SWOSU Music Students Achieve Success at State Singing Competition

SWOSU Music students at the Oklahoma NATS competition, left to right: Kim Berkenbile, Gwen Ferris, Morgan Dixon, Chelsea Nickel, Kira Pendleton.

Students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Music earned multiple placements and finalist honors at the Oklahoma National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. The event took place Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.

Five singers advanced to the final round of the statewide competition, representing SWOSU Music across multiple divisions. The group prepared for the competition with support from SWOSU faculty members Dr. Daniel Farris, professor of music and director of choral studies, and Dr. Lesley Friend, assistant professor of music.

Finalists:

• Morgan Dixon, concurrent student and incoming freshman
• Gwen Ferris, sophomore music therapy major
• Chelsea Nickel, senior music performance major
• Kim Berkenbile, senior music business major
• Kira Pendleton, senior musical theatre minor

Award Recipients:

• Kira Pendleton - First Place, Musical Theatre Fourth/Fifth Year College Treble Voices
• Morgan Dixon - Third Place, Classical Upper High School Treble Voices
• Kim Berkenbile - Third Place, Classical Fourth/Fifth Year College Treble Voices

The National Association of Teachers of Singing, founded in 1944, is the world's largest professional organization for teachers of singing, with more than 7,000 members across the United States, Canada, and nearly 30 other countries. The Oklahoma chapter hosts annual competitions that provide singers with an opportunity to perform for adjudicators and receive professional feedback.

Dr. Lesley Friend said, "It's wonderful to see our SWOSU Music students competing with singers from every university in Oklahoma and coming out on top!"

The SWOSU Department of Music offers degree programs in music performance, music education, music therapy, and music business. Students participate in a variety of ensembles and performance opportunities that support their artistic and professional growth.

"We're proud to see our vocal students recognized at the state level," said Dr. Shelley Martinson, chair of the Department of Music. "Preparing for competitions requires significant time and effort, and achievements like this are a testament to both the students' dedication and the quality instruction and mentorship they receive within the SWOSU Department of Music."

For more information about the SWOSU Department of Music, visit swosu.edu/music.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.