You get a contestant number and a designated time and room to sing in. You get to dress to impress; you get to walk around college campuses you’ve never been to before. You get opera tickets (or you don’t! Shame on you North Texas for overselling your seats!), boxed lunches, and, in some cases, a stomach ulcer. But most importantly, you get to know a little bit more about your voice and the way you react to pressure.
I’ve been participating in NATS competitions for about eight years now. My first competition was at the University of Houston. I remember being so scared. For many singers, NATS is your first chance to prove yourself to a bunch of faceless, nameless judges. My case was no different. Eight years later, I’m still so nervous that I used the bathroom maybe once every 20 minutes during the conference. But, I tell you what, I brought the house down anyway!
This year was so much fun; I forged so many new friendships and got to really experience the Mu Phi Epsilon way (also, the North Texas chapter of Mu Phi has men…just sayin’…). Congratulations to my sisters who advanced to Semi-Finals: Abby Burell (my Big, y’all), and Rebekah Lowery. I’m so proud of you ladies! And if I forgot anyone, I’m super sorry and super proud of you, too!
Peace, Love, and Mu Phi Epsilon!