BPC has first Bel Canto Voice Competition for young singers

MOUNT VERNON - Seven young performers competed in the Brewton-Parker College division of music's inaugural Bel Canto Voice Competition for young singers Jan. 17.
The competition was targeted toward singers ready to begin a baccalaureate degree in music.
Each competitor performed two memorized selections from the classical repertoire before three judges, all members of the faculty of the Brewton-Parker division of music: Dr. T.N. Retif, professor; Dr. Kandie Kearley Smith, assistant professor; and Christopher Walker, assistant professor.
First prize was awarded to Douglas Pittman, a senior at Dodge County High School in Eastman. Pitman's prize includes four years of paid tuition, books, fees, room and board, with an approximate value of $62,000.
Second prize was awarded to Timothy Hardwick of Albany, a senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School. Hardwick will receive four years paid tuition at Brewton-Parker, an approximate value of $40,000.
Third prize was awarded to Erik Galen Reagan, a senior at Windsor Forest High School and a resident of Savannah. Reagan will receive four years paid housing at Brewton-Parker, an approximate value of $10,000.
The other competitors were: Teirra Corbett of Adel, Whitney Johnson of Cairo, Katelyn Pierce of Lyons and Krista Vickery of Jacksonville, Fla.
Upcoming events in February in the division of music include a concert by the Air Force Brass Quintet on Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.; the BPC Jazz Band in concert on Feb 19 at 8:15 p.m.; Robert and Mollie Rich in recital with Michael Rickman as part of the Sikes Fine Art Series on Feb. 24 at 8:15 p.m.; and the BPC Wind Ensemble concert on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. Admission is free for all events.
Inquiries concerning any event may be directed to Cindy Hughart in the division of music at 912-583-3136.

-BPC-