Meet the 61st Cast of the Ball State University Singers!

DIRECTOR:

Jodi Cotton-Street holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Ball State University. Upon graduation, Jodi was the Director of Choral Activities at Columbia City High School where she directed two award-winning show choirs. She then served as the Assistant Director for the Ball State University Singers while working on her Master’s Degree. Throughout the summers, Jodi performed as a singer, dancer, and pianist for several theme parks across the United States including Cedar Point and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Jodi has taught in different capacities for the Ball State Department of Theater and Dance. Jodi currently teaches Voice Lessons and Singing Actor for the Musical Theatre BFA students as well as an Intro to Singing Actor course. She has taught Sight-Singing, Music Theory, Piano, and accompanied the Senior Cabaret and Chicago and New York Showcases. Jodi has served as the Musical Director for several productions at Ball State including: Little Shop of Horrors, Company, Urinetown, Into the Woods, Little Women, Baby, Swing, and A Chorus Line. She has also served as the rehearsal pianist and accompanist for several other productions.

In addition to teaching at Ball State, Jodi continues to work as a freelance clinician, adjudicator, accompanist, and music director. For The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone, Georgia, Jodi has music directed Hairspray, Matilda, Bridges of Madison County, Daddy Longlegs, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jane Eyre, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, High School Musical 1 & 2, The Wizard of Oz, and several others. The Legacy Theater hosts a Musical Theater Summer Camp in which Jodi serves as the vocal instructor for about 120 students. Jodi is the Site Coordinator for the Indiana State School of Music, which oversees the adjudication process for several State Qualifying Show Choir Invitationals and the State Finals. She has spent the last several summers as a vocal and instrumental music director of shows for the Live Entertainment Department at Cedar Point Amusement Park. Jodi has consistently been invited to be the Festival Accompanist for the Region III American College Theater Festival. Recently, Jodi has been helping to coach college auditions for the Legacy Dream Performing Arts Academy in Tyrone, Georgia and the Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

GLEE CLUB:

Reagan Augustine is a third-year Senior Advertising major with Theatre and Digital Marketing Strategy & Analytics minors. She is also enrolled in the Master’s program for Public Relations with Ball State. This is Reagan’s second year in the Glee Club and her first year as the Digital Media/Promotions Head. She is also on the MASCC committee for Singers. Reagan has been in over 23 theatrical productions and has been pursuing the musical theatre world for as long as she can remember! When she’s not singing and dancing, she’s marketing for other theaters, watching sports/movies/TV shows, and hanging out with her beloved cat baby, Toby.

Neleh Thompson is a Freshman Social Work major. She is a first-year member of the glee club and is a member of the Outreach Committee. She has three years of show choir experience and is super excited to continue being on stage with Singers! Outside of performing, she’s also very passionate about mental health!

Alyssa Ropa is a Sophomore Theatre Design & Tech major with a focus in Costume and Makeup Design and a minor in Dance. This is Alyssa’s second year in University Singers and she continues to carry the joy of being a member of this group. She also participates on the production staff as the groups Team Building Coordinator.  She hopes to continue her college journey through University Singers as well as grow in her major and one day execute her dreams of working in New York! Alyssa would like to thank Kent and Shelley Johnson, as well as her family and friends for supporting her in her journeys and inspiring her to be who she wants to be!

Layla is a Freshman Dual Music Education major from Logansport High School in Indiana. Layla is so grateful and excited to be part of such a wonderful group of people she is proud to call family. Outside of university singers, Layla likes to bake, act, and be with her friends and family!

Kari Verdeyen is a junior Vocal Music Education Major from Noblesville, Indiana. Kari is a third-year member of the University Singers and is serving her second year as the Vocal Captain and Philanthropic Coordinator for the 61st Cast! She is looking forward to sharing the stage with this talented group of people one last time and would like to thank her friends and family who have supported her throughout her musical journey!

Lexi Vidito is a first year freshman Vocal Music Education and Dance Major and is so excited to join as a Glee Club Member of University Singers! Before Ball State, Lexi could be found as Dance Captain of Decatur Central Goldenaires and Vocal Captain of Decatur Central Expressions. She also performed in various musical theatre productions along with a couple of Play Productions! When Lexi is not on stage, you can find her Choreographing, Studying, and Spending time with her friends and family!

Katie Blessinger is a sophomore Theatre Education major with a minor in Technical Theatre from Garrett, Indiana. This is Katie’s second year in University Singers and her first year serving as a University Liaison. Katie has been in a multitude of theatre productions and has had the opportunity to choreograph for her high school. When Katie is not on stage performing, she loves to spend her time reading or hanging out with her cats. Finally Katie wants to thank her parents for always supporting her in her activities, and she wants to thank Kelly Gomes who guided and inspired her to be exactly where she is today.

