October 29, 2014
Story and Photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton Theatre Major Maili Kee of Salina took home a second place award at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition this weekend as part of the West Central Regional Student Auditions at Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colo.
Barton Voice Instructor Glenna Gaunt is a member of NATS and Kee was competing as her student against other vocalists who were juniors and seniors from four-year institutions. She is active in the Barton Music and Theatre Departments.
NATS describes its mission as such: “To encourage the highest standards of the vocal art and of ethical principles in the teaching of singing; and to promote vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented.”
Gaunt said Kee has superb abilities.
“Maili has the ability to sing both classical and musical theatre,” she said. “Not all vocalists have her versatility. Her voice is vibrant and she is able to ‘belt’ in music theatre style in a healthy way. We can hear the energy in that sound and are drawn to it.”