Hal Leonard Announces Winners of Vocal Competition

Hal Leonard has announced the winners of the seventh annual Hal Leonard Vocal Competition for young classical and theatre singers.

There were more than 1000 entries in the 2018 competition in two divisions, which were Art Song and Musical Theatre, with four age categories for each. Hal Leonard gave away $10,000 in cash prizes and gift certificates to encourage singers to continue their vocal studies, and to recognize the good work of voice teachers.

First place winners for 2018 in Art Song include: College/University undergraduates (ages 18-23), Emily Pogorelc from Curtis Institute of Music; High School Voices (ages 16-18), Libby Sokolowski from Hurley, New York; Early Teen Voices (ages 13-15), Caitlin Chisham of Holts Summit, Missouri; Children’s Voices (ages 12 and under), Shayla He of Saratoga, California.

First Place Winners for 2018 in Musical Theatre include: College/Young Adult Voices (ages 18-23), Luis Ibarra from Florida International University; High School Voices (ages 16-18), Kathryn Schneider from Muskego, Wisconsin; Early Teen Voices (ages 13-15), Kinsey Neas from Austin, Texas; Children’s Voices (ages 12 and under), Cooper Ramsey from New York, New York.

Rick Walters, vice president of Classical & Vocal Publications at Hal Leonard, states, “We’re thrilled each year about the future of vocal performance after we watch all of the entries. Both the students who participated and their teachers who have helped them should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished. We never have an easy time judging this competition!”