Two Goshen College students earn first place at statewide singing competition

Two Goshen College voice students earned top honors at a statewide singing competition on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Rhianna Cockrell, a junior music major from Rileyville, Va., and Ben Ganger, a sophomore music major from Goshen, each won first place in their divisions at the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Indiana state competition. It is the first time in recent memory that two Goshen College students have finished as division winners in the same year. Ganger, a baritone, and Cockrell, a mezzo soprano, both study with GC associate professor of music Dr. Scott Hochstetler.

“We’re so proud of Ben and Rhianna for their hard work and commitment to vocal artistry,” said Hochstetler. “Their success is a reflection of the high level of music-making happening at Goshen College.”

The state contest was held this year at DePauw University (Greencastle, Ind.). It is an annual competition where vocalists compete against students from other institutions. More than 20 Indiana colleges and universities participate in the Indiana chapter of NATS, including Goshen College, the University of Indianapolis, Butler University, Ball State University and Indiana University Bloomington. Eight Goshen College voice students participated in the competition.