MACOMB, IL – A student of Western Illinois University Assistant Professor of Voice Penelope Shumate was recently named one of only three singers in the United States in his category as a finalist to compete in the final round of the National NATS Vocal Competition, starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Joshua Pitt, a sophomore vocal performance and music education major, of Racine, WI, is one of only 46 total finalists in the country, chosen from the 755 semi-finalists to compete. The finalists were announced Sunday afternoon. “I feel fortunate to be able to work with Joshua Pitt,”... Read More

MACOMB, IL – A student of Western Illinois University Assistant Professor of Voice Penelope Shumate was recently one of only 14 singers in the United States chosen to compete in his division in the upcoming National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competition. Joshua Pitt, a sophomore vocal performance and music education major, of Racine, WI, initially won first place in the regional NATS vocal competition in Fall 2019. He won the award in the Lower Classical Tenor/Baritone/Bass Division to be eligible to compete at the national level. Because of the coronavirus, Pitt competed... Read More