Louise Block Recognized for her Vocal Talents
By Emma Steadman, C’26
In March, four students—Louise Block, C’28; Mohana Buckley, C’27, Arden Gibson, C’26; and Olivia Morris, C’28—attended the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Mid-South Regional Conference at Morehead State University in Kentucky, where the students had the opportunity to perform for a broad audience that included a panel of judges. Block, a freshman from Huntsville, Alabama, was recognized as a national quarterfinalist in the NATS National Student Auditions competition.
The NATS National Student Auditions is a tiered competition in which top student vocalists from across the country advance through chapter, regional and national rounds. For the national preliminaries, participants submit performance videos to be reviewed by international judges, with finalists competing at a national conference. At the Mid-South Regional Conference, Block advanced to the semifinals by placing in the top five in her age group and repertoire division, receiving an invitation to submit materials for the National Student Auditions. She ultimately earned the distinction of national quarterfinalist. 
A Vial Comer Fellow in the University Choir and St. Luke’s Scholarship recipient, Block contributes to the Music Department through her singing, piano, and academic work. She attended the conference at the recommendation of Associate Professor of Music Kerry Ginger, who encouraged Block to compete as a good opportunity to gain feedback on her vocal talents. She performed works by contemporary American composer H. Leslie Adams, early-Romantic Polish composer Maria Szymanowska and Baroque composer G. F. Handel. The selection reflected pieces Block had been developing in her prior vocal study, including Szymanowska’s “Se spiegar,” which she showcased at a masterclass during the Advent semester.
Block hopes to continue studying early music and eventually teach at the collegiate level. Reflecting on her achievement, she states, “It was so nice to have such a kind and talented support system with me. Our accompanist's flexibility was extraordinary, and our professor’s hard work made everything possible for this trip. I certainly couldn't have even made it through the first audition without the welcoming environment of my peers and the months-long support of my professor.”
