OBU Musicians Fare Well at NATS Competition

April 8, 2004

Oklahoma Baptist University was well represented at the regional National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions held at Chickasha, Okla., on April 3 and 4.

The Conference was attended by about 160 students and 22 teachers. OBU participants observed a master class with Joan Wall from Texas Women's University and auditioned in their respective categories.

Freshman Bethany Hailey (from the studio of Norma Partridge) placed second in the Freshmen Women's division. Sophomore Keri Burman (student of Rhetta Hudson) placed second in the Sophomore Women's division.

Michael Slaughter (student of Norma Partridge) took first place in the Junior Men's division. Senior Jilian Russell (from the studio of Rhetta Hudson) won the Senior Women's division.

Additional finalists included freshman Melissa Upton, sophomores Emily Rose and Jennifer Fuller and juniors Lindsey Doolin and Andrea Dent.

OBU vocal music faculty members Norma Partridge and Rhetta Hudson attended the event, as did Dr. Ron Lewis, chair of the Keyboard Department.

The OBU Division of Music offers degrees in vocal performance, keyboard performance, instrumental emphasis, theory and composition, church music, and music education. It is home to approximately 100 music majors.