Class of 2004 / Music Education
(937) 627-5666
Marycrest 489
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469-8802
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Hello. My name is April Morris and I am a sophomore at the University of Dayton. My major is Music Education. I simply LOVE to make music. My primary instrument is Voice and my secondary instrument is Trumpet. I previously studied Voice under Dr. Ann Corrigan but now study under Prof. Lee Hoffman. I keep up with my secondary instrument by teaching beginning trumpet students at a nearby private school. My freshman year, I was involved with Choral Union and Hands In Harmony. This year I have been involved with University Chorale, Opera Workshop, Hands In Harmony, Celebration Vocal Transit, and UD's production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

I first discovered that I wanted to make music a big part of my life when I was very young. My mother is an elementary school music teacher and she really inspired me to go all out and learn as much as I could about music. She helped me realize that God had a special purpose for my life and that he gave me a very special gift of music that I should use to love and encourage others.

I graduated as 1 of 8 valedictorians from Westfall High School, a small public school in Williamsport, Ohio. I was involved with so many different things, I basically lived at school. I was Secretary of the Pickaway County Chapter of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Class of 2000, Editor of the school Yearbook, and Secretary of the Five Points United Methodist Youth Fellowship. I was also involved in Swing Choir, Cross Country, Softball, Basketball, and Dance Team. In the fall of 1997 I joined the Columbus Children's Choir directed by Dr. Sandra Mathias. The following year, I traveled to Russia with the Choir when we were invited to do a tour there by the International Fine Arts Institute (IFAI). Whew! Don't get tired yet. I'm not done! The spring of my Junior year in High School I auditioned for the lead role of "Guenevere" in the musical Camelot and made it!!!!! It was a very important step in my music career. Senior year was awesome too. I auditioned and was chosen to be Drum Major of our Marching Band and to play the role of "Laurey" in Oklahoma.

I liked many different classes in High School. The class that inspired me most of all though would have to be Band (marching and concert). My teachers Mr. Mark Schaffnit and Mr. Todd Seymour really helped create the love and respect for music I need to be successful. Mr. Schaffnit was my first teacher in Band. He taught me how to play the Trumpet and introduced me to the soundtrack of Les Miserables. I remember being completely astounded when he offered to lend me his personal album of the musical. I am still amazed with the compassion he shows to his students. Mr. Seymour is far from being easy to describe. :) His experience and knowledge in the field of music exceeds that of any music teacher I have met thus far. Those elements combined with his passion for music, form a true musician. He was my "Musical Consultant" for the last two years of my high school career. Though I admit that we all had arguments and tough times, this two men became a BIG part of my musical life and I owe them a lot.

A little more about me: I love to read. I actually like Science Fiction books including Star Wars. My favorite color is blue, and I like to write poetry. Lastly and most importantly though, I am a Christian. My religion is very important to me. Here at UD, I am involved in Campus Crusade for Christ. It is a great organization that reaches out to the community. They provide a great opportunity to study the Bible and become closer to God. Not to mention, they really know how to rock the house when it comes to praising the Lord! :)

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