By Monir Khilla –

New Jersey City University (NJCU) students received top awards and honorable mentions at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) 2012 Festival of Singing.

Dr. Donna Connolly, Coordinator of Vocal Studies in the Music, Dance, and Theater department at NJCU said that, “This was the first year NJCU had competed in the state NJ NATS Festival of singing.”

According to the the NATS website the organization was founded in 1944 and it is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and over twenty-five other countries.

According to Connolly, a win or honorable mention helps the career of the students.

“Any positive addition that a singer can add to their resume is a plus,” said Connolly.

Connolly also hopes that “word will spread that our Music, Dance, and Theater department is competitive among other New Jersey schools.”

NJCU students competed with students from other schools across the state including, Princeton, Monmouth, Montclair, and Westminster Choir College.

Students prepared by holding different sets of practice warm-up, rehearsals and practice sessions.

Connolly said the event “Was a major success and I am very proud of our students.”