LAKELAND, Fla. (May 26, 2011) -- Florida Southern College student Christopher Kline has been awarded first place in the National Federation of Music Clubs’ (NFMC) Annual Student/Collegiate Awards for his exceptional vocal talent.

Kline is a sophomore from Lakeland who is majoring in vocal performance. In October, he won first place in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs’ 60th Annual Jeanie/Stephen Auditions, a state-wide contest to award outstanding collegiate vocal performers. As a result, Kline moved on to represent the state of Florida in the national competition, where he was awarded the Agnes Fowler/Marie V. Thiesen Award for best male voice, as well as the overall first-place Hazel Heffner Becchina Award.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of our students in local, state, and national competitions.  To my knowledge, this is the first time a student from Florida Southern has won this prestigious award, and to do so as a 19-year-old sophomore is astonishing,” said Dr. John Thomasson, associate professor of music. 

The NFMC is one of the world’s largest music organizations with club and individual members of all ages. They are dedicated to furthering music education through sponsorship of competitive events in which participating students can win awards and scholarships. Kline’s award will be announced at NFMC’s national convention held in June in McLean, Va.

Prior to winning this award, Kline performed in several productions with the Opera Theater of Lakeland, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, and Florida Southern. He has also received numerous vocal awards, including first place in the Tampa Bay National Association of Teachers of Singing Vocal Auditions, second place in the Southeastern United States Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Vocal Auditions, and Florida Southern College Music Department’s Anne Roselle Vocal Award.

Kline is also active in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the men’s music honor society.

“Being awarded a national title in a competition of the size and scope of the National Federation of Music Clubs is not only a stamp of approval, but a strong indicator of Christopher's future potential in the field of classical singing,” said Dr. Thomasson. “He is well on his way to achieving his aspiration of becoming an opera singer.”