Bethany College Students Excel at National Association of Teachers of Singing, West Central Regional Conference

LINDSBORG, KAN. NOV. 16, 2023 – Three Bethany College students were selected as semi-finalists this month at the National Association of Teachers of Singing West Central Regional Conference (NATS) in Kearney, Neb. Gracie Gaskill, a senior Chemistry and Music Major from Lindsborg, Kan., Keeley Tubbs, a Sophomore Music Major from Lindsborg, Kan., and Coleson Reinecker, a Freshman Music Education Major from Inman, Kan., were all selected for the semi-finals after each receiving scores of more than 90 points during the preliminary round.

Also in attendance at NATS were Tony Robb, a senior Music Major from Westmoreland, Kan.; Aubrey Larson, a senior Music Education major from Russell, Kan.; Riley Nickel, a freshman Music Performance major from Colwich, Kan.; Caleb Reazin, a senior Biology and Chemistry major from Eudora, Kan.; Treyton Sutton a sophomore History and Political Science major from Assaria, Kan.; Ella McNett a freshman General Studies major from Larned, Kan. Traveling with the students were Lesile Mangrum, Assistant Professor of Music, Tyler Boehmer, Visiting Assistant of Music and College Organist, and Glenna Balsick, Accompanist.

The preliminary rounds were held on November 3 at the University of Nebraska in Kearney and required each participant to perform three to four pieces. Each Bethany student competed in the classical division. Gaskill and Larson also competed in the Music Theatre division. 

In addition to competing in the auditions, the students attended master classes taught by actor Stephen Wallem from Nurse Jackie and The Resident and Paul Houghtaling, opera director at the University of Alabama.

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.