School of Music Ambassadors
2025–2026
Connecting with one of our School of Music Ambassadors is a great way for prospective or admitted students to learn more about being a music major — and finding your place here — at The Ohio State University School of Music. Music Ambassadors can answer questions about why they chose Ohio State, the student experience, ensembles, studios, music student organizations and much more!
Ambassadors are a select group of juniors and seniors who are leaders within our music community and represent a broad range of interests and talents. Contact one or more of them any time using the links in their bios below.
KYA ANGLE (Worthington, Ohio) is a third-year music education major with a focus on choral studies. Her primary instrument is voice; she is involved in Chorale, Women’s Glee Club, and a local church choir. Additionally, she is the Social Outreach Coordinator for the Ohio State chapter of ACDA (American Chorale Directors Association). You can usually find Kya at her job in the Instrument Room, answering questions and loaning out school instruments. Outside of the School of Music, Kya spends her time reading, swimming at the RPAC (Recreation and Physical Activities Center), and trying new restaurants around Columbus. She is very excited to serve as an ambassador for the School of Music!
2026 GRADUATE
ANNE BARTOS (Lakewood, OH) is a fourth-year music education major. She plays cello in the Symphony Orchestra, and is an active member of the university’s chapters of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), currently serving as President of ASTA. Anne also works for the Community Music School. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.
2026 GRADUATE
OLIVIA BODEN (Saint Louis, Missouri), a third-year music education major, is a returning student, having completed a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Ohio State in 2020. She currently plays French horn in the Wind Symphony, and has also played horn in Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Collegiate Winds; she has also played bassoon in Campus Orchestra. She was also a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band for 5 years, and was in the Drum Corps International group Carolina Crown in 2020. Outside of school, Olivia plays the tenor horn in the Dublin Cornet Band, and is on the marching band staff at Worthington Kilbourne High School. This summer she will also be completing a half Ironman triathlon! A fun fact about Olivia is that she has been to all 50 US states and capitals, and is now on a journey to visit all 88 counties in Ohio.
2026 GRADUATE
KARIS BRENNAN (Middleburg Heights, OH) is a fourth-year music major, with her primary instrument, flute. She is pursuing a BA in Music with a concentration in performance, and a second degree in Studio Art. She has received various performance achievement awards and honors, and has played three times for the Ohio State Counterpoints performance series at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Karis is also an active member of the Ohio State Flute Troupe, and is involved with campus ensembles and chamber groups. She is an officer in the Central Ohio Flute Association (COFA) and an honorary member of Phi Kappa Lambda. In her free time, Karis enjoys reading, birding and knitting.
AYDEN CASA (Brecksville, OH) is a fourth-year music dual major in music education and music performance. His primary instrument is the euphonium. He has performed in many ensembles in and outside the School of Music including Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Athletic Band, Jazz Lab Big Band, Campus Orchestra, and OCAS Brass Band. Outside of school, Ayden is a member of two honorary musical fraternities, serving as president of Phi Mu Alpha and as a general member of Kappa Kappa Psi. In his free time, Ayden enjoys spending time with friends, exercising, and playing video games.
KATELYN CHENG (Cincinnati, OH) is a third-year double major pursing a BA in Music as a flute primary and a BS in Biochemistry (Pre-Vet designation). Katelyn has been a member in several on campus ensembles such as Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Flute Troupe. She currently serves as the editor for Sigma Alpha Iota, one of the School of Music’s fraternities. Off campus, Katelyn works as a veterinary assistant working with small animals and exotics. She also enjoys going to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, watering her plants, and caring for her pet snakes and crab.
LUCIA CHEROK (Columbus, OH) is a fourth-year music education major whose primary instrument is trombone. She is a member of both the classical trombone studio and the jazz trombone studio. Lucia has performed in several ensembles in and around the School of Music including Symphonic Band, Jazz Lab Big Band, Trombone Choir, OCAS Brass Band and the Marching Band. As a leader in the Buckeye Trombone Association and the honorary band sorority Tau Beta Sigma, Lucia appreciates giving back to the ensembles at Ohio State. In her free time, Lucia enjoys nature (via hiking and hammocking), swimming, fine arts, and spending time with friends.
ALEXIS CUNNINGHAM (she/her/hers) (Westerville, OH) is a third-year music and chemical engineering major. Her primary instrument is jazz bass, and she has played in the Ohio State Jazz Ensemble for two years. Outside of Ohio State, Alexis plays for Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra and is a frequent assistant at the Columbus Jazz Arts Group. She is also treasurer for Lambda Psi, an engineering honorary society for minority engineers. In her free time, Alexis likes to read, do community service, and try new restaurants.
