The Missouri Western State University music department is basking in some national recognition. Western students took second place in the National Opera Association Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition.

Director of vocal studies Dr. Susan Carter learned about the competition last fall. At the last minute she sent in video from Western’s production of a short opera called The Telephone. Baritone Kyle Minx, a senior from Grain Valley, performed the scene with soprano Adrienne Collins, a sophomore from Saint Joseph. Western was invited to Memphis to compete as one of five finalists.

With Kyle and Adrienne singing, sophomore music major Donovan Jones of Tarkio collaborating on the piano, and Susan serving as stage and music director, Western placed ahead of some big schools with big music departments, among them Stanford University. Susan and students in her opera workshop this spring are already looking for scenes to enter in next year’s competition.