It's no "American Idol"

What an intense experience it was to cover the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions over the weekend at CCM! My hat's off to the volunteers who organize this event every year, including Richard Lauf, a former P&G-er and Southern Ohio District Director, and his impressive committee.

And speaking of impressive, what a showing from CCM, which has one of the finest opera departments in the country. Out of 28 in the District Auditions, 13 contestants were CCM "kids." When three CCM singers advanced to the Regionals on Sunday, and one to the Nationals -- Corey Crider -- it continued a tradition of a strong showing in this contest. Corey, who is 29, beat a total of 68 singers from three districts to get this far.

Donna Loewy, shown above with contestant Laura Smith, has accompanied singers in this event for 20 years. She points out that last year, Tamara Wilson, a CCM masters student, wound up a national finalist in the top 10 in New York. And a few years ago, CCM had three in the top 10: Stacey Rishoi, Daniel Weeks and Kirk Eichelberger. Stacey finished in the top five.

Stay tuned as we follow Corey when he sings in New York in March!