Jacob Fernandez, from Moore, OK, is a senior majoring in Music Education and Bassoon Performance, and is the Assistant Conductor of ViBE. He competed on the swim team and was drum major at Westmoore High School, earned Oklahoma All-State honors his junior and senior years, and performed in the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra. Jacob plans to teach in secondary music education upon graduation. Outside of music, Jacob likes to swim and box...at the same time!
Andrew Hill, senior, is from Blue Mounds, WI and is majoring in bassoon performance and chemistry. He performed in the Madison Youth Symphony. He is a member of the Lawrence University Sailing Team. Andrew wants to be a rich bassoonist who does medical research in his spare time.
Senior Alaina Leisten is from Fond du Lac, WI and is majoring in bassoon performance. She was a member of the Wisconsin State Honors Orchestra in 2012. She studied piano for 15 years before coming to Lawrence. In the summer of 2016, Alaina will perform with the Classical Music Festival orchestra in Eisenstadt, Austria. Alaina has a passion for cooking and baking...her reeds!
Renae Tuschner from Lakeville, MN is a senior double degree student in bassoon performance and psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. In high school, Renae participated in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies for 7 seasons and Minnesota Youth Symphonies for 4 seasons. Renae will pursue a career in Music Therapy and Clinical Psychology. She likes to read outside under trees during thunderstorms when not playing the contrabassoon...under the trees!
Phillip Knisely is a sophomore from Midwest City, OK and is majoring in bassoon performance. Phillip was a member of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras program since 8th grade and toured Europe with the top orchestra in his senior year. Phillip also studies jazz bass and plays in the Jazz Workshop ensemble. Multi-talented, Phillip played tennis in high school and his personal coach is Bobby Riggs.
Stuart Young, from Arlington, TX is a sophomore majoring in bassoon performance. Stuart studied bassoon with Professor Rath’s former student, Dr. Scott Pool before arriving at Lawrence. Lately, Stuart is investigating fun things to play on electric bassoon. Stuart loves to ride his horse while practicing bassoon!
Emilia Jackson is a freshman from Kenosha, Wisconsin and is studying to be a band director. Highly recruited by Division I softball schools, Emilia will pitch for the LU Softball team in the Spring term. Of course, the ViBE will be out there cheering her on. More importantly, Emilia is planning on being the first female pitcher for the Cubs!