RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (April 9, 2008)--Keely Futterer of Dover won first place in freshmen women and nine other Arkansas Tech University students were recognized for their performances at the National Association of Teachers of Singing statewide competition at Arkansas State University on Feb. 29 and March 1.
More than 200 students from Arkansas universities and private studios entered the competition. All of the conference participants attended a master class and recital by Andrew Skoog, a member of the voice faculty at the University of Tennessee.
In addition to Futterer, other Tech students to reach the final level of competition were Brandon Faciane of Subiaco Abbey (second place, student adult) and Darren Drone of North Little Rock (third place, freshmen men).
Seven other Arkansas Tech students --- Sarah Curlin of Ozark, Zessna Garcia of Bentonville, Bryan Gatewood of Russellville, Amber Grisham of Van Buren, Katie Nickels Harris of Russellville, Paul Swearingen of Clarksville and Sean Sweeden of Morrilton --- reached the semifinal level of the competition.
The performers who represented Arkansas Tech at the convention are students of Tech faculty members Jon Clements, Holly Ruth Gale and Nita Herrick. Kristina Buck, adjunct instructor of voice, attended the conference and served as an adjudicator. Tech faculty members Vicky Kiehl and Brian Conatser accompanied Tech students during their performances.
