Pine Crest Upper School Musician earns first place at NATS

Pine Crest, Florida – Pine Crest Upper School students Ryan Hernandez ’25 and Lucy Fasulo ’26 recently made their mark in the world of vocal performance by participating in the highly regarded National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) auditions. Competing among talented vocalists from across the region, Ryan achieved a significant milestone by earning first place in the Upper High School Men category.

Read also: City of Pompano Beach and CRA to host Joint Workshop focused on downtown development plans

Both Ryan and Lucy are members of the Pine Crest Upper School chorus and study under Choral Director Mr. Michael Testa, who is a proud member of NATS. Their participation in the auditions was made possible through his mentorship and their dedication to classical vocal training. The auditions gave them the opportunity to perform a classical voice repertoire and showcase their technical skill, stage presence, and musical expression.

“This was the first time Pine Crest Students have attended the Annual NATS auditions,” noted the school in celebration of the students’ accomplishments. Competing for the first time at such a competitive event, Ryan and Lucy represented Pine Crest with talent and professionalism beyond their years.

Ryan’s first-place finish earned him a spot in the Southeastern Regional NATS Auditions, which took place in March at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. Lucy was also eligible to participate at the regional level, highlighting the strength of both students’ performances during the initial round.

Read also: Pine Crest Upper School Students impress judges at Broward County Regional Science and Engineering Fair with original research

The National Association of Teachers of Singing is one of the largest professional associations for voice teachers, and its competitions are known for their high standards and educational value. Participating in NATS is not only a mark of artistic achievement but also an opportunity for students to grow through expert feedback and connection with the broader musical community.

These achievements underscore the dedication and hard work of both students and faculty in the Pine Crest music program. The school community extends its congratulations to Ryan and Lucy for their outstanding representation at NATS and looks forward to seeing their continued success in music.

Congratulations, Ryan and Lucy!