The executive office of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) announced this week that 12 members have been selected to participate in the 2013 NATS Intern Program, a 10-day forum that pairs experienced and recognized master teachers of voice with talented, young professionals in the profession.

This year’s class includes teachers who primarily teach in university settings as well as those who operate independent studios. This year's interns will work with master teachers Kenneth Bozeman, Karen Brunssen, Allen Henderson and Edrie Means Weekly at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., from June 12-20. Donald Simonson is the director of this year's NATS Intern Program, while Jonathan Retzlaff is the on-site coordinator.

The NATS Intern Program Class of 2013:

• Christian Bester – Denton, Texas (University of North Texas)
• 
Gregory Brookes – Lubbock, Texas (Texas Tech University)
• 
Wayne Davis – Manor, Texas (Concordia University)
• 
Bronwen Forbay – Waco, Texas (Sam Houston State University)
• 
Ian Howell – Boston, Mass. (Private Studio)
• 
Anna Hersey – Coral Gables, Fla. (Private Studio)
• 
Jeffrey McEvoy – Watertown, Mass. (University of Connecticut)
• 
Kirsten Kunkle – West Chester, Pa. (Lincoln University)
• 
Elizabeth Petillot – Eau Claire, Wis. – (University of Wis.-Eau Claire)
• 
Jennifer D’Agostino – Madison Wis. – (Beloit College)
• 
Loralee Songer – Cleveland, Tenn. (Lee University)
• 
Susan Williams – Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Private Studio)

The NATS Intern Program is held annually. Application materials for 2014 will be available in late summer. If you are interested in contributing to the support of the program, donations can be made to the James McKinney Memorial Fund through the NATS Foundation.

"My participation as an intern was truly a life-changing experience for me. It helped me to grow exponentially as a teacher and instilled in me a desire to continually improve and evolve in my work with students." - Tana Field, NATS Intern Program Class of 2011