Daniel Chukwunyem, a master of music student in the NIU School of Music won the Advanced Classical TBB Voice Category at the 59th Annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Chukwunyem is a native of Lagos, Nigeria who will complete his master of music this fall at NIU. He competed in the highest classification of the competition, which is called the National Student Auditions because they serve to provide student singers the opportunity to have the experience of an audition in a supportive environment with constructive feedback from trusted experts in the field of vocal professions.
Chukwunyem earned the distinction of placing first in a field of national and international signers, was awarded a cash prize, and also earned entry into the national conference, where he was able to meet, network with and learn from eminent pedagogues and renowned singers.
Sam Handley, coordinator of the vocal area in the NIU School of Music served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Handley had no judging responsibilities for Chukwunyem’s category.
“I got to witness firsthand the joy Daniel brought to the stage while singing,” Handley said. “I saw the respect he had for, and support he offered to, his fellow competitors, and the admiration and support they returned along with the whole audience. Daniel represented the School of Music tremendously well as a singer and a future colleague at NATS. I know he’s grateful for the support he’s received from everyone at the university who made this accomplishment possible. He was able to make contacts and friends from around the world of singing, with whom he will no doubt maintain relationships with for the rest of his singing, and hopefully teaching, career.”
