp and Baker were accompanied by their voice instructor, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ School of Music Professor, Dr. Troy Castle. Castle currently serves as the Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and is a NATS member teacher.
"It's difficult to overstate the significance of this accomplishment," he said. "I am tremendously proud of these students and their work!"
About Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Kirkland Fine Arts Center is located on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University campus in Decatur, Illinois. Since its grand opening in 1970, Kirkland Fine Arts Center has played an integral part in continuing the arts in Decatur and central Illinois. The center is home to a 1,903-seat auditorium and houses several music and choral facilities, lecture halls, art galleries and other multipurpose rooms. Kirkland Fine Arts Center has brought in many nationally acclaimed musical tours, including Rent, 42nd Street, Grease, Godspell, Side by Side, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and many others. World-renowned entertainers such as Trace Adkins, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Vicki Lawrence, and others have also performed at the center. Visit to learn more.
