School of Music Ambassadors 2026–2027
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.
MELANIE AHN (West Chester, OH) is a third-year music education major studying flute with Katherine Borst Jones. Mel is involved with many organizations in the School of Music, including Symphonic Band, Flute Troupe, and University Chorus. In her free time, Mel enjoys hiking, crocheting, cooking, fishing, gardening, and spending time with her friends. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
KYA ANGLE (Worthington, OH) is a fourth-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. 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, working out at the RPAC (Recreation and Physical Activities Center), and trying new restaurants around Columbus. She is very excited to continue serving as an ambassador for the School of Music!
VERONICA BALL (Gahanna, OH) is a third-year student double majoring with a BA in Music and a BS in Neuroscience. She is passionate about both instrumental and choral music, and has participated in multiple ensembles in the School of Music including Symphonic Band, Women's Glee Club, and Trombone Choir. She also serves as the treasurer of the Neurolaw Club, as a Peer Mentor for the Ohio State EXP program, and she works for the stage crew within the School of Music. In her free time, she loves to read, crochet, and spend time with family and friends. She is so excited to be serving as an ambassador for the School of Music this year!
KELLAN BEHRENS (Powell, OH) is a third-year honors student pursuing a degree in music education with a choral emphasis, and his primary instrument is voice. He is an active member of the Ohio State Chorale, as well as Men's Glee Club. Outside of the School of Music, Kellan also serves as music director and one of the choreographers for The Ohio State of Mind a Cappella. In his free time Kellan enjoys arranging music, running, lifting, and thrifting. He is so excited to serve as a School of Music ambassador!
LUKE BROWN (Springfield, OH) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is trombone. Luke has participated in various ensembles throughout his time in the school of music including Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Workshop Big Band, Trombone Choir, and Marching Band. Luke is passionate about orchestra; he likes to listen and understand the history of orchestral music. Outside of music he enjoys hiking, going to the gym, climbing, and hanging out with friends.
KYLE BUCHWALTER (Pickerington, OH) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is classical saxophone. He currently performs with the Symphonic Band and serves on the Symphonic Band Board. Kyle is also an active member of the saxophone studio, having performed at the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium and the biennial North American Saxophone Alliance Conference hosted at Ohio State. Kyle also enjoys performing with his saxophone quartet and playing piano! Outside of his musical commitments, he mentors students through Young Life and enjoys spending time with friends and family. In his free time, Kyle also enjoys water sports including wakeboarding and coaching sailing.
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 pursuing 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 Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Flute Troupe and a woodwind quintet. She currently serves as the vice president of ritual and 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 fifth-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 the School of Music including Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Trombone Choir, and the Ohio State Marching Band, all of which have provided her with many diverse musical experiences. As a leader in the honorary band sorority Tau Beta Sigma, Lucia appreciates giving back to the ensembles at Ohio State. In her free time, Lucia enjoys being in nature, drawing, and spending time with friends.
ALEXIS CUNNINGHAM (she/her/hers) (Westerville, OH) is a fourth-year music and chemical engineering major. Her primary instrument is jazz bass, and she has played in the Ohio State Jazz Ensemble for three years. Outside of Ohio State, Alexis is a coach 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. She is also the president of the Black Student Music Association. In her free time, Alexis likes to read, do community service, and try new restaurants.
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 senior year pursuing both a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in cello performance. He is a cellist in The Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra and in 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). Additionally he is a member of the all-cello ensemble on campus, CellOhio. He currently serves as vice president of ASTA. In his free time, Aidan enjoys playing chamber music, 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!
JAKE EYINK (Franklin, OH) is a third-year music education student. His primary instrument is cello. He plays in the Ohio State Symphony Orchestra and small chamber ensembles. Other than cello, Jake sings in the Men's Glee Club and Chorale. He currently serves as president of the Ohio State chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and the executive director of CellOhio. He is also a member of the musical fraternity Phi Mu Alpha. In his free time, Jake enjoys arranging music, playing board games, and performing in musicals.
MARTIN FIHE (Westerville, OH) is a third-year undergraduate honors student pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He plays violin in the Symphony Orchestra, as well as in numerous chamber groups. He is also a member of the Men’s Glee Club. Martin currently serves as treasurer of the Ohio State chapter of American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and is a member of the Chamber Music Club. In his free time, he enjoys arranging music, reading, gaming, and spending time with friends and family.
WESLEY GILES (Gahanna, OH) is a third-year student pursuing a degree in music education. His primary instrument is classical percussion. He also serves as Undergraduate Music Council President, Vice President of Communications for the Men's Glee Club, board member for the Ohio State Percussion Club, and is a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. His favorite memories from college include performing with his friends in the Men's Glee Club at Lincoln Center in New York City and performing at halftime in Ohio Stadium alongside his family in a collaboration between the Men's Glee Club and Marching Band. Wesley has made many of his closest friends in the School of Music and enjoys spending time with them outside of classes and rehearsals.
JENNA HARKIN (Newark, OH) is a fourth-year student pursing a BA in Music and a BA in Political Science. Jenna’s primary instrument is clarinet, and she is a member of Symphonic Band. She is president of Sigma Alpha Iota, one of the School of Music’s professional fraternities, and a member of the Symphonic Band Board. Additionally, Jenna works as a research assistant for the Political Science department. Outside of school, Jenna enjoys reading, traveling, attending concerts, and hanging out with friends.
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!
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 fourth-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 and the Vice President of Finance of The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club, the Chorale, and the Opera Theater, and he serves as the treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha - Omicron Chapter, the National Political Science Honor Society. 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!