2026 GRADUATE
KATIA de JONG (Upper Arlington, OH) is a fourth-year music education major. Her primary instrument is classical saxophone. In the future, she hopes to teach elementary school general music. During her time at Ohio State, she has played in multiple concert bands as well as saxophone quartets. She is currently on the executive board of one of the School of Music service fraternities, Sigma Alpha Iota, as well as SpongeBob Club! She works at Sloopy’s Diner in the Ohio Union as both a student administrator and student manager. In her free time, she volunteers at a Columbus bike shop, Third Hand Bicycle Co-op. She also enjoys rock climbing, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
NATHAN DeRODES (Fremont, OH), is a third-year music education student. Nathan's primary instrument is voice, but he also plays flugelhorn in The Ohio State University Marching Band. He has also participated in both the Ohio State Chorale and the Men's Glee Club. Other than academics, Nathan has served as a peer leader through the Office of First Year Experience, helping freshman students as they navigate their first year of college. He is also the acting vice president and music director of the Beta Xi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha. In his free time, Nathan likes to go bowling and rock climbing with his friends. As a School of Music ambassador, Nathan hopes to leave an imprint on all new students looking to learn what it means to be a musician and a Buckeye.
AIDAN DEVER (Lakewood, OH) is in his third year pursuing both a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in cello performance. He plays the cello in Symphony Orchestra and small chamber ensembles; he is also a member of the Ohio State chapters of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and American String Teachers Association (ASTA). He currently serves as artistic director of CellOhio and vice president of ASTA. In his free time, Aidan enjoys playing chamber music with friends, cooking, and spending time with his friends and family.
NIC DIGENA (Levittown, NY) is a third-year music education major, studying flute with Katherine Borst Jones. Nic is involved with many organizations in the School of Music, including Symphonic Band, Flute Troupe, and Gospel Choir. Additionally, Nic works for the school as a member of both the stage crew and the student staff of the Marching Band — both groups of students handle the logistics of performance and rehearsal space. Nic enjoys reading, painting, birding, and hanging out with friends when not at the School of Music. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!
2026 GRADUATE
DREW EYNON (North Canton, OH) is a third-year music education major. He plays the euphonium / baritone, and is in the Wind Symphony and The Ohio State University Marching band. He is also involved in Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternities. In his free time he likes to play video games, bowl, and hang out with friends.
2026 GRADUATE
COLIN FOGERTY (Lewis Center, OH) is a fifth-year music education major whose primary instrument is saxophone. He has been involved with numerous ensembles on campus, including the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, saxophone quartets, University Band, Athletic Band, and Men’s Glee Club, as well as The Ohio State University Marching Band. In his free time, Colin enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching TV and movies, and playing video games.
2026 GRADUATE
HAILEE FRANKLIN (she/her) (Columbus, OH) is a fifth-year Choral Music Education and Theatre (BA) double major. She is honored to serve as a School of Music Ambassador during the 2025–2026 school year! She is a proud member of the Women’s Glee Club and a fierce advocate for reform in the field of music education. Outside of the School of Music, Hailee does freelance photography, videography, and film scoring.
ALYSSA HARTMAN (Dublin, OH) is a third-year student pursuing dual degrees in music and marketing at Ohio State. Within her music degree, she studies both jazz and classical saxophone performance, which has given her the opportunity to truly get to know both styles. She has played in ensembles such as the Ohio State Symphonic Band, the Jazz Lab Big Band, saxophone quartets, small jazz combo groups with her peers, and more. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys reading, writing, rock climbing, painting, and spending time with her friends!
2026 GRADUATE
MARLON HAUGHTON (Richmond, Virginia) is pursuing a degree in Music Education, focusing on elementary general music. Marlon has participated in the Men’s Glee Club, Chorale, and Opera Theatre at Ohio State. Marlon was a previous member of the American Choral Directors Association and served on the organization's executive board. Outside of school, he sings with a local church choir, and has both interned and performed with the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. In his free time, Marlon enjoys getting coffee with friends, listening to podcasts, and baking!
SOPHIA HAWS (Worthington, OH) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is voice. She is an active member of the Ohio State Chorale and Opera Theater. She serves as treasurer of Ohio State’s chapter of ACDA (American Choral Director’s Association). Outside of music, she enjoys swimming, playing piano, dancing, and staying active.
