Lawrence University’s Tory Wood won her second straight state title at the 2011 Wisconsin chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition held Nov. 4-5 at Viterbo University in La Crosse.
Wood, of Escanaba, Mich., was one of four Lawrence students awarded first-place honors. She won the junior women’s division after winning the sophomore division in 2010.
Also earning first-place awards in their respective divisions were Max Kligman, Mill Valley, Calif., freshman men; Ian Koziara, Wheaton, Ill., sophomore men and Katy Harth, Naperville, Ill., upper level music theatre.
Ten of Lawrence’s 54 entries advanced to the competition finals. In addition to the four winners, two Lawrence students earned second-place honors and four were awarded third place. The first-place finishers each received $150 for their winning efforts, while second- and third-place finishers received $125 and $100, respectively.
The 2011 auditions drew nearly 400 singers from around the state who competed in 20 separate divisions by gender and level. Depending upon the category, NATS competitors are required to sing two, three or four classical pieces from different time periods with at least one selection sung in a foreign language.
Lawrence place winners with their category and (voice teacher) include:
First–Place Honors
• Tory Wood, junior women (Joanne Bozeman)
• Ian Koziara, sophomore men (Steven Spears)
• Max Kligman (Ken Bozeman)
• Katy Harth, upper level music theatre women (Karen Leigh-Post)
Second-Place Honors
• Clee McCracken, Elgin, Ill., freshman men (Steven Spears)
• Alex York, Muskego, sophomore men (Steven Spears)
Third-Place Honors
• Kelsey Wang, Alhambra, Calif., freshman women (Teresa Seidl)
• Zoie Reams, Chicago, Ill., sophomore women (John Gates)
• Issa Ransom, Mount Vernon, N.Y., junior men (Steven Spears)
• Michael Pope, Chicago, Ill., senior men (Karen Leigh-Post)
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a world-class conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. Ranked among America’s best colleges, it was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Individualized learning, the development of multiple interests and community engagement are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,445 students from 44 states and 35 countries.
