CCM Musical Theatre student is semifinalist in American Pops Orchestra NextGen Collegiate Vocal Competition

Nick Gundrum performs in the semifinal round on Dec. 7; audiences can vote through the APO's website

Story by CCM Graduate Assistant Mya Gibson

UC College-Conservatory of Music student Nick Gundrum, a senior BFA Musical Theatre major, is a semifinalist in the American Pops Orchestra's NextGen Collegiate Vocal Competition. The semifinal round will be live streamed through the APO's website on Sunday, Dec. 7 — and audience members can vote on 10 finalists who will advance to the final round; learn more.

The NextGen Competition was founded by APO Music Director Luke Frazier, and is dedicated to celebrating college students who show promise in popular song, musical theatre and jazz. The Next Gen Competition evaluates students based on vocal technique, stage presence and interpretive skill. Finalists get the opportunity to perform at the Lincoln Center in New York City during the finals in January where they have the chance to receive cash prizes and the opportunity to perform with the American Pops Orchestra in the upcoming concert season.

Nick Gundrum

“The competition has been a great opportunity so far," Gundrum said. "I recently filmed my self-tape for the semi-finals, which are being live streamed on Sunday, Dec. 7. Anyone can watch the livestream and submit their votes! I believe it costs $5 to vote. There are three judges, and the public vote counts for the fourth vote. There are 25 people across the country in the semi-finals, and only 10 singers will move on to the finals in New York City in January.”

Gundrum’s time at CCM has been instrumental in preparing him for opportunities like this. “All of my acting and singing classes have helped me improve my abilities, and I felt confident enough to submit myself for the competition! Four years of training can really do a lot,” he said.

In the days leading up to the competition live stream, Gundrum performs in CCM Musical Theatre Series' sold-out production of The World Goes 'Round, presented in Cohen Family Studio Theatre on Dec. 4-6. He also performs as Anthony in CCM's production of Sweeney Todd, a collaboration between the college's Musical Theatre and Opera programs presented in Corbett Auditorium on April 15-19.

Looking back on his favorite moments at CCM, Gundrum fondly recalls, “My favorite role that I've played at CCM so far has been The Wreck in Wonderful Town. That show was a very unique experience, and playing a comedic character was so much fun to explore.”

As a senior, Gundrum appreciates the creative opportunities that his classes provide. “My favorite class I have taken so far has to be my senior acting class. We are learning how to improv and to apply improvisation to develop short plays and musicals. It is so much fun to improvise with my classmates,” he says. With the semi-finals approaching, Gundrum is eager to share his talents passion with audiences.

Learn more about APO's NextGen competition and how to vote for the semifinalists.

Mya Gibson

CCM Graduate Assistant, Marketing + Communications

ccmpr@ucmail.uc.edu

Mya Gibson is a graduate student in the Arts Administration/Business Administration program at UC-CCM. Her experience includes marketing and communications internships with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati Playhouse.

Featured image at the top: Indya Lincicome, Brian Cheung, Nick Gundrum, Tomi Newman and Sean Polk II dance on the Corbett Auditorium stage as part of a UC commerical shoot. Photo by Andrew Higley.

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