Emma Renner is a first year freshman dance major. This is Emma’s first year in University Singers. Emma has been in show choir for 4 years and is so excited to get even more experience! When she is not performing she enjoys choreographing for other groups and helping others be the best dancers they can be.

Sydney Hyatt sings alto 1 and alto 2 and is a second-year Music Education major. She attended Eastbrook High School in Marion, Indiana. This is Sydney’s second year in the University Singers and is she is thrilled to work with this phenomenal group of performers. Sydney is excited to see where her love for music and performing takes her. She would like to thank all her teachers and family for believing in her and pushing her to become who she is.

Abby Ray is a Freshman Vocal Music Education major and is thrilled for her first year as a member of University Singers. Before coming to Ball State Abby was Co-President and three-year member of Franklin Central High School’s FC Singers as well their Chamber Choir. She has also performed in various theatrical productions, holding roles on and off the stage, with her favorite being Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! When Abby isn’t on stage you can find her baking with her little brother and sister, listening to musical theatre, or in Cincinnati visiting her best friend Ryan.

Julie Arteaga is a Sophomore Elementary Education major with a concentration in Kindergarten/Primary Studies. This is Julie’s second year in the University Singers and she is serving as one of the Dance Captains for the 61st cast. Julie is super grateful to be able to create choreography for the 61st cast and cannot wait to perform this Broadway set alongside some of her closest friends.

Abby Douglas is a 1st year member of the glee club who is a freshman dance major with a business minor. Abby was in competitive dance, marching band, and 5 show choirs before being in singers. When she is not busy she enjoys baking, laughing with friends, or dancing on her own. Abby plans to choreograph for show choirs and hopes to continue to perform after college.

James Bailey is a third-year Vocal Music Education major and Music Recording minor from Indianapolis, Indiana. James is currently our Assistant Company Manager for the 61st cast. James is so excited for his third year in University Singers and wants to thank his family, friends, and teachers for helping him get to where he is today!

Parys is a freshman Theatre Creation major and Dance minor. This is Parys’ first year in University Singers. Parys was a part of his high school’s show choir and is excited to be doing it at a collegiate level. He is excited to be in the group and can’t wait to perform with everyone. When Parys is not on stage he loves watching shows and doing a little reading here and there. Parys is also the proud owner of a cactus named Fred.

Lincoln Eads is a sophomore Vocal Music Education major. This is his second year with University Singers and he is ecstatic to be returning to this amazing program. Growing up, Lincoln participated in many local theater productions and enjoyed the arts. Alongside theater, Lincoln also participated in the Show choir at Center Grove High School and he is excited for the opportunity to be able to continue down the show choir path with the University Singers. Following his time at Ball State, Lincoln plans to become a choir director so he can hopefully inspire his future students to live a musical life. Lincoln would like to thank all of his family, friends, and mentors for the continued encouragement and support they provide; he couldn’t have made it where he is today without them.

Michael Gant is a first-year Freshman Vocal Performance Major and a first year performer for both University Singers and the Opera Theatre! Michael’s been singing since he was in 6th grade and hopes to be able to sing at the Metropolitan Opera House one day! When Michael’s not singing, he’s either sleeping, working out, or swimming.

Jackson Steuer is a sophomore vocal music education major from Indianapolis, Indiana. In high school, Jackson served as vocal captain for 2 years in Roncalli High School’s varsity show choir, Royal Rhapsody. Jackson is now one of  the two vocal captains and philanthropy coordinators in University Singers! This is Jackson’s second year in the group and is excited for all of friendships and adventures he will have throughout his second year! He is also looking forward to performing alongside his fellow choir members in the 61st annual spectacular! Jackson hopes to direct a secondary choir after graduation or attend graduate school with hopes to be a voice teacher. Jackson would like to give special thanks to his high school choir director who has assisted him to become the successful student he is today.

Connor is a sophomore music ed major from Fishers, Indiana. This is his second year in the glee club, and he is very excited to perform with the 61st cast! Connor aspires to become a high school choir director and hopes to spread his love of singing and dancing to future performers!

Dylan Burger is a senior Vocal Music Education major with a minor in Technical Theatre. This is Dylan’s third year in University Singers and his second year as one of the University Liaisons for the group as well as his second year on the MASCC Committee. Dylan has been involved with the show choir and theater world for over 10 years and plans to direct his own set of show choirs and choir department upon graduation. Whenever he is not preforming, Dylan loves to watch and play basketball, play video games, or just relax after his very, very busy schedule.

