Announcing the 2023 Voice Commencement Contest Winner
Maranatha’s Music Department has announced the winners of this year’s Vocal Commencement Contest. Besides separate contests for instrumentalists and pianists, vocalists had their own contest to develop their presentation and performance skills. Dr. Rachel Wood adjudicated the contest.
Winner
Accompanied by Raeanna Eastwood, Jonathan Andrews won first place with his performances of Thus Saith the Lord/But Who May Abide by Handel and Ich Grolle Nicht by Schumann. Andrews is a Math Major with a Church Music Minor.
For winning first place, Andrews will earn a $100 cash award. Along with the Instrumental and Piano Commencement Contest winners, Andrews will perform at a showcase on Friday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m.
Runner-up
Accompanied by Hope Ostrander, Jaren Fair won second place with his performances of The Publican by De Water and Adelaide by Beethoven. Fair is a Music Major with concentrations in Church Music and Voice Performance.
After the competition, Wood remarked, “What a wonderful evening! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all the singers! It was a treat to hear such well-prepared, expressive, and compelling performances!”
Adjudicator
Dr. Rachel Wood holds degrees from Indiana University and Western University. She has performed operas, concerts, and recitals across the globe. Currently, she works as an Associate Professor and Voice Area Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she teaches studio voice, lyric diction, song literature, and voice pedagogy for singers and instrumentalists.