Alumni Voices

Kara Glick Tann, 2008 music education graduate

“My time at EMU was filled with many opportunities to develop as a musician and as a leader. I especially appreciate the chance to teach private lessons and groups in the preparatory program, as well as other leadership opportunities in conducting classes and small string ensembles.

I enjoyed performing, solo and in groups, from orchestra to smaller chamber groups and even being part of other music student’s projects! EMU was a wonderful experience!"

Kara teaches instrumental music at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pa., and serves as the Minister of Worship at Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton, Pa.

Bebhinn Egger, 2009 music and violin performance graduate

“Music at EMU has taught me the importance of connecting with others. To me, this is one of the most valuable things to be learned in life.

We’re not on this journey alone, but we must find concrete ways in which to react to others. Music, as they say, is the universal language. I have grown so much as a violinist. More from Bebhinn…

Bebhinn is currently getting a Master’s degree in violin performance at Shenandoah Conservatory.

Hannah Rohrer Steiner, 2002 music education graduate

“One of the major lessons that I learned at EMU is to be open to God’s calling — whatever that might be and wherever that might take me. I left Virginia one semester earlier than intended and ended up student-teaching in my own classroom at Central Christian School in Kidron, Ohio. During the next few years there I taught orchestra, choir and general music at all grade levels.

I loved teaching there and I was able to gain valuable experience in many different aspects of music education, but I would have never imagined myself doing all of that before going to EMU! I benefited from the small teacher-student ratio at EMU.

My professors weren’t just teachers — they were mentors and friends, always willing to answer music questions, lend a listening ear, or give insight into life’s many decisions."

Hannah is currently a stay-at-home mom for her two sons. She teaches several piano students, directs a children’s choir at Kidron Mennonite Church and provides piano accompaniment at church and in the community. She recently completed three Levels of Kodaly Teacher Training and earned her masters in music education at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Other music alumni

Music at EMU is filled with joy, growth, and opportunities. It’s a small school, and you can be as involved as you like. The faculty are outstanding and dedicated to their students, mentoring them inside and outside of the classroom. I enjoyed it all, including the extra things I was able to do related to conducting – such as independent studies and assisting in conducting the community orchestra.
Benjamin Bergey is a 2011 vocal performance graduate from Harrisonburg, Va. Ben will be taking a year off and then pursuing his masters in music for orchestral conducting.

Though the music program is small, I had many opportunities to perform and accompany and to not feel lost in a crowd of too many other pianists. I had great relationships with my professors and they’ve given me much individual attention in my studies. I will miss EMU and the friends that I’ve made here!
Jonathan Keener is a 2007 piano performance graduate and EMU honors student from Lancaster, Pa. Jonathan is currently earning his doctorate in music.

My EMU experience could be described in so many ways, both as a music major and a student at large. Most beneficial for me was the freedom to explore a wide variety of musical pathways, both within the required curriculum and beyond. Not only have I surprised myself by looking towards graduate school, but I have learned to play upright bass and jazz piano, to conduct, compose my own music, and many other things. I don’t think too many graduates of other schools get to finish with such an affirming experience of both professionalism and eclecticism.
Nathan Bontrager is a 2007 music graduate with concentrations in cello performance and music education.

The performances I was able to participate in made a huge difference in my life, including touring with Chambers, singing The Messiah, being part of The Music Man, three opera scenes classes, and lots of noon recitals. All of these opportunities helped me grow and mature as a musician.
Bethany Blouse, a music education major from Stuarts Draft, Va., is currently a chorus teacher at Stuarts Draft High School.

I appreciate the sensitivity to my personal interests in music, the professors’ adaptability and creativity in providing performance and independent study opportunities, and the accessibility of the instructors and staff. EMU has a very personable and approachable music department.
Stephen Horst, a music graduate with a vocal performance concentration, is currently music ministry coordinator at his home church in Harrisonburg, Va.

I appreciated the opportunities I had while at EMU. The Jazz Ensemble went on multiple tours during my first two years. During this time we also attended IAJE conferences which helped me grow as a musician and teacher. The opportunity not only to participate in schools sponsored ensembles but also create your own, which for me was a small jazz group. The professors are always willing to help you, which I think is one of the most unique things about EMU.
Benjamin Arnold, a music education graduate from Elkton, Va., is currently teaching instrumental music grades 5-12 for Southern Fulton School District in Warfordsburg, Pa.

I chose EMU because I love the area and it just felt right. After graduation I hope to teach vocal music – whether at the elementary or high school level I haven’t decided – and piano lessons. Being at a small school as been an advantage. My piano professor has helped me grow in and out of the classroom. I loved going to Cuba with the Chamber Singers last spring, and I like being able to know as many people around campus as I do.
Tiffany Miller, a music education graduate from Millersburg, Ohio, is currently teaching general music and choir at Roseville Elementary and the Franklin Local Community Schools in Muskingum County, Ohio.

The beautiful campus and friendly people drew me to EMU. I love music, and hope to be performing somewhere or teaching on the college level when I graduate. Classes here are challenging, but the professors are very helpful and understanding. Most of my music classes only have five to 10 people in them and that means a lot of one on one time with the prof.
Mike Dezort, a vocal performance graduate from Normalville, Pa., is currently pursuing a masters of music at Arizona State University School of Music. He also recently finished a contract in Japan as the principal vocalist in a show at Tokyo Disneyland.

Updated July 2011