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November 18, 2024

Roberts Students Shine at NATS Upstate New York District Auditions

Roberts Wesleyan University students excelled at the recent National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Upstate New York District Auditions, held Nov. 7-8. Competing against over 125 participants from prestigious music programs, Roberts students earned impressive results:

  • Esther Knappenberger placed 1st in her category

  • Emily Sylvester and Logan Smith earned 2nd and 3rd place finishes

  • Emmaline Verratti, Lydia Roselund, and Cecilia Guerra advanced to the semifinals

Emily Sylvester, Sharon Johnson, Esther Knappenberger, Jack Fecik, Julie Runion, Logan Smith

Left to right: Emily Sylvester (‘24), Sharon Johnson (staff pianist), Esther Knappenberger, Jack Fecik, Julie Runion, Logan Smith

The students were supported by talented pianists, including Professor Julie Runion and performance major Jack Fecik, whose accompaniment and collaboration were crucial to the students' success.

Megan Resig, Chair of the Department of Music and Performing Arts, expressed pride in the students' accomplishments, noting their representation of Roberts' musical excellence. The university looks forward to potential advancement to the Eastern Region Auditions at Rutgers University in March.

Students smile

Back row, LR: Lauryn Beyer, Cecilia Guerra, Julie Runion, Qasim Huzair, Jackson Oliver, Constance Fee, Caleb Williams, Jeffery McGhee, Lauren Zielinski (‘24), Esther Knappenberger

Front row, LR: Lydia Roselund, Victoria Heffner, Emily Sylvester, Jack Fecik, Logan Smith, Murphy McDermott