Stetson University Hosts One of the Largest Southeastern NATS Conferences in History, Students Shine in Competition
The Stetson University School of Music proudly hosted the 2025 Southeastern Region NATS Student Auditions and Conference, welcoming nearly 500 student auditions and over 600 attendees from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. This three-day event, held from March 6-8, marked one of the largest regional conferences in the history of the Southeastern Region of NATS, filling Presser Hall with extraordinary talent, camaraderie, and musical excellence.
The event featured a distinguished plenary masterclass by Professor Stephen Smith from Northwestern University, two full days of student auditions across elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels, and outstanding performances by aspiring vocalists.
Stetson’s faculty, collaborative pianists, staff, administration, and student workers played a vital role in ensuring the success of the conference, exemplifying the professionalism, service, and kindness that define the Stetson community. With perfect spring weather, the event showcased the School of Music as a distinguished venue for such a prestigious competition.
Stetson University Finalist and Winners
The hard work and artistry of Stetson voice students were on full display, with students earning 30 finalist or winner recognitions. Those who won their categories qualify for the National Student Auditions taking place in the summer of 2025. Congratulations to all our outstanding singers!
American Negro Spiritual
AS 7 Intermediate (All Voices)
• Alyssa Pimentel – Winner, 4th Place
• Nicole Van Esselstyn – Finalist
AS 9 Advanced (All Voices)
• Aleysha Hernandez – Winner, 2nd Place
• Tajah Garrett – Winner, 3rd Place
• Branden Rogers – Winner, 5th Place
Classical Division
CL 5A 1st-Year Classical (Treble Voices)
• Natalie McCoy – Winner, 3rd Place
• Nicole Van Esselstyn – Winner, 4th Place
• Abigail Green – Finalist
• Haven Birket – Finalist
• Lilyadny De Leon – Finalist
CL 5B 2nd-Year Classical (Treble Voices)
• Madiann Rivera-Velez – Winner, 3rd Place
• Alyssa Pimentel – Winner, 4th Place
• Gracie Holland – Finalist
• Maddie Peacock – Finalist
• Natalie Dixon – Finalist
CL 6A 1st-Year Classical (TBB Voices)
• Simon Smith – Winner, 2nd Place
CL 7A 3rd-Year Classical (Treble Voices)
• Emma Floyd – Winner, 3rd Place
• Adriana Isabel Rivera Maldonado – Finalist
• Tabitha Jenkins – Finalist
CL 7B 4th & 5th-Year Classical (Treble Voices)
• Rachel Castillo – Winner, 1st Place
• Aleysha Hernandez – Finalist
• Tajah Garrett – Finalist
CL 8A 3rd-Year Classical (TBB Voices)
• Carlin Schoenfish – Winner, 4th Place
CL 10 Advanced Classical (TBB Voices)
• Evan Martinez – Winner, 2nd Place
Musical Theatre Division
MT 5A 1st-Year Musical Theatre (Treble Voices)
• Natalie McCoy – Winner, 3rd Place
• Abigail Green – Finalist
MT 5B 2nd-Year Musical Theatre (Treble Voices)
• Gracie Holland – Finalist
• Kyla Twarkins – Finalist
• Natalie Dixon – Finalist
• Arianna Pollack – Finalist
MT 7A 3rd-Year Musical Theatre (Treble Voices)
• Adamelia Arredondo – Finalist
• Emma Floyd – Finalist
Commercial Music Division
CM 5 Lower Commercial Music (Treble Voices)
• Natalie McCoy – Winner, 2nd Place
Celebrating Excellence
The Stetson School of Music is incredibly proud of our students’ remarkable achievements at the 2025 SERNATS Auditions. Their dedication, artistry, and hard work continue to uphold Stetson’s tradition of vocal excellence. Congratulations to all participants, and best of luck to those advancing to the National Student Auditions this summer. Go Hatters!