Heather Vereb has a double concentration undergraduate degree in vocal performance and choral music education. She is the co-founder of CNU ACDA and was inspired to bring the organization to Christopher Newport after attending the National Convention in Miami, FL, in 2007. She has served as the praise and worship leader at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church in Newport News, VA, since 2006 and won the 2008 CNU Concerto Aria Competition. In 2009 she was selected as a national finalist for the ACDA National Undergraduate Student Conducting Competition. In March 2010, Heather will be conducting in teh Undergraduate Student Conducting Masterclass at the Southern Division ACDA Regional Conference in Memphis, TN. She is also a member of MENC, VMEA, CNU Voices, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Omicron Delta Kappa. Heather graduated with her BM in May 2010 and will be completing her MAT at CNU and expects to complete that degree in May of 2011.
Evan Bruno has an undergraduate degree in choral music education. He is the co-founder of CNU ACDA and also attended the ACDA National Convention in Miami, FL. Summer 2008 he performed in the ACDA Voices United Festival Choir under the direction of John Rutter. Summer 2009 he studied with Philip Cave in Orlando, FL. He is a member of MENC, VMEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and graduated with his BM in May 2010. Evan will continue his education in the CNU MAT program and will complete his degree in 2011.
Katelyn is a senior choral education major at Christopher Newport University. She is currently involved in several extra curricular activities on campus. Katelyn has served as historian for CNU's collegiate chapter of MENC (Music Educator's National Conference) and continues membership through this organization. Katelyn has also served as editor, membership chair, and vice-president of membership for Sigma Alpha Iota, professional music fraternity. She will continue to lead SAI through her Presidency in 2010-2011. Katelyn is a member of ACDA and will serve as President of CNU's chapter through this coming school year. Katelyn is a returning member of the CNU Chamber Choir under Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, has been a member of Uncommon Ground (CNU Vocal Jazz), and Extravaganza (Show Choir) as well. Katelyn is also a member of the Newport Pearls (A Capella Choir) and will become the group's new Musical Director for 2010-2011. Katelyn was the stage director of CNU Opera's production of Albert Herring and continues to study private voice under Professor Chris Mooney. After graduating with her Bachelors in Music, Katelyn plans to pursue her Masters of Arts in Teaching through CNU's graduate program. Katelyn loves gazing at pictures of baby animals, hanging out with family and friends, riding her bike around in beautiful weather, making terrible jokes, and chocolate cake.
Taylor Walkup is a junior choral music education and vocal performance major. She is in the CNU Honors program and is a member of MENC, VMEA, ACDA, Sigma Alpha Iota, CNU Voices, and the CNU Chamber Choir. Taylor served as the Treasurer of CNU’s chapter of CMENC, the Fraternity and Education committee chairmen for the Theta Pi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, and is the recipient of the Charles J. Cooper Endowed Music Scholarship. She studies voice with Dr. Rachel Holland and choral music with Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto. She has appeared as mezzo-soprano soloist in the CNU Chamber Choir’s performance of Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vivaldi‘s Gloria, "Florence Pike" in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, and participates as a chorister and soloist in the annual Chesapeake Community Messiah production under the direction of Mr. Craig Robertson and Dr. Dennis Price. Taylor currently sings under the direction of Mr. Robert Shoup at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA, and has had the opportunity to work with conductors such as Mr. Weston Noble, Dr. Paul Rardin, and Dr. Betsy Cook Weber. Taylor is expected to graduate in May 2012 and plans to enter graduate study at CNU for her Masters of Arts in Teaching.
Emily Wills is a sophomore in Christopher Newport University majoring in music with a double concentration in choral music education and vocal performance. She is a member of MENC, VMEA, ACDA, Sigma Alpha Iota, Uncommon Ground, and the CNU Women’s Chorus. Emily is spending her sophomore year serving as secretary in CNU’s chapter of CMENC, secretary/webmaster of ACDA, secretary of CNU’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Uncommon Ground), and has had the privilege of receiving one of CNU’s Friends of Music Scholarships. She studies voice under Dr. David Sadlier and choral music with Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto. Emily has appeared as a featured soloist in Gary Rhodes and Claire Cloniger’s Experiencing God and sings with the sanctuary choir at First Baptist Church, Newport News under the direction of Mr. Dennis Adams. Emily is hoping to graduate in May 2013 and hopes to continue her education in CNU’s five year Masters of Arts in Teaching program. Outside of music she loves the Lord, the theatre, watching movies all day long, baking, and vintage dress shopping.
Katy Hannah, a sophomore choral music education and vocal performance double major, is a member of ACDA, MENC, CNU's vocal jazz ensemble Uncommon Ground, CNU Women's Choir, and Opera CNU (performed in Albert Herring as "Harry" in the Spring 2010 season). Katy receives a scholarship from CNU's Friends of Music, and expects to graduate in spring of 2013. She may continue on for a fifth year at CNU to earn her Masters of Arts and Teaching. Her hobbies include videogames, eating french fries, cooking, and engaging in general ridiculousness.