LEAH HENNING (she/her) (Pittsburgh, PA) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is clarinet. She is a member of the Symphonic Band, and plays in a flute and clarinet duet. Leah currently serves as vice president of membership for Sigma Alpha Iota–Theta Alpha chapter. Outside of school, Leah enjoys attending concerts, hiking, and reading.
WILLIAM HUGHES (Xenia, OH) is a third-year student pursuing dual degrees — a Bachelor of Music in voice performance, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science on the pre-law track. William is an active member of The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club, Chorale, and Opera Theater. He also serves as a resident advisor on campus. William enjoys studying both classical voice and musical theater. He wishes to thank the voice faculty for their support in becoming an ambassador. In his free time, William likes to get coffee, bake, travel, and socialize with friends. He is thrilled to be a School of Music Ambassador!
2026 GRADUATE
WYATT KERNS (Columbus, OH) is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Music in voice performance. Wyatt is an active member of the Ohio State Chorale, and is heavily involved in the Helen Swank Voice Lab. Wyatt enjoys studying classical voice, including opera, art song, and contemporary classical music — as well as the repertoire of music theatre. Wyatt is interested and heavily involved in voice pedagogy at Ohio State, and enjoys talking about the importance of vocal wellness and the comprehensive approach to singing. As someone actively involved in the community, Wyatt enjoys the support that the School of Music offers, and would love to talk with anyone that may have questions or is just curious about Ohio State or the music program. When not working on music, Wyatt enjoys reading, tap dancing, getting coffee, and spending time with friends and family.
2026 GRADUATE
SURITH KRISHNA (Dublin, OH) is a fourth-year undergraduate Honors Student and Health Sciences Scholar at The Ohio State University, pursuing dual degrees in Behavioral Neuroscience (pre-med track) and Music with a vocal performance concentration. In his free time, Surith works as a research assistant in the Department of Neurology, investigating neuroimmune interactions underlying chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). He also serves as the co-president of Snehalaya, a club that raises awareness and funds for HIV-positive women and children, survivors of domestic violence, and queer communities in India, and as Vice President of Global Medical Brigades at Ohio State, where he helps coordinate international service trips to establish free healthcare clinics in underserved regions. Surith hopes to be a resource for students who are seeking insight on how to balance pursuing majors/minors in STEM-related fields while keeping up with their musical endeavors.
MARLEE LAWSON (she/her) (Zanesville, OH) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is trumpet. A student of Tim Leasure, she has performed with Collegiate Winds and Athletic Band. She is also a member of the stage crew for the School of Music. Outside of school, she is the Marching Band assistant at her alma mater, Maysville High School. She also enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and her adorable cat Lexi!
2026 GRADUATE
NORA LEMMON (Worthington, OH) is a fourth-year horn performance major and political science minor. She is currently a member of the Wind Symphony and the Symphony Orchestra. Nora also takes secondary piano lessons in the School of Music, and loves to relax by playing piano. Additionally, Nora serves as president and music director of Scarlet and Grace Notes A Cappella, is involved in Ohio State’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, and works at the Barnett Center for Integrated Arts and Enterprise. She has attended several summer music festivals in the past, including the Monteux School and Music Festival, Eastman Summer Horn Institute, and Summer Music in Tuscany. In her free time, Nora enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.
2026 GRADUATE
TREVOR PAUL (Waynesburg, OH), a fourth-year music education major, is a member of both the jazz saxophone studio and the classical saxophone studio. He has been a member of the Jazz Lab Big Band, Jazz Workshop Big Band, University Band, Ohio Show Band, Gospel Choir, OCAS Brass Band, and is an assistant squad leader in The Ohio State University Marching Band. Trevor is also the treasurer of the Jazz Saxophone Club, a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Jazz Club, as well as a playing member in the Jazz Club Big Band. Outside of the School of Music he enjoys running, tennis, and arts and crafts whenever he has the chance. He is humbled by the opportunity to serve and give back to the School of Music which has given so much to him in the past couple of years!
2026 GRADUATE
MARY PAYDOCK (Canal Fulton, OH) is a fourth-year student pursuing dual degrees, in BA with a percussion performance concentration; and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) in the honors program. She is the production assistant for stage crew at the School of Music and interns at a law firm in Columbus. Mary is a Civil Discourse Fellow for the 2025–2026 cohort. Additionally, she is involved with PPE Society, Percussion Club and Sigma Alpha Iota. Her favorite part of college is playing in Percussion Ensemble.
