The senior recital for Natorshau M. Davis
Thursday, June 1 was nothing short of superb.
Davis, a Jonesboro native, is currently an assistant professor of music education and voice at Grambling State University. She received her masters of music education degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
She is a candidate for the doctoral program at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Davis has performed with the Shreveport Opera Chorus in Tosca, Faust and L’Elisir d’Amore. She has sung the role of Anna Maurant in Street Scenes, Angelica in Sour Angelica, Mother from Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Aida in Sir Elton John’s Broadway version of Aida.
The singer has presented recitals in Monroe, Manhattan, Ruston, and Shreveport. Her performances have been inclusive of church, community programs, and workshops in the state of Louisiana as well as surrounding states.
She has taught public school music in Caddo, Lincoln and Red River parishes.
Davis participated in the American Singers Opera Project Young Artist Program in Manhatten and Master classes conducted by Nancy Stokes-Milnes, Willie Anthony Waters and others.
Accompaning Davis in the recital was LaDonald Ensley on the piano, Marus Rhodes, baritone and Dr. Larry Pannell on baritone saxophone.
Ensley is a Delhi native and an undergraduate of Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe with a music education degree and a masters in music performance.
Rhodes, the University Choir director, has performed with such companies as the Houston Ebony Opera Guild and the Dallas Opera companies.
Dr. Pannell is a Shreveport native and the Grambling State University Music Department chairperson. Pannell is also the director for the World Famous Tiger Marching Band.
His performance credits include recitals in Grambling and Chicago. Pannell has been named to Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Golden Key National Honor Society and the College Fund/UNCHF-Dedicated Outstanding Service.
After performing before a moderate crowd in the Washington-Johnson Complex, many were delighted they were invited to witness the job well done by Davis.
"It was nice that she had the support from the students and teachers for her recital," said Lamark Hughes.
"This was a wonderful experience, she really leads by example. This really shows me her true love and talent for music," said Earl Henry II, a music major and Davis’ student.
This is an outstanding performance, said Charles Lacy, one of the band directors at the university.
"She is an excellent singer and performer. Ms. Davis is an extraordinary teacher and she is doing a wonderful job tonight," said
Eric Whitford, a music major and Davis’ student.