Two local students with the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Vocal Music received the highest awards in their divisions at the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing Southern Regional Competition recently held at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. NOCCA students placed first, second and fourth in high school women and first place in high school men. The two-day event and competition was open to high school and college students from Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Each year the Vocal Music Division coordinates a field trip to the competition in order to provide NOCCA students a high level performance opportunity where they are being judged on talent and training.

The National Association of Teachers of Singing encourages the highest standards of the vocal art and ethical principles in the teaching of singing; and promotes vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented.

Winning NOCCA students include:

Vivian Buchanan of St. Rose – Second Place High School Women

Kathleen Millet of LaPlace – First Place High School Women

NOCCA has begun its audition season for its Summer Conservatory and 2012-13 Fall sessions. Middle and high school students who are interested in learning more about the application and audition process to NOCCA are encouraged to visit www.nocca.com.