1997 Alumni News

Last updated 6-1-14

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Tommy Arnold: TomyArnol@aol.com

 

Ryan Barr: "I changed my major last year to Business Administration. I am currently in my fourth year at University of Vermont and will most likely be here for a fifth year because of my late major change." rbarr@bsad.uvm.edu

 

Jackie Baum: "I've gone back to college to complete my degree in Psychology. I'm going to visit Australia the end of April while Wendy (daughter) is on spring break there."

 

Wendy Baum: Studying for a semester in Australia at the Univ. Sunchine Coast and just loves it. She has some good kangaroo stories!

 

Joni Beal Haws, 4/07: " Guess it took me a while to find this thing. Who knew? So if anybody actually still looks at this, I'm currently living in Omaha, NE with my husband of six years and our two adorable kids, a girl 4 and a boy 1 1/2. Not a lot of singing these days although I was able to land a lead role in the inaugural year of a historical musical this past summer. I'd seriously love to hear from anybody. I was looking at pictures the other day...." honijaws@hotmail.com

 

Brooke Bielen, 7/13; "I'm currently living in the Twin Cities, MN, pursuing a programming degree." brooke_leia@hotmail.com

 

Mollie Bisesi, 4/07: Attended Northeastern Univ, Boston for Political Science. Reportedly going to Law School in NYC. maxxine22@aol.com

 

Elizabeth Boot, 12/03: "I'm living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Assistant Manager of a fine dining restaurant. I would love to hear from anybody." Lvnnstyl@aol.com

 

Nathan Boot, 12-05 "Chillin' in Vancouver, WA. Mike and Mandy and Amber, where are you guys? ;-) " nate.boot@gmail.com

 

Jeffrey Breeden, 4/03: "I'm finishing up my 4th year of college on a 5 year plan at Rider University. I'm a communications major in radio and television. Recently, I've been working with National Lampoon and Joan Rivers radio in NYC. If anyone wants to get ahold of me you can email me at Jeffbreed@hotmail.com"

 

Amy Brehm, 6/07: "Amy received her B.S. in Music Education from Indiana University of PA in 2003. She moved to Los Angeles to teach elementary music in 2004 and currently teaches part-time for Los Angeles Unified School District. Amy has recently been appointed Assitant Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Children's Chorus. She is also the President Elect of the Kodaly Association of Southern California and is an adjunct professor of Music Education for Pepperdine University in Malibu." AmyCBrehm@yahoo.com

 

Matt Campbell: "I took a few years off after high school and the tour to get my life in order, found a great job working for a marketing firm in Yardley, PA and I am still there. Things have been pretty quiet since then aside from my studies. I am currently studying opera performance at The Boston Conservatory. In the next year I am auditioning to study at Westminster Choir College. " mc19802@aol.com

 

Shawn Carey, 9-06: "Living in Aiken, SC and playing with the Aiken Community Band. After getting M.S in Civil/Structural engineering and working for several years I'm now on educational leave in order to finish my PhD in structural engineering at the University of South Carolina. Married in
August '02 - no kids yet." careyusc@hotmail.com

 

Emily Chow, 10/03: "Graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in Music education. Now pursuing a Masters degree at the University of Arizona while working as the National Flute Association Music librarian. " echow@email.arizona.edu

 

Joanna Clark: 98-99 attended Lancaster Bible College and sang with the choir - Conestogans. 99-00 attending Kutztown Univ, PA studying Art Ed.

 

Derek Collins, 2-09 adnoh18@gmail.com

 

Kendall Dennis: She's finishing up her junior year at Trinity Univ in San Antonio, TX where she's majoring in Finance & Marketing with a minor in voice. She plans to give a senior voice recital spring 2001. She's involved in the top 2 choirs and is a member of the Zeta Chi Sorority. She was accepted as the co-chair of the T.U. Ambassadors, one of the main organizations on campus. Summer '00 she has a marketing internship at the Denver Foundation. kdennis@trinity.edu

 

Chuck Erickson, 6/03: "Graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI in December 2002 with a BA in Spanish and a B. Music in Choral/General Music Education. He will be attenting Iowa State University in fall 2003 to pursue a Masters of Education in Higher Education/Student Affairs. He will be working as a Graduate Assistant in Disability Student Services as well as Transfer Admissions." yooper79@hotmail.com

