Music Alumni

Greg Decker

Graduate: 2005

Major: Music Education

Concentration: Teacher Education Program

Currently: Greg is pursuing a Doctorate at Florida State University in Music Theory.

"I chose to attend Ohio Northern because I wanted to learn in a small school environment that offered big opportunities. At Northern, it's easy to feel like part of the family -- the professors prioritize individual attention and aid students in reaching their potential. Although I gained the skills to be successful in any path, I chose to attend graduate school. Now I'm a Ph.D. student in music theory; someday, I'll give back to other students what I enjoyed at Northern!"

John Laswell

Major: Music Education

Concentration: Instrumental- Percussion

Currently: John is a band director in Southeast, OH at Waterford High School teaching 5-12 grade concert band,

4th grade general music, 2nd grade general music, marching band, pep band, and jazz band. The marching band received a superior rating at OMEA State Finals in 2009.

"The small class sized and "homey" atmosphere at Ohio Northern University helped me to excel in several areas.  I was able to get lots of one-on-one instruction which really helped me improve on any area that I needed to.  Not only did I excel as a performer, but these experiences made me a better teacher as well.  Had I gone to any other school, I don't believe I would have been given as many opportunities as I was while my time with ONU."

Kristi Russell

Graduate: 2010

Major: Music Performance and Communication Arts

Concentration: Vocal; Professional & Organizational Communications

Currently: Kristi is currently an MA/MBA candidate in Arts Administration at the University of Cincinnati. (College Conservatory of Music at UC). Expected graduation 2012.

"The music department makes you an individual and an independent thinker. You are able to excel at the things that are important to you and you are helped and encouraged along the way. Many of the professors jump at the chance to help you out and definitely pushed me to excel. Without certain professors, graduate school never would have been an option for me.  With their help, I was able to make it happen.

Chrissy Wenning

Graduate: 2009

Major: Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

Concentration: Musical Theatre
Currently: Chrissy is in her second year of graduate studies at Ohio University pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy.  She also works as a Graduate Assistant for the music department, teaching several group voice classes and private voice lessons.  She is very involved with the Opera Theatre program.

"The education and experiences I had at Ohio Northern University have shaped the person I am today.  I feel that I received a well-rounded education while at ONU, and the faculty and staff were, and continue to be, very supportive and encouraging of my endeavors as a musician."