ABOUT THE MUSIC ACADEMY FACULTY
Learn about our outstanding SWOSU Music Academy Faculty below. Private lessons are led by Junior Faculty (SWOSU Music Majors) under the mentorship of SWOSU Professors. Group classes are led by SWOSU Faculty and prestigious alumni. Please contact the SWOSU Academy office for more information.
SWOSU Music Academy Directors and Faculty
Chrisalyne Hagood
Chrisalyne Hagood holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and is in her 13th year of teaching at Weatherford Public Schools. She currently serves as the Director of the Bands. She previously served as the Middle School Band Director for Weatherford Public Schools for 11 years. In her time at Weatherford, her bands have received the Outstanding Achievement Award, the highest award given to Oklahoma Middle School Bands, numerous times and Sweepstakes. She continually teaches her students how to learn and grow as musicians and young adults. She is a very active member of Mu Phi Epsilon, professional music fraternity serving as the Alumni chapter Vice President, Southwestern Oklahoma Band Directors Association, serving as president in the 2024-2025 school year, Shortgrass Honor Bands serving as the President for the past three years, the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education. She was awarded the Jim Clark Band Director of the Year in 2024. Ms. Hagood has been the Camp Office Manager for the SWOSU Music Camps for 12 years. She began her involvement with SWOSU Music Camps in 2002 as a student camper. She quickly valued the learning experiences of camp and wanted to share with others. Ms. Hagood enjoys cooking, watching documentaries, and spending time with her cats, Renaldo and CeCe. Ms. Hagood is currently the co-Director of SWOSU Music Academy.
Chrisalyne Hagood holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and is in her 13th year of teaching at Weatherford Public Schools. She currently serves as the Director of the Bands. She previously served as the Middle School Band Director for Weatherford Public Schools for 11 years. In her time at Weatherford, her bands have received the Outstanding Achievement Award, the highest award given to Oklahoma Middle School Bands, numerous times and Sweepstakes. She continually teaches her students how to learn and grow as musicians and young adults. She is a very active member of Mu Phi Epsilon, professional music fraternity serving as the Alumni chapter Vice President, Southwestern Oklahoma Band Directors Association, serving as president in the 2024-2025 school year, Shortgrass Honor Bands serving as the President for the past three years, the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education. She was awarded the Jim Clark Band Director of the Year in 2024. Ms. Hagood has been the Camp Office Manager for the SWOSU Music Camps for 12 years. She began her involvement with SWOSU Music Camps in 2002 as a student camper. She quickly valued the learning experiences of camp and wanted to share with others. Ms. Hagood enjoys cooking, watching documentaries, and spending time with her cats, Renaldo and CeCe. Ms. Hagood is currently the co-Director of SWOSU Music Academy.
Kathleen Jung
Kathleen Jung is a 2008 graduate of Okeene High School. She attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Child Developmental Psychology and her Masters in Music Education from SWOSU in 2016. While at SWOSU, she joined Mu Phi Epsilon serving in multiple officer roles and was awarded the Sterling Achievement Award in 2013. Also during her time at SWOSU, she was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and The Pride of the Great Southwest serving as drum major in 2012. In 2013, she began her teaching career in Enid followed by Elk City where she is currently in her 13th year. During her time at Elk City she began the Fairview Elementary Honor Choir and Elk City Elementary Honor Choir. She was awarded Fairview Teacher of the Year in 2017, Elk City Elementary Teacher of the year in 2022, and Elk City Public Schools District Teacher of the Year in 2022. She has served on multiple district and building committees and helps orchestrate district level Music in Our Schools Month activities each year. Ms. Jung currently teaches 1st through 3rd grade music at Elk City Elementary and is an adjunct music professor at SWOSU. She serves as the President of the Oklahoma Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, Director of Operations with HOBY Oklahoma, Financial Manager for SWOSU Music Camps, and co-Director of SWOSU Music Academy.