Adam Bedel is a Freshman Vocal Music Education major who is excited to be a first-year member of the Ball State University Singers. He is thrilled to be a part of the Alumni Relations Committee for the 61st cast and looks forward to developing rich connections with a legacy of remarkable Singers that have performed songs of faith, hope, laughter, and love before him. Growing up, he has been seen in numerous community theater productions and was named Best Male Dancer by the Indianapolis Encore Association this past year! Adam and the 61st cast invite you to be a part of the magic as Singers take on Broadway!

BIO COMING SOON

Ethan Burton is a Sophomore Elementary Education major with a concentration in Kindergarten/Primary Studies. This is Ethan’s second year in the University Singers and is serving as one of the Dance Captains for the 61st cast. Ethan is super excited to be able to be in this leadership position and to have the opportunity to leave his stamp on the group! Along with this he cannot wait to share the year with his closest friends 🙂

Nick Tiberi is a first year Computer Science major (with a concentration in Game Design) and Music Exploration double major, converting later to Music Production with a concentration in Commercial Music Design. This year is Nick’s first year in University Singers. He is part of the University Liaison committee. Nick is a former 4 year member of the Castle Knight Sensations, where he served as Bass Vocal Section Leader for 3 years, and a former 4 year member of the Castle Marching Knights where he served as Baritone Music Section Leader for 1 year. He has performed in 3 theater productions. As a newcomer but avid Broadway and musical song lover, Nick is incredibly excited for all that this year has in store for him. When not performing or in class, Nick is either composing or arranging music over a variety of genres from show choir arrangements to soundtracks found in media such as movies or video games.

Devin Van Lue is a junior Vocal Music Education major from Wawasee High School. This marks Devin’s third year as a University Singer, and he is thrilled to take on the role of Company Manager. With aspirations of teaching high school choir, Devin is passionate about fostering strong music programs in public schools. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to his friends, family, and directors for their unwavering support and dedication in helping him pursue his dreams!

BAND:

Patrick Chie – Synthesizer

BIO AND HEADSHOT COMING SOON

Kevin is excited to return for his third year with the wonderful 61st cast! Joining us from Monticello, IN, he’s bringing the bass guitar to the stage this year. When he’s not performing, Kevin is pursuing a major in Microbiology and Pre-Optometry, with a minor in Chemistry. Once again, he’s thrilled to be part of such an amazing group.

Matthew Raubuck is a first-year music education major with a jazz studies minor. This is Matthews’s first year in University Singers, and he is on the philanthropy committee. Matthew participated in show choir and band throughout high school and is a member of the musical duo Matty and the Key.

BIO COMING SOON

Liz Walden is a senior social studies education major with concentrations in historical perspectives and psychology. This is Liz’s third year in University Singers and her first year as the band captain! Liz has been a performer for her whole life whether it be dancing or playing her saxophone, and she is so excited to take the stage for one last time with her favorite ensemble! In the upcoming year, she will be student teaching in Aldine, Texas!

Payton Smith is a second-year Biology major with a concentration in zoology from Edgewood High School of Ellettsville, Indiana. She is an Alto Saxophonist in the University Singer’s band and is ecstatic to be a part of the 61st cast. In the future, she hopes to become a veterinarian specializing in either reptiles or avians, but while she is here at Ball State, she wishes to keep up with her hobby of playing the Alto Sax.

Elijah Preble is a freshman Music Education Major. This is Elijah’s first year in University Singers where he plays the tenor sax in the band. Elijah is also apart of the University Singers Liaison team. This is not Elijah’s first time in this setting, as he was in his high school’s show choir back-up band “Intrigue”, and is grateful to be continuing it at the collegiate level. When Elijah is not doing things with University Singers, he is also performing and rehearsing in Ball State’s jazz program.

Aiden Garris is a freshman Music Education major at Ball State, and he’s planning to minor in Music Composition. He’s super excited to be playing trumpet in the University Singers Band for the first time! Aiden has performed in many musicals, pits, bands, and orchestras throughout high school and is very excited to perform with University Singers this year.

Grace Toby is a freshman Criminal Justice and Criminology major. This is her first year in University Singers and she plays trumpet in the band. She’s been playing trumpet for about 7 years now and has used to sing in her high school’s jazz and concert choir. When she’s not rehearsing or on stage, she loves spending time with her friends, family, and boyfriend. She hopes to be band captain at some point in her time in the University Singers band.

My name is Aphrodite Moore I am a Freshman trombone player for the Ball State Singers. I’ve done Show choir, Marching Band (where I was a Drum Major for a year), and Theater (most recently Mary Poppins at Excelsior Theater in Auburn Indiana). I am so excited to play for the Ball State Singers and am ready to see what opportunities this opens for me.

Isabella is a Freshman Elementary Education Major with a concentration in math. This is Isabella’s first year in University Singer’s Band. She has been in Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Choir. When she isn’t performing, she’s teaching. Isabella has led over fifty percussion classes for 6th grade beginning band students. Outside of music, Isabella loves to do Sudoku and create art.

