Multiple Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ students sang their way to top prizes at the state level of the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in November at Bethel University in St. Paul.  

Seven students placed in the finals:

• Freshman Treble
  • First place: Tabitha Poppe of Great Falls, Montana
• Freshman Tenor/Bass
  • First place: Jacob Schlueter of Roseville, Minnesota
  • Second place: Aidan Anderson of Onamia, Minnesota
• Junior Treble
  • First place: Greta Johnson of Plymouth, Minnesota
  • Third place: Svea Hagen of Eagan, Minnesota
• Senior Tenor/Bass:
  • First place: Will Jacobson of Ada, Minnesota
  • Second place: Matthew Mortensen of St. Paul
• Senior Musical Theatre:
  • First place: Matthew Mortensen

“It brings us immense joy to witness our students' diligent efforts and commitment to their passion paying off,” said Dr. Tony Leathem, associate professor of voice. “We feel extremely fortunate to maintain the ongoing support of the college, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the music department in providing this exceptional educational opportunity to our students.”

Dr. Leathem instructs Anderson, Johnson, and Mortensen. Poppe and Schlueter study with Dr. Robin Griffeath.  Dr. Jennifer Nash teaches Jacobson and Hagen.   

A high school student studying privately with Dr. Holly Janz took first place in the Lower High School Classical Treble Voice category.

Four additional Cobbers were named semifinalists:

• Freshman Treble: Kate Lathe of Sartell, Minnesota 
• Freshman Tenor/Bass: Hank Bell of Ellendale, Minnesota
• Sophomore Treble: Gracie Fink of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
• Sophomore Tenor/Bass: Henry Sipples of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
• Junior Treble: Madi Goerig of Katy, Texas

The performers were supported by pianists Stephen Sulich, Andrew Steinberg, and Sue Nagel. 

“We are so proud of our students, faculty, and staff for this collective achievement and the learning and work it represents,” said Dr. Nat Dickey, chair of music at Concordia.

The mission of NATS is to advance excellence in singing through teaching, performance, competition, scholarship, and research.

Pictured above, from left, are Hank Bell, Oliver Knudson, Gracie Fink, Carly Comstock, Kate Lathe, Madi Goerig, Abigail Hansen, and Tabby Poppe. Back row, from left, are Jacob Penny, Jacob Schlueter, Svea Hagen, Greta Johnson, Matthew Mortensen, Jon Worner, and Will Jacobson. Not shown are Henry Sipples and Malachi Elmhorst.