Kathleen Jung is a 2008 graduate of Okeene High School. She attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Child Developmental Psychology and her Masters in Music Education from SWOSU in 2016. While at SWOSU, she joined Mu Phi Epsilon serving in multiple officer roles and was awarded the Sterling Achievement Award in 2013. Also during her time at SWOSU, she was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and The Pride of the Great Southwest serving as drum major in 2012. In 2013, she began her teaching career in Enid followed by Elk City where she is currently in her 13th year. During her time at Elk City she began the Fairview Elementary Honor Choir and Elk City Elementary Honor Choir. She was awarded Fairview Teacher of the Year in 2017, Elk City Elementary Teacher of the year in 2022, and Elk City Public Schools District Teacher of the Year in 2022. She has served on multiple district and building committees and helps orchestrate district level Music in Our Schools Month activities each year. Ms. Jung currently teaches 1st through 3rd grade music at Elk City Elementary and is an adjunct music professor at SWOSU. She serves as the President of the Oklahoma Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, Director of Operations with HOBY Oklahoma, Financial Manager for SWOSU Music Camps, and co-Director of SWOSU Music Academy.
Tiffany Ragan
Tiffany Ragan is in her eighth year of teaching at Elk City Intermediate School, where she is the General Music Teacher and Honor Choir Director. Ragan holds a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Under her direction, the Elk City Intermediate Honor Choir has been recognized for outstanding performance through its selection to appear at the 2022 and 2025 OkMEA Winter Conference and numerous community events. Ragan consistently has choral students selected for the OkMEA All-State Children’s Chorus. In addition to being an avid classroom teacher, Ragan maintains a private flute studio in western Oklahoma. Her flute students have been selected for numerous honor bands, including OSSBDA All-State.
Ragan is an active member of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, National Flute Association, Oklahoma Flute Society, the National Association of Music Education, and Mu Phi Epsilon. She serves as the Treasurer for the Oklahoma Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, Secretary for the Oklahoma Flute Society, and was most recently appointed Equipment Manager for the National Flute Association. Ragan has been awarded numerous music, fraternity, and school honors. She was awarded six Convention Internships with the National Flute Association, was a Mu Phi Epsilon Music Delegate for the 2020 and 2023 Conventions, and performed for the National Flute Association Convention as a member of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Flute Choir. She has appeared as a Guest Clinician and Conductor at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Flute Day. In 2022, Ragan was named Teacher of the Year at Elk City Intermediate and was named a finalist for the District Teacher of the Year. Most recently, the Oklahoma Music Educators Association recognized Tiffany Ragan as the 2023 Outstanding Young Music Educator.
Tiffany Ragan is in her eighth year of teaching at Elk City Intermediate School, where she is the General Music Teacher and Honor Choir Director. Ragan holds a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Under her direction, the Elk City Intermediate Honor Choir has been recognized for outstanding performance through its selection to appear at the 2022 and 2025 OkMEA Winter Conference and numerous community events. Ragan consistently has choral students selected for the OkMEA All-State Children’s Chorus. In addition to being an avid classroom teacher, Ragan maintains a private flute studio in western Oklahoma. Her flute students have been selected for numerous honor bands, including OSSBDA All-State.
Ragan is an active member of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, National Flute Association, Oklahoma Flute Society, the National Association of Music Education, and Mu Phi Epsilon. She serves as the Treasurer for the Oklahoma Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, Secretary for the Oklahoma Flute Society, and was most recently appointed Equipment Manager for the National Flute Association. Ragan has been awarded numerous music, fraternity, and school honors. She was awarded six Convention Internships with the National Flute Association, was a Mu Phi Epsilon Music Delegate for the 2020 and 2023 Conventions, and performed for the National Flute Association Convention as a member of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Flute Choir. She has appeared as a Guest Clinician and Conductor at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Flute Day. In 2022, Ragan was named Teacher of the Year at Elk City Intermediate and was named a finalist for the District Teacher of the Year. Most recently, the Oklahoma Music Educators Association recognized Tiffany Ragan as the 2023 Outstanding Young Music Educator.
Elizabeth Edge
Elizabeth Edge graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance. She is currently teaching Elementary and Vocal Music at Cordell Public Schools in Cordell, Oklahoma. As a freshman in college, Elizabeth competed in the Joyce Adams Curtis Aria Competition and placed 1st, later performing with the SWOSU Symphony Orchestra in 2017. Also in 2017, Elizabeth placed 3rd in Oklahoma NATS and in 2018, she competed again, placing 1st in her division. Throughout her college career, Elizabeth performed as a major role in the following operas: Straus’s “Die Fledermaus,” Puccini’s “Suor Angelica,” and Handel’s “Alcina.