 

Josh Estep: "I'm still "musically active" at Furman University in South Carolina. Right now I'm studying abroad at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia." jcestep@hotmail.com

 

Robin Frye, 5-09: "I have two kids and I am a cook now and I am co-owner of a clothing line" mason5551981@yahoo.com

 

Linda Fluck: She's finishing her 1st year at Miami Univ of OH as a graduate asst. She's pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and summer '00 she'll be performing 2 roles with the Janiec Opera Co. at Brevard Music Center. fluckll@yahoo.com

 

Rebecca Gifford: "I finally graduated last year with a bachelors degree in psychology which I love. I moved from North Dakota to Clearwater, FL right after graduation and am now working as an assistant for an organization that helps people with mental illnesses live independently. I plan on going for my masters degree in counseling this spring. I love what I do, but I miss singing." pixiegif@yahoo.com

 

Kelly Graham Fronzaglia, 1-11: "I have been married for 10 years and I have four daughters, Emily 7, Allison 4, Rachel 3 and Angela 1. I am in my 8th year of teaching Band and General Music in Ohio." Previous: Kelly received her Masters degree at West Virginia University in Horn Performance." kfronzaglia@gmail.com

 

Bryan Greer: "Just an update for everybody. I'm currently a Junior music major at Nebraska Wesleyan University, emphasis in conducting and compostion. I just made my debut conducting the University musical, and will have one of my pieces premiered by an ensemble this semester. I have just accpeted an internship with the Lincoln Symphony, Lincoln, NE. I am also looking into a summer internship with the Des Moines Opera. The music is-a-happenin' :)" choirmaestro@hotmail.com

 

Tara Gundersen: Attending Utah St. Univ and loving it! She's a junior majoring in Family and Human Development, minoring in Vocal Performance. gundilou@hotmail.com

 

Tracy Hall: She's a junior at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN pursuing a major in Elementary Ed. and a minor in Spanish. She's also a peer minister at her church in Moorhead and has been the choir director there for 1 1/2 years. tlhall@cord.edu

 

Sarah Hernandez: bella_canto@hotmail.com

 

Reed Harper, 7/06: "It has been awhile, but figured in order to keep in touch with those that touched my life so long ago, I thought I should post an e-mail address. I have moved out of Alaska, graduated from NAU, and now reside in Phoenix. Hope the best to all of you out there." Reed_dogg99@hotmail.com

 

Rachel Holt Pizano, 7/06: "I've been married to a wonderful man for the last 6.5 years. We are currently living in NC. We have two small children and two really large dogs. I'm finish up my degree in Biology/ Education and my husband and I are in the process of opening a gourmet cakery. Life is great!!!". Rachpizano@yahoo.com

 

Andy Hordichok, 8/06 "Hello everyone from the BANJO guy! It's been so long, I thought I would post my e-mail in hopes that I might reconnect with some of you from SOA. I am currently teaching middle school band in Wilsonville Oregon and teaching lots of private students as well. Hope all is well with all of you and I really hope I hear from you. Take care my long lost friends." andrew@ahmusicstudio.com

 

Aaron Huniu, 11-14-06: "I'm doing fabulous here in San Diego and having a great time with my job as Managing Director of a professional youth theatre company(J*Company Youth Theatre - San Diego Center for Jewish Culture) . Although the one thing I miss is traveling. After college I spent two years as a cruise director on a cruise ship traveling the world - (Royal Carribbean Cruise Lines - I was on the Sovereign of the Seas for about 6 months, Monarch of the Seas for about 5 months, Enchantment for bout a month, and Splendour of the Seas for about 2 months). I'm sure you get people saying this all the time, but my fondest memories are still of my one month traveling through Europe with SOA.


Previous: Recently graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Drama, and working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines aboard their cruise ships a part of the cruise directors staff. This past fall he was working in Hollywood as a background actor and could be seen on such shows as E.R., The Practice, American Dreams, Malcom in the Middle, Alias, and Will & Grace. In 2003 he will appear in a few feature films including "The Italian Job", "Daddy Day Care", and "Freaky Friday".... He has also worked with lead spotlight for Goo Goo Dolls & Tonic, Garbage & Lit and Gallagher. He also worked as an asst. cameraman/grip for "8-ball" short film. "To all my friends out there drop me a line =) " aaron13180@aol.com

 

Jan Ile: Toured as staff 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003 and still living in Newburg and working at Shippensburg HS, PA. Is now a grandmother of 4 children. janile@pa.net.

