Graduate student Sandy Kelly of Dallas, Texas, and freshman Heavenor Vega of New Iberia were fourth place finalists. Odom, Buller, Pulte and Kelly are students of Southeastern music professor Scharmal Schrock, while Montalbano and Notariano study with professors Brad Richmond and Steven Rushing, respectively. Vega is a student of Jessica Molin. Twenty-nine Southeastern students were among the 577 students from Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi who competed in the auditions' 20 categories. Twenty-two students were chosen for the semifinal round.
Competitors perform art songs and arias and winners participate in a three-round process.
The auditions are judged by voice teachers from NATS' Southern Region. Recitals and masterclasses are also part of the three-day conference.