2026 GRADUATE
FAVIUS PEÑA-AMAYA (Pataskala, OH) is a fifth-year student pursuing a degree in music education, whose primary instrument is the clarinet. While at Ohio State, he has participated in numerous musical ensembles on campus, including The Ohio State University Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Athletic Band, and woodwind quintet. Favius is a member of the Ohio State Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and teaches in the Columbus area. Favius loves going out for coffee and enjoying quality time with friends and family outside of school, and looks forward to connecting with and helping all prospective students!
LAURA PITNER (Austin, TX), is a fourth-year BA music performance and arts management double major. Her primary instruments are oboe and English horn, and she plays in both Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her oboe studies, Laura is a woodwind doubler, with a passion for musical theatre and pit orchestra. Outside of music, she is a competitive ballroom dancer for Ohio State, an avid rock climber, and enjoys bubble tea, laughing, and spending time with friends. She is also a devout Christian, knowledgeable about Ohio State’s several campus ministries.
ALLIE POLZIN (Huntsville, Alabama) is a third-year student pursuing dual degrees in music (horn) and biochemistry. She is a member of the Symphonic Band, and just completed her first year in The Ohio State University Marching Band, playing mellophone as a member of E Row. Allie is in the University Honors Program, and a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Honor Fraternity. In her free time, she enjoys baking, art, and spending time with her friends.
2026 GRADUATE
HELENA RADFORD (she/her) (Chugiak, Alaska) is a fourth-year vocal performance major. She lived in Alaska her whole life before coming to Ohio State, and is very excited for the opportunity to study with the faculty here. Amid her search for graduate programs, she is a member of the Ohio State Chorale and is starting to participate in Opera Theatre. Helena serves as president for Sigma Alpha Iota–Theta Alpha chapter, along with being a member of the OSEuchre Club. Outside of the School of Music, she enjoys playing piano, playing euchre, and spending time with her cats. Helena also enjoys reading, video games, and listening to music.
2026 GRADUATE
CLARA RUDY (Grove City, OH) is a fifth-year music performance and economics double major. Her primary instrument is piano, but she has also enjoyed playing violin in Symphony Orchestra. Clara is an active performer in the Columbus area and has had the opportunity to play for university events and sub as a pianist for the Newark–Granville Symphony Orchestra. She has won several music competitions, including the Ohio State School of Music’s Concerto Competition, and has also enjoyed attending several summer music festivals/institutes. In her free time, Clara likes watching football and hockey games, getting coffee with friends on campus, reading, and taking long walks.
NICK SCHNITZSPAHN (Hilliard, OH) is a fourth-year student pursuing a dual degree in trumpet performance and Strategic Communications. During his time at Ohio State, Nick has been a member of numerous musical ensembles, including The Ohio State University Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and the Men’s Glee Club. Nick also serves as an active Brother of Ohio State’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, of which he is the immediate past president. Outside of campus life, he has competed in the live rounds at the National Trumpet Competition in three different divisions (solo, military excerpts, and small ensemble) and attended the Round Top Festival Institute in 2024. One of his favorite things about Ohio State is that there are so many opportunities available for students to explore all of their interests. Nick is eager to connect with prospective and new students!
2026 GRADUATE
NICOLAS SERRANO (Ashland, OH) is a fourth-year jazz performance student whose primary instrument is jazz drum set. He has been a member of the Art Blakey Combo, Bebop Combo, Ohio Show Band, Latin Jazz Combo, Jazz Workshop Big Band and Jazz Lab Big Band. He currently serves as president of the Jazz Club at Ohio State, as well as serving outside of school as percussion section leader in the 122nd Army Band. In his free time he enjoys playing video games, traveling, and spending time with friends.
LUCAS SNOUFFER (Crooksville, OH) is a fourth-year music education major studying tuba with Professor James M. Akins. Lucas has been involved with many ensembles across the School of Music. He has played in Collegiate Winds, Symphonic Band, and the Symphony Orchestra. Lucas is also involved with The Ohio State University Marching Band for which he serves as Head Squad Leader of Student Staff, a group of 12 undergraduate students who manage the logistics and inventory of the Marching Band. Additionally, Lucas contributes his skills in media production through his involvement with the band's Audio-Visual Multimedia Office. Outside of ensembles, Lucas is a Brother of the Beta Xi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Go Bucks!
AMARA SUCHY (Plain City, OH) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is trombone. Amara is also interested in pursuing a future education in music therapy. She has performed in many ensembles in and outside the School of Music including Marching Band, Athletic Band, Collegiate Winds, Trombone Choir, and OTL Pit Orchestra. Amara is a member of the honorary band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. In her free time, Amara enjoys hiking, climbing, riding horses, and spending time with her friends.
2026 GRADUATE
SHREYAS SUNDER (Powell, OH), a fifth-year student with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, is completing his Bachelor of Arts in Music. His primary instrument is voice. He was a member of the Men’s Glee Club for 3 years and has performed in the School of Music’s operas. Shreyas also helped manage the activities of the Double Major Alliance, an organization for double majors within the School of Music. In previous summers, Shreyas has served as a counselor for Ohio State's Vocal Arts Camp for high school students. In his free time, Shreyas enjoys rock climbing at the ARC, volleyball, and grabbing food with his peers.
HALEY SVEC (Berea, OH) is a third-year music education major with a flute primary. She has performed with a variety of School of Music ensembles, including Symphonic Band, Flute Troupe, and several chamber groups. She has also played mellophone in the Athletic Band. Haley currently serves as treasurer for Ohio State's chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA) and as membership committee head for Ohio State's chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. In the summer, she is a counselor for the Ohio State Flute Workshop. In her free time, she enjoys going outside, visiting amusement parks, exercising at the rec center, and spending time with friends.
2026 GRADUATE
ROMAN WENTZEL (Cleveland, OH) is a fifth-year Choral Music Education major, with minors in Speech and Hearing Sciences and Film Studies. He is a recently former member of the Chorale, Men’s Glee Club, and Opera Theatre at Ohio State. He has a passion for choral conducting and education, along with vocal health and the field of speech/language pathology. Roman enjoys swimming, going on hikes, and watching movies.
2026 GRADUATE
CHRIS WHITE (Granville, OH) is a fifth-year music education and strategic communication double major in the classical saxophone studio. He has played in The Ohio State University Symphonic Band, Collegiate Winds, and various saxophone quartets. He also plays mellophone in the Marching and Athletic Bands, serving as the Head Squad Leader of E Row. He is currently a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, the Community Service and Outreach Committee Head for The Ohio State University Marching Band’s Student Advisory Council, and as a member of their Summer Session Music Team. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning new instruments in extracurricular ensembles, writing, and spending time with his friends.
2026 GRADUATE
CARSON WOLF (Columbus, OH) is earning a Bachelor of Music in performance; her primary instrument is double bass. Carson has participated in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, pit orchestra for Opera Theatre, Buckeye Philharmonic, and several chamber groups. Carson is a member of the American String Teachers Association, and serves on the organization's executive board as secretary. Along with ASTA, she is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Theta Alpha chapter at Ohio State, and serves on the executive board as Sergeant at Arms. Outside of school, Carson is a member of the Artemis Bass Initiative Mentorship Program, and a member of the International Society of Bassists. She has played for Indianola Presbyterian Church, teaches private lessons, and works part time. In her free time, Carson enjoys making coffee and matcha, listening to music and collecting records, taking care of her cat and plants, and doing yoga!
GRETA ZENDER (Cincinnati, OH) is a fourth-year music education student on the instrumental track, pursuing a minor in education policy. She is an active member of the Ohio State Chorale, Women’s Glee Club, and various orchestras on campus; additionally, she is the social media manager for CellOhio, Ohio State’s all-cello ensemble. Greta currently serves as president of the university’s Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA) chapter, and is a member of the American String Teacher Association (ASTA) chapter at Ohio State. Outside the School of Music, Greta enjoys getting boba with friends, discovering new music, and performing with J2K, an all-inclusive dance organization on Ohio State’s campus.
2026 GRADUATE
ABBEY ZUNIC (she/her/hers) (Lewis Center, OH) is a fourth-year music education major. Her primary instrument is trumpet, but she also plays the clarinet. In her years at Ohio State, she has performed with the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Collegiate Winds, Jazz Lab Big Band, Gospel Choir, Athletic Band, Marching Band; she also has participated in the National Trumpet Competition. Abbey has served the bands at the University by being a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi and spent her sophomore year as a resident advisor. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.
Questions?
Email Tanya Sparks, School of Music admissions specialist, at sparks.348@osu.edu.