 

Kyle Jones: He completed freshman year at Wake Forest Univ 5/2000. He played drums in Marching Deacons football band and basketball pep band. He also traveled to Spain in '98. jonek103@wfu.edu

 

Christina King Gillespie, 2-05 tiggermetoo79@msn.com

 

Laura Kuttler: I'm now majoring in music performance at Ohio State University. kuttler.1@osu.edu

 

JoNell Leon-Guerrero Franz, 5/07: "JoNell is now married and living in California, when she and her husband are in town. For most of the year, they travel the country and perform as Robin Hood and Maid Marion at Renaissance Faires (and sometimes Italians, Pirates, or Victorians) doing Children's shows. In the spring, she and her husband co-oridnate school programs with their non-profit Presenters of Living History. They are able to ring historical characters, activities, and crafts to schools to make history come alive for children of all ages." jonell@leon-guerrero.net

 

David Little, 10/10:"Finished my MM in Music Composition at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  Currently living in Boston as a freelance composer.  Beginning my PhD in music composition at Princeton University in the fall of 2004.  ...thus, heading back to Jersey. Got Bachelor's from Susquehanna University, PA." David has had his music played by professional ensembles - check the distinguished alumni page! david_t_little@yahoo.com

 

Missy Locke Knouse: Graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1992 with a BS in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Lives with her husband, Chris, and our two children, Lauren 5, and Aaron, 6 weeks, in a small town about 15 miles north of Indianapolis. She's currently the Assistant Director of a child care center in Indianapolis. cknouse@prodigy.net

 

Jill Lichtenwalner: "I would just like to annouce I will be a junior at Oberlin College, where I double major in percussion performance and music history. Hope everyone is doing well!" lichtenjill@hotmail.com

 

Sarah (MacLean) Van Den Bosch: "My husband and I were blessed with our first child, a little boy, on January 13, 2002. We named him Maveric and he is currently 9 months old and almost walking. We are very proud of him and very happy about the wonderful addition to our family."
vandenbosch2000@yahoo.com

 

Anita Matta: Currently attending UCLA and planning to attend Law School after graduation. Studied abroad in Paris summer '98. Sings in the UCLA Chorale. anita_matta@yahoo.com

 

Allison (Majewski) Munoz, 11-08 "I am living in Chester County, PA with my husband, our 3 year-old son, and 1 year old daughter. Singing has not been top on my list for a long time, but I'm starting to get the desire to start up again. I hope everyone is doing well! Previous: I graduated from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in Dec 1999 with a BS in Environmental Science, and am now a Project Manager for a small environmental firm in West Chester, PA." allimun@verizon.net

 

Meg McClure, 11/10: "I lived in Italy for six years after graduating from Michigan State University's Honors College in 2001, and then in 2007 moved to London UK, where I met my husband! We were married on May 1, 2010 in my hometown of Chicago. I sing with a baroque ensemble and am an occasional soloist throughout London."
Previous info: My home base is still Florence, Italy, where I perform with the early music ensemble Vox Musae and the choir of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore and work in study abroad and tourism. While visiting the States in August 2004, I was seriously injured in an auto accident, breaking both my legs, my arm and sustaining a number of other injuries. I took this year off to heal with my family in the Detroit area and will return to Florence in September 2005. I received a grant towards my Masters degree in Italian studies via Middlebury College at the Universita' di Firenze, and I'm writing my thesis on opera history. Drop me a line if you're ever in Italy!!! Previous: attended Michigan State Univshere she performed with the University Chorale and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, sang in various opera productions and cofounded the coed accapella group Capital Green. She worked at Interlochen Center for the Arts (of which she is also an alumna) during the summer of 1998. Inspired by SOA's journey through Italy, Meg learned Italian and studied abroad in Florence during her junior year. After graduation, she moved there. She managed a small historic hotel for a year and in 2002 became the assistant director of Cultural Experiences Abroad Florence, a study abroad program (www.GoWithCEA.com). lamegara@yahoo.com

