Three talented Laney College students earned accolades at the prestigious Spring 2025 Musical Theater & Commercial Music Singing Festival, sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) – San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. The event brought together vocalists from across the region, celebrating excellence in commercial and theatrical singing styles.
Alfredo Aguayo, Celia Hernandez, and Tyler Wanon, all students of acclaimed Laney voice professor Juanita Ulloa, each brought home awards in their respective categories. This annual festival is one of two major competitions hosted by NATS chapters, with a focus on safe, expressive, and diverse vocal performance.
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Alfredo Aguayo placed Second in the Avocational I: TBB category. In addition to studying voice at Laney, he is completing a Master’s in Music Education and teaching in the Oakland schools—demonstrating a true commitment to community and craft.
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Celia Hernandez earned Honorable Mention in the Late Bloomers Avocational I category. A longtime student in Laney’s Monday night online voice class, this is her second award—she took first place in her category last fall in the California Capital Chapter’s competition. Celia exemplifies perseverance and passion, proving that it’s never too late to follow your musical dreams.
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Tyler Wanon, the youngest of the three at just 21, placed Second in the Commercial Music Lower College & Independent Studio category. A first-time competitor, Tyler recently returned from a Laney group performance tour in China and was just accepted to Pomona University for Fall 2025.
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Each student performed a selection in