Blake Denson and Jailon Chism, PTHS seniors

Tilghman seniors Blake Denson (l) and Jailon Chism (r) competed at Bellarmine University's 4th annual 'Traditional Negro Spiritual' Voice Competition on February 15. Denson won the competition and a $500 cash prize.

The vocal competition is a part of the Bellarmine Handbell Ensemble’s Black History Month Festival of Music, and is sponsored by the Bellarmine University Music Department, the Bellarmine Black Student Union, the Kentuckiana Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians (KANM) and the Black Classical Artists of Louisville (BCAL). This state-wide vocal competition features both Collegiate and High School Divisions and requires all contestants to offer a ‘Traditional Negro Spiritual’ or a classical composition by an African-American composer.

Chism and Denson are both voice students of Ms. Natalie Krupansky, who teaches music at McNabb Elementary School.