 

Tom Miller: Currently at Rochester Institute of Technology (third year) for civil engineering I miss everyone! TOM2422@aol.com

 

Kristen E. Milnes, 8-03 "I attended Purdue University. In the past couple of years have worked at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, FL and am now living in Los Angeles and working for Hilton. I'm not singing anymore, but am still traveling. I've lost touch with most of my SOA friends. If anyone is still in contact with Eileen Wallhermfectal or Colum Morgan, please please please send them my way!!!!!" PIT331@aol.com

Colum Morgan, 6/07: Graduated from Univ. of Kansas with a BFA in Music & Theatre in 2002. Worked as a singer on a cruise ship for a year seeing the world. Went back to school at The Univ. of Texas for my MFA in Acting in 2007. Just getting started ...

 

Grant Morris, 10/03: "I hope this finds you well. I am currently living in Tampa, Florida and working as a senior ad exec with the duPont Registry. I was glad to see Sean Jones will be performing with SOA again, as he always brightens any group. I wish you the best as well as Mr. Barr, Dr. Austin and all the rest. I am to this day extremely grateful for the experiences provided. All the best."

Grant had studied at Wake Forest University, majoring in Business and Psychology. gmorris@dupontregistry.com

 

Naomi Read: "I'm attending school in Kansas City and I'm singing in a band now. Our manager lives in England and we are getting ready to do some more recording in London next week. I've been in the band about a year and it has been really fun and a great learning experience for me...something you might find humorous... Spice Girls get the studio we will be recording in the day after we are finished!!! Isn't that funny? We will hopefully be releasing a single in the U.K. sometime in the near future." colorhorse_98@yahoo.com.

 

Heather Roses: Graduated from high school in 1998 and then in the fall went off to college at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. She's currently a junior there and majoring in English with an emphasis in elementary education. She's home in Alaska for the summers and then I am going back to Colorado. roses@gci.net

 

Sarah Schneider, 1-5-04: "I graduated from Duke University in May 2002 with a degree in political science.  I also played flute there in a trio, "Trois Fois," and the Duke University Wind Symphony, while continuing to study privately.  I am now in my second year of law school.  I continue to play the flute recreationally.  I have very fond memories of Sound of America.  " seschnei@wulaw.wustl.edu

 

Leslie Shonkwiler, 6/05: "Graduated from the University of Dayton with a BA in Sociology in 2002. Currently in sales." leslie_shonkwiler@yahoo.com

 

Wendy Sims, 11-08, "I live in Raleigh, NC where I graduated from Meredith College with a AB in Voice (2002) and a BS in Interior Design (2004). I worked in residential design for 6 years before taking my current job in B2B outside sales. I have been singing with the NC Master Chorale for the past 4 years. You can also catch me on stage with Capital Opera of Raleigh in such shows as Il Pagliacci, Madame Butterfly, La Traviata and Carmen! I miss you guys!!! " wendyrsims@yahoo.com

 

Jessie Somerville Robinson, 10/10: "I currently reside in Chandler, AZ. I have stepped away from music since having my daughter eight years ago but miss it everyday. Was thinking about my amazing experience with you all and thought I would reach out. Contact me anytime. I am also on Facebook under Jessie Robinson." jrobinson181@cox.net

 

Telitha Sparks, 4/08: "I am currently teaching band as the assistant band director at Pell City High School in Pell City Alabama.I am responsible for the middle school students as well. I received my undergraduate degree in 2003 from the University of Alabama and my masters degree in 2005 from Troy University. I still play euphonium in local community bands and play bass guitar around the area.I have an email I would love to hear from anyone so send me an email!" sparkspchs@yahoo.com

 

Amy Spitko: rusalka79@hotmail.com

 

Jessica Stephen: She's attending Towson Univ, MD majoring in Music Ed. Since her trip with SOA, she's gone back to Europe several times with the Peabody Sinfonia. JLSFlute1@aol.com

 

Karri Streyle: She's attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and is a member of the band and orchestra. She's a Pre-Med major. Toured Iceland, Scandinavia, Russia and Estonia last May with the band. kastreyl@cord.edu

