By NATALIE SACKET
Staff Reporter
Out of hundreds of applicants, the NWOSU Singers were chosen to perform as one of only 10 ensembles at the National Association for Music Education National Conference. The NWOSU University Singers will be featured as one of the top music programs in the nation. The performance will take place in the Ryman Ballroom of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. The students will also have the opportunity to attend workshops, clinics, and reading sessions.
The NWOSU Singers, a group of 21 music and non-music majors, has experienced great success and recognition in the past few years. In the spring of 2013, The Singers had the opportunity to travel and perform in Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou, China. In 2014, The Singers were featured in a performance at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association annual conference.
In addition, on Sept. 22, The University Singers were featured in a KFOR News Channel 4 segment, “Is This a Great State or What?” by Galen Culver. This segment highlighted the talent of this group and praised its high level of success.
Northwestern Director of Choral and Vocal Activities Irene Messoloras has been fostering the group’s talent and love of music for the past four years.
“It has been a blessing to work with such a talented group of students every day for the last four years,” Messoloras said. “To foster and cultivate their best talent, while witnessing their growth in areas of discipline, drive, and focus, has created a general atmosphere of love for vocal music in this program. We are humbled and honored to represent Northwestern and the state of Oklahoma at the NAfME Conference.”
The University Singers’ talents are bringing the group even further, as they are scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine during their tour to New York this spring.
According to Messoloras, The Singers, with their hard work ethic, talent, and musicality, are sure to continue to spread their love of music both nationally and internationally.