Talented Denison music faculty are at the top of the music industry. The American Prize has recognized two Denison faculty — Assistant Professor Belinda Andrews-Smith in voice, and Assistant Professor Chris David Westover in wind instruments — out of all college-level performances.

Andrews-Smith and Westover were each ranked number two in the nation in their respective categories. In addition, the Andrews-Smith-directed production of “Spring Awakening,” achieved a third-place ranking across all college-level productions.

The American Prise offers a series of nonprofit national competitions in the performing arts providing cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best-recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States at the professional, college/university, church, community and secondary school levels.