 

Lee Thatch, 6-07: It took a while to find this page, but anyway, i have graduated with a degree in Interactive Design. I am currently working for Cox Communications and leading a busy side job doing contract design work. I am in a band where I play trumpet and bass. Check us out at www.myspace.com/thedirtygrooveproject. Hope everyone is doing well. lthach@dynamicsofesign.com



Dr. Amy Howland (Thompson), 6/14 :
I am now married and have 2 beautiful little girls, 5 and 6 1/2 years old. I graduated from Kansas State University-College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I currently own my own mobile veterinary practice. I still love to sing and participate on the praise team at my church as well as singing solos for special music. Thank you so much SOA for the most wonderful musical/cultural/spiritual experience that changed my life forever. Previous: Graduated HS and began attending Colby Comm. College, KS for Veterinary Technology and participate in choir and Sunflower Singers.. dramy2010@hotmail.com

 

Elizabeth Thompson: " I am currently in my third year of college at Colby Community College. Next year I will be attending K-State University in Manhattan, KS. Last summer I got the chance to meet with my roommate, Wendy Baum, from our tour tour in 1997 in her home state of Ohio. We looked at her pictures and had a great time finding out what was going on in each others lives. We try to stay in contact by e-mail, but I haven't heard from her in a while." lizzy10379@hotmail.com

 

Ryan Vitkus: Graduating Westmont College May 2002 in Political Science, International Affairs. Planning to move to Washington, D.C. to pursue the field of counter-terrorism. Hoping to continue to sing when the opportunities present themselves. Continue the life-changing experiences SOA, and hello to all. (I'm glad to hear SOA is still going strong. This past summer I re-visited many of our European destinations while studying World Civilization through Westmont College. Seeing Venice, Paris, Salzburg all brought back incredible memories.) TheOmega24@aol.com

 

Andy Watson, 7/05: "To update my info: To update my profile, I was in Samson et Dalilah at Opera Pacific. Previous info: I've just started rehearsals for Carmina/Pagliacci. They needed more men for Pagliacci so they asked me to be in it. I have completely lost contact with all my SOA friends. Please don't hesitate to contact me. Was in a production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera called "the Gondoliers", played Antonio. Also part of the Opera Pacific chorus. Went two years to North Carolina School of the Arts and studied Opera. Played Curly in Oklahoma in a small theatre production and hopes to pursue a career as an Opera singer. He also went to Cal State Northridge for the summer to do an opera program. "I really miss you guys and you are all welcome to contact me." andywatson1@cox.net.

 

Benjamin (B.J.) Whitmore, 7/07: My wife Lisa and I have a four year old and we are living in Ottumwa, IA. I helped opened a new events center here on New Year's Eve 2006. I am the Food and Beverage Director/Executive Chef and work for Centerplate. I was voted Iowa's Chef of the Year for 2006-07 by our state chef's association. PREVIOUS: Graduated with culinary degree from Des Moines Area Community College in May of 2001. Was married to Lisa Hansen October 6th 2001. We just purchaced our first home in Des Moines and look forward to making this house our home. resident@acfiowa.org

Jason Winfield: "Hi everyone. I'm in my Junior year at Northern Arizona University getting a degree in Vocal Performance. I have a song tha I've written being sung by Eddy Raven, climbing the charts. I am heavily involved in the Opera/Musical Theater dept. here. I just Played Ferrando in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutti, I also played the Baker in Into The Woods last semester. I'm having a great time. I would love to hear from you guys." winfieldbros@ispchannel.com

 

David Yinger, 11-03: "I graduated from Lebanon Valley College in May 2003 with B.S. in music ed, B.A. in jazz studies. I previously worked as a musician for Carnival Cruise Lines, but am currently teaching middle school band in Harrisburg, PA. Also, I'm playing as much as possible, taking it easy, and enjoying life...and finally getting PAID!! dlyduke@yahoo.com

 

Mike Yinger, 11-03 "I work for Carnival Cruise Lines playing Trombone. Currently I do 7 day cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico...traveling to various different islands each day. Recently, I was on a cruise that went through the Panama Canal." yingadinga@yahoo.com

 

Kimberly Young (5-12): kimberly1yng@yahoo.com

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