USC Aiken students advance in musical theater competition

Aiken, SC (11/13/2020) — Two University of South Carolina Aiken visual and performing arts students, Vanya (Kayla) Hutto and Mr. Tres (Lowell) Taylor placed first in their levels for the South Carolina National Association for Teachers of Singing (SCNATS) Musical Theater competition held Oct. 25 - 28.

Winners were announced and had their video submissions streamed live on a Facebook event on Oct. 29. According to Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Vocal Studies, Dr. Keely Rhodes, these wins give the students recognition throughout the state and will move them forward into a regional competition with winners from Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Based upon those results they may have the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

"I am incredibly proud of the dedication these two have shown in their practice, performance and representation of the vocal arts at UofSC Aiken," Rhodes said.

Hutto, a sophomore fine arts major, performed "Times Are Hard for Dreamers" from Amelie, "I Got Lost in His Arms" from Annie Get Your Gun, and "I Know Things Now" from Into the Woods.

"My experience so far has been wonderful! I love working with Dr. Rhodes and I absolutely love performing. The others that have qualified for the regional competition are all so talented and I cannot wait to hear them sing!" Hutto said.

Senior nursing and fine arts double major, Tres Taylor, performed "Santa Fe" from Newsies.

"I am so honored to be chosen as the Honors Recital Recipient for my division and continue to Regionals. It is my hope that I am able to continue to make Aiken proud and represent UofSC Aiken in the coming stages!"

The South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing was founded in the late 1950s by Mrs. Carolyn Parker and Mrs. Grace Johnston of Columbia College. Since its inception, our organization has grown to a membership of over 130.

The chapter hosts a number of events each year including master classes with internationally renowned clinicians such as Shirley Verrett and the annual student auditions where talented young singers from around the state compete in specific categories corresponding with their level of study.

The virtual Honors recital can be viewed online on the SCNAT organization's Facebook page.

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