Michael J. Berkemeier

Mike is a junior bass-baritone music education major. He hails from the home of the Reds and the Bengals, the "Queen City" - Cincinnati, OH. He attended Elder High School where he was actively involved in music. Mike starred in their eighty man glee club, ensemble, vocal ensemble, show choir, quartet, and performed almost a dozen musicals throughout his four years of high school.

Mike's father, Jim, is a successful self-employed barber who was born and raised in Cincinnati. His mother, Karen, is a housewife who was grew up in Youngstown, OH. Mike's older brother, Nen (26), is married and works for Security First Group. His younger sister, Jenny (17), just graduated from high school where she played the role of Miss Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls." She'll be attending the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy in the fall.

At the University of Dayton, Mike has studied with Mr. John Wright, tenor. He has performed with the University Chorale, Ebony Heritage Singers, and Celebration Vocal Transit. Next year, Mike will play the almighty sousaphone in the "Pride of Dayton" Marching Band and will be joining Opera Workshop. He also recently competed in NATS where he sang "Si Tra I Ceppi" by G.F. Handel, "Du Bist Wie Eine Blume" by Franz Liszt, and "Stars" from Les Miserables by C.M. Schoenberg. Mike is a proud Sinfonian and is vice-president of the Phi Omega chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. There he has received the nickname "Honky-tonk" because of his love for country music! Mike is also actively involved in intramurals here at UD. He's been the captain for all the teams he's played on. He participates in softball, basketball, volleyball, and flag football, which his team won this past fall. His career goal is to be a successful high school choir director and/or become a famous country singer!

Listen to Michael Berkemeier, accompanied by Megan Lepley, sing "More Sweet is That Name" from Handel's Semele (35 sec., 285K .au) on February 28, 1997.