Point Students and Instructor Excel at State Competition
Two Point students and one alumnus were recognized at the Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing state competition on November 3.
Daniel Stith ’26 won first place in classical and second place in musical theater. Maddie Williams ’25 won third place in musical theater, and alumnus Jacob Johnson ’19 won first place in commercial music. All three are voice students from the studio of Dr. Toni Anderson, artist and author in residence at Point University. This was the first competition for all three students.
“It was a really great learning experience that got me around other great musicians to help push me to be a better musician,” said Stith.
330 students representing 47 voice studios across Georgia participated in the competition hosted at Reinhardt University. The commercial music portion of the competition was held virtually. All participants received comments from a panel of three adjudicators. The students also attended a vocal masterclass held by Grammy Award winner, author and operatic tenor Jay Hunter Morris.
“It was exciting to watch the comradery of the students as they navigated the excitement and nerves of the competition experience,” said Dr. Anderson.
In addition to student awards, Dr. Anderson was awarded the Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing Distinguished Teacher Award, in honor of her impact on singers in the state of Georgia.
“When it came time to accept nominations for the Georgia District National Association of Teachers of Singing Distinguished Teaching Award, one name was submitted, and it was submitted many times,” said Dr. Andrea Jarmon, GA NATS President, regarding Dr. Anderson. “It was a no brainer for us. There is not anyone more deserving of this award that is meant to recognize a career of excellence in voice teaching in the state of Georgia. The Georgia Chapter will make a $500 donation to the NATS fund of Toni’s choosing in her honor.”
“I have worked with Toni over the past 8 years,” said Andrew Harry, chair of the Department of Fine Arts. “I am continuously impressed by her ability to connect with students and draw a high level of individual artistry out of each student. She inspires confidence in students and colleagues alike. Students are drawn to Toni as she keeps her office door open and is always eager to help them in any way.”
The singers hope to travel to Tuscaloosa in the spring to compete in the Southeast NATS regional student auditions, which will include vocalists from Georgia, Alabama and Florida.