Chloe McAnallen is a junior musical theatre major at ball state.  This is her second year playing for University singers and she is thrilled to be back. Chloe would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and her teachers for always pushing her to be the best artist she can be.

STAGE CREW:

Jenna Potter is a Junior Social Studies Education Major with a concentration in Government from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, IN. This is Jenna’s second year with University Singers, and she is incredibly excited to be one of the Co-Stage Managers for the 61st Cast. Jenna would like to thank all of her friends and family for supporting her along the way. As well as another thank you to the 61st cast for being amazing to work with on a daily basis.

Matt Hampton is a Sophomore Music Ed Major with a Minor in ASL Interpreting from Fort Wayne Indiana. This is Matt’s Second year in University Singers. Matt is delighted to be serving as a co-stage manager for the 61st cast. Later in life Matt hopes to teach somewhere in central or northern Indiana after graduation and hopes to have a long career as an educator with a choir or an orchestra. In his free time Matt likes to sing and act in a theatrical setting. Matt would like to thank his parents, David and Marty, as well as his sister Rachel for supporting him all throughout his performing life. Matt would also like to thank Shelley and Kent Johnson for being two of the greatest mentors in regard to the theatrical world.

Jordyn Eastridge is a first year Duel Vocal and instrumental Music Education Major with an undecided Minor. This is Jordyn’s first year on the University Singers Stage Crew. She has been in show choir, theatre, orchestra, and concert choir for 8 years. When she isn’t singing she is watching musicals, reading her favorite books and playing with her puppy Zeus!!

TECH CREW:

Avery Gates is tech for singers in the 61st cast. He is a Junior Media Production major who loves to focus on audio and sound. He spends his time making music with his band Tinted Plates and advancing his career to be a live sound mixer for popular bands.

Nathan Corman is an Audio Tech in this year’s singers cast. He’s a sophomore Landscape Architecture major. While he had never done anything related to Singers or any kind of choir experience previously, he is in a rock band in his free time. They’re called Tinted Plates and they do pop-inspired grunge music. Check them out!

My name is Ewan Wells, and I am a freshman Applied Mathematics major and a member of the University Singers tech/crew! Both singing and performance have been a part of me the entire time I’ve been in school, and I am so excited to experience it on collegiate level. I also enjoy ice hockey, video games, and lifting

WARDROBE TEAM:

Olivia Roussel is a senior Theatre Creation Major at BSU from Fort Wayne. This is Olivia’s third and final year in the University Singers cast and she is over the moon that she gets to be a part of such a talented group. Olivia is head of the wardrobe team for the 61st cast and is determined to keep the singers looking their best. Olivia would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support even though she is not the one shining onstage.

Keaira Reed is a freshman Music Exploration Major at BSU from Elkhart, IN. This is her first year in Singers as part of the wardrobe team. Throughout high school, Keaira has performed with her school’s show choirs and engaged in the theatre department’s plays and musicals. Even though she’s taking a break from the stage, Keaira loves being a part of Singers and helping the singers look and feel their best on stage.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTS:

Conductor, pianist, singer, and teacher Stephen L Larson has spent nearly two decades teaching and performing in the Midwest. An Illinois native, Larson draws from a broad musical background to craft a creative and enriching experience for both music-makers and those in the audience. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Arts in conducting at Ball State University, Larson earned a Master of Arts in conducting at Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from Millikin University.

At home both in the classroom and on the podium, Larson has served as a music teacher in Champaign, Illinois, and the surrounding communities – primarily, eight years directing choirs at Champaign Central High School. Larson co-founded the Urbana Pops Orchestra in 2010 and served as associate conductor, arranger, and occasional pianist. Larson became the principal conductor in 2019 and continues the Pops’ mission of bringing popular orchestral music and light classics to the Champaign-Urbana community.

Justin Brown is a first-year DA student in saxophone performance and is the full-time graduate assistant and bandleader for the University Singers. He has performed internationally as a classical and jazz saxophonist specializing in performance, arranging, and research of contemporary music for saxophone and wind synthesizer. Justin holds performance degrees from DePauw University (BM) and the University of Louisville (MM). When he’s not leading the Singers band or doing saxophone stuff, he enjoys long-distance running and cooking for his lovely partner Kelly.

Brendan Kennedy is a first-year masters student in choral conducting. This is Brendan’s first year as a graduate assistant in University Singers and assists with the technical team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Georgia Southern University. Previously, Brendan worked for Georgia Southern Opera where he was the Stage Manager for their productions of Sweeney Todd and Dialogues of the Carmelites. Outside of Singers, Brendan is also a choral area assistant and is an avid house plant dad.