Stephen Anthony Ray

Great news! This weekend was the NATS Regional Competition, which comes every fall and was quite competitive this year (NATS, by the way, stands for the National Association of Teachers in Singing). I did well this weekend, advancing to the finals and winning both the Upper Division Musical Theatre and Senior Men’s Classical categories. Furthermore, I received the Governor’s Award, given to the student (in the advanced categories, i.e. upperclassmen; grad students) who most exhibits potential for a professional career. It was a really big honor. Thanks for all of your prayers and support - and congratulations to all of my colleagues at Ouachita for a great competition and representing yourselves, Ouachita, and our Lord and Savior so well.

SRay

Well folks -

Today might have been the most amazing day ever. Earlier today, I competed in the final round for the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Regional Voice Competition in the Senior Men’s Classical category and the Upper Division Musical Theatre category. I won first place in both ($45 per category). More than that, though, I was awarded with the Governor’s Award, a disinguished honor awarded to the singer (only in advanced categories) who most exhibits potential for a professional career. That was a biggie ($100). Ok, that was enough. Then, I got to hang out with some of my music friends (all of whom are phenomenal, musically and friendship-wise) before buying and gilling steaks, hamburgers, and hot dogs for the Arkansas game, along with Alan Greenwood’s nachos and Jordan and Herbe’s wonderful help. Arkansas beat Tennessee 31-14! Oh, and as cherry on the cake - Texas lost. That really isn’t the big deal, except that these guys from Texas were rooting for Tennessee (for the mere desire of wanting the Hogs to lose) and lost themselves to Kansas, an unranked team. Ahhhhh - justice, ’tis a beautiful thing. Today was just a good. I sang better than ever. I had fun. Arkansas won. Today was written with the favor and blessing of God. I think that days like this are a reminder of far better things to come in the next world.

Andrew, Melody, Valerie, Lee, Megan - congratulations. Thanks to great friends for all of their support.

SRay

SRay