UHM voice student Alina Taniguchi recently won first place in the 2026 National Society of Arts and Letters Hawai’i Chapter Winston Classical Voice Scholarship Competition. Alina is a sophomore in the Music Education program, and she is a 2025-26 and 2026-27 Orvis Vocal Scholar, an honor given to outstanding voice students. Alina is a student of Dr. Maya Sypert.
“Before starting my collegiate education, I had never sung solo in front of an audience. So, in order to complete my degree, I began taking voice lessons for the first time in my life. This award does not simply mean that I was “good enough,” but rather represents the hard work and dedication it took to grow from having little classical experience to where I am today. I would like to thank my teacher, Dr. Sypert, the Music Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the National Society of Arts and Letters for their support. This award has given me hope and opened new opportunities through my voice. And I hope others are inspired to do the same.”
Founded over 80 years ago, the National Society of Arts and Letters assists promising young artists through competitions, financial assistance, master classes, mentoring, and providing career opportunities with 15 chapters throughout the United States.
Winston Classical Voice Scholarship was established in honor of Shirley Rabb Winston as an annual scholarship for young classical singers between the ages of 16 and 22. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of future success.