Melissa Bilza named a finalist in regional singing competition

2016 Feb 4

Melissa Bilza, a freshman at Lycoming College with a major in music and corporate communications from Easton, Pa., was selected as a finalist in the women’s freshmen division during a singing contest sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing last fall at Susquehanna University.

"We took some of our best vocalists to the event and are proud of each student's poise and performance throughout the competition," said Chris Jackson, D.M.A., choir director and assistant professor of music. "Our faculty commends all of them for their hard work and dedication."

The two Lycoming finalists were honored for their accomplishments by being asked to perform one of their pieces in a final concert for all those attending and participating in the competition.

The National Association of Teachers of Singing hosts the competitions every November to showcase the talented singers and performers. Competitors must present three to five memorized pieces of music to a panel of judges. About thirty vocalists audition in each division; divisions are based on gender and class year. Judges average each contestant's audition scores to determine whether or not they qualify as a finalist. Only scores of 90 and above are asked to proceed to the finals round. It is not uncommon for entire divisions to have only one or even none of the participants score above 90.