I went to Bethel Local High School near Tipp City, Ohio, and I graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1997. Throughout high school I was very active in the music department both vocally and instrumentally, playing the flute, piccolo, and trombone. I participated in select choir, marching band, concert band, pep band, and in the annual musical. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these activities. Two highlights of my high school music career included landing the roles of Addaperle in The Wiz and Lalume in Kismet. I also went with the Bethel Marching Band to Disney World where we played at MGM Studios before the Toy Story Parade.
Choosing a college was not difficult for me because I knew that I wanted to go to The University of Dayton. I also knew I couldn't give up my love for music. My flute teacher metioned a career in Music Therapy to me. I thought this would be a fun and interesting career, and I found out that UD had a great Music Therapy program. After almost a semester at UD, I decided to change my major to Music Education, and to become an elementary music teacher. I am the oldest of five children, and seeing how my younger siblings enjoyed band and chorus helped me to make this decision. I like being with children, and I will enjoy teaching music to them.
Since I came from a small country high school with a graduating class of 60 students, The University of Dayton is a big change for me, but I really like it here. I am very busy (as all music majors tend to be). I take voice lessons with of Dr. Ann Corrigan. I sing in the Ebony Heritage Singers gospel choir. I am in OCMEA, Music Therapy Club, and Faces, which is a clown group here on campus. I am also a member of Campus Crusade for Christ.