UAB freshman Edward Forstman has won first place in piano in the Birmingham Music Club Scholarship Auditions and its $1,500 prize during the March 31 competition. He is mentored by Yakov Kasman, professor of piano in the Department of Music. Forstman, a music major, is the son of Jim and Edwina Forstman of Vestavia Hills.
UAB music students also won awards at the Southeastern Regional National Teachers of Singing student auditions, held March 30-31, 2012, in Mobile. Shane Bloemetjie won first prize in the junior men musical theater category and was the only person in his division who advanced to the finals, says Assistant Professor of Voice Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, D.M.A. Jake Preston Hemminger placed third in the sophomore men category and second in the sophomore men musical theater category.
“They made a very good showing in a competition dominated by Florida State University and Stetson University, both of which have huge music programs,” Hurst-Wajszczuk says.
Bloemetjie is the son of Samanthea Bloemetjie of Huntsville. Hemminger is the son of John and Diana Hemminger of Montgomery.