31 Mar 2024 Piper’s got pipes

Posted at 6:31 PMh in News by

Piper Wallace of Conway competed Feb. 23-24 in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) state competition held at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia (Clark County). Wallace placed first in two categories in the high school division: Musical Theater and Commercial Music. Commercial Music is a new category that allows students to sing any music genre that is performed by a recording artist. She won cash prizes and certificates.

Four students stand with Hilary Maiberger (center) after receiving individual voice instruction from the Broadway star during a masterclass.

In addition, Wallace was asked by the president of the Arkansas NATS chapter, Dr. Susan Shirel, to participate in a master class with Hilary Maiberger, whose credits include roles such as Belle in the national and international tours of “Beauty and the Beast.” Only four students were chosen to work with Maiberger.

In the fall, Wallace and Eleanor Whisenhunt, also from Conway, competed and placed in the regional NATS competition, which had students competing from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi and was hosted at Ouachita Baptist University. Both Wallace and Whisenhunt (children’s division) were finalists in their divisions, which qualified them to compete in the national auditions, which begin this month. Only five students per region in each division can compete. Both girls won cash prizes and certificates.

Wallace and Whisenhunt are voice students of Donald Brazile of Conway. Brazile has been a member of NATS since 1988 and has taught multiple student winners at state and regional competitions. NATS is the largest organization of teachers of singing in the world, with more than 7,000 members in 35 countries. Members teach voice in independent studios, community schools, elementary and secondary schools, and higher education, representing the diversity of today’s music landscape.

Donald Brazile and Piper Wallace were “Loving LIFE” when she won first in two categories at the state competition hosted by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Any parent with a child or teen who is interested in competing in NATS in the classical, musical theater or commercial music divisions can send an email to Brazile at [email protected].