Vocalists hit high notes

Wheaton students recently won a series of music competitions at the Song Festival, sponsored by the Rhode Island chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (RINATS).

The festival features voice students of Rhode Island professors from several area colleges and high schools. They performed between three to five songs in the musical theater and classical divisions.

Sarah Geocaris '11 won first place in the classical category (lower college) and Casey Williams '11 placed third in the same competition. Geocaris sang "Heart we will never forget him" by Copland; Williams, "Sento Nel Core" by Scarlatti.  

Alex Grover ‘09  placed first in the classical division (upper college) and sang "Libera me" by Fauré. Jordan Trundy '10 came in second place in the same competition, and he sang "Die Post" by Schubert. Grover ‘09 also earned a second place in the musical theater category. He sang "Molasses to Rum" from 1776.

Assistant Professor of Music in Performance Joanne Mouradjian said, "They've prepared diligently and have made some wonderful progress. They are respectful, hardworking students, interesting young adults, and it's a pleasure working with them. I am happy to see their growth from year to year and to know that I've had any part in bringing the joy of music into their lives."

Other singers participated, including Danielle Ricci '09, Chris MacDonald '10, Arielle Costello '10, and Katie Anderson '10.

Several of Wheaton's award-winning vocalists  will be performing on campus soon. Geocaris, who also competes as a member of Wheaton's tennis team, is slated to sing two Italian arias with the Great Woods Chamber Orchestra on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in  Weber Theater. Wheaton's first countertenor, MacDonald will  sing "On Mighty Pens" by Haydn's Creation at the same concert.

Grover, who is a member of the Wheaton Chorale and Chamber Singers as well as director of the Gentlemen Callers (GCs),  will present his senior recital on May 2 at 3 p.m. in Cole Memorial Chapel.