October brings a number of special events for Hastings College music faculty and students, among them the State NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition on Oct. 1 and the NMTA (Nebraska Music Teachers Association) Conference held at Hastings College on October 14 and 15.

Dr. Jonathan Sokasits received the NMTA Outstanding Service Award for his years of work with the organization, and he was named a Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Fellow, a prestigious award bestowed on the recipient by peers.

Professor Sokasits teaches studio piano and class piano, piano literature, piano pedagogy, and chamber music at Hastings College. He holds Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College.

MTNA (Music Teachers’ National Association) Competition
Margaret Gregory, flute – 1st Place Woodwinds Competition
April Christensen, piano – 2nd Place Piano Competition
Nate Mertens, saxophone – 3rd Place Woodwinds Competition

NMTA (Nebraska Music Teachers’ Association) Statewide Auditions/Competition
Nate Mertens – 1st Place Collegiate NMTA Young Artist Woodwinds
April Christensen – 2nd Place Collegiate NMTA Young Artist Piano
Margaret Gregory – 3rd Place Collegiate NMTA Young Artist Woodwinds

State NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Competition
Megan Lee – 2nd place, First-Year Women
Tyler Koepp – 2nd place, First-Year Men
Kevin Smith – 2nd place, Junior Men
Mike Stinman – 3rd place, Senior Men