KAYEN HUVLER (they/them) | music education
LAURINDA LAN (Hamilton, New Zealand) is a third-year pursuing a BA in Music; a BS in Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Applied Mathematics. Her primary instrument is classical flute, and she has been involved in the Ohio State Flute Troupe and Symphonic Band. She currently serves as secretary for Sigma Alpha Iota and website coordinator for the Central Ohio Flute Association. Outside of the School of Music, Laurinda serves as secretary of Women and Gender Minorities in Physics, and chair of the Undergraduate Majors/Minors in Astronomy Committee. Any questions are welcome!!
MARLEE LAWSON (she/her) (Zanesville, OH) is a fourth-year music education major whose primary instrument is trumpet. A student of Tim Leasure, she has performed with Collegiate Winds and Athletic Band, and will be student teaching in spring 2027. 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!
ERICA LOPEZ (Willard, OH) is a third-year instrumental music education major. She plays viola in the Symphony Orchestra and other chamber ensembles. She is a member of the Ohio State chapters of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). In her free time, Erica loves to read, sing, play piano, share her music with churches and nursing homes, and is always ready to spend quality time with the people she loves. She is so excited to be a resource to anyone and answer any questions!
MARISSA MAXWELL (Columbus, OH) is a third-year music education major whose primary instrument is voice. She has participated in the Ohio State Chorale and Women's Glee Club. She also serves as president of Ohio State's chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. In her free time Marissa enjoys trying new coffee spots, spending time with her friends, and reading.
AOI NISHIYAMA (Columbus, OH) is a third‑year instrumental music education and clarinet performance major. She performs in the Symphonic Band, where she also serves as treasurer. She also plays baritone in the Athletic Band. Beyond her ensemble work, Aoi is part of both the Arts Scholars community and Arts Honors Program. She is an active sister of Sigma Alpha Iota – Theta Alpha chapter. She also serves on the executive board of the Japanese Student Organization as the Japan Sponsor, helping promote cultural connection and community on campus. In her free time, Aoi loves spending time with friends, going hiking, enjoying boba milk tea, and caring for her three gerbils. As a School of Music ambassador, she hopes to make every student feel welcomed, supported, and at home at Ohio State.
MAKENNA PETERSON (Cincinnati, OH) is a third-year music education major on the choral track. Her primary instrument is voice, and she is involved in Chorale and Women’s Glee Club on campus. She served as the alto 2 section leader for Women’s Glee Club for the 2025–2026 season. Outside of Timashev Family Music Building, Makenna is involved with a Christian organization on Campus called Campus Crusaders (Cru). She is a part of the worship team where she serves as a band leader and vocalist for the team. She is also a part of a theatre organization on campus called Off the Lake (OTL) and was a part of the production of Legally Blonde in spring semester 2025. She is very excited to be an ambassador this upcoming season and encourages you to ask any questions you may have, and hopes you enjoy The Ohio State University music program!
LAURA PITNER (Austin, TX) is a fifth-year BA music performance and Russian minor. Her primary instruments are oboe and English horn, and she plays in both Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra as well as the Beyond the Glass Wind Quintet. 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, 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 fourth-year student pursuing dual degrees in music (horn) and biochemistry. She has participated as a member of the Symphonic Band for 3 years, and has completed her second 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.
NOAH REILLY | performance
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!
SAMMY SMITH (Mason, OH) is a third-year music education student. His primary instrument is classical saxophone. He has been a member of both the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. Sammy is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Outside of music, he enjoys getting coffee, spending time with friends, and attending Ohio State football games.
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!
BLAKE STEELE | music education
AMARA SUCHY (Plain City, OH) is a fourth-year music education major whose primary instrument is trombone. Amara is also planning to pursue a future education in music therapy. She has performed in many ensembles in and outside the School of Music including Marching Band, Athletic Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Workshop Big Band, Trombone Choir, and OTL Pit Orchestra. In her free time, Amara enjoys hiking, climbing, riding horses, and spending time with her friends.
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.
KENTA THOMPSON is a fifth-year transfer student pursuing his Bachelor of Music in piano performance. His primary instrument is piano with a jazz piano secondary, and he plays trombone in Collegiate Winds. Kenta spent his first 2-1/2 years at Wittenberg University as a piano performance student under Doctor Christopher Durrenberger. He then transferred to The Ohio State University, this being his second year. He has been awarded piano scholarships at both Wittenberg University and the Ohio State School of Music. He is currently the secretary and one of the founders of The Black Student Music Association. In his free time, he plays basketball with friends and listens to hip-hop. He also loves reading manga and watching anime because he is half Japanese and bilingual.
ANDREW WAITE (Pickerington, OH) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University, double-majoring in horn performance and mechanical engineering. Andrew has a twin brother who also attends Ohio State! Andrew is currently a member of the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony. He recently was a finalist in the Ohio State undergraduate/master’s concerto competition in 2025; he won the Buckeye Philharmonic Orchestra’s concerto competition, and performed Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1 in spring semester 2024. Andrew attended the National Music Festival in Chestertown, MD for the past two years, in addition to Summer Music in Tuscany in 2024. In his limited free time, Andrew enjoys cooking, baking, and reading.
SHREEYA YAMPATI (Naperville, IL) is a fourth-year student pursuing a dual degree in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience and in Music Performance with a concentration in flute. She has enjoyed being a member of the Ohio State Flute Troupe and Wind Symphony since her freshman year, and especially loved participating in the 2025 summer Japan Band Tour. Shreeya helps out as co-secretary of the Central Ohio Flute Association and as president of the Hands-Only CPR Internship. In her free time, Shreeya plays in various small ensembles such as her flute quartet, The Windflowers. She is excited to help other students who are pursuing double majors or dual degrees in different fields alongside music!
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.
Questions?
Email Tanya Sparks, School of Music admissions specialist, at sparks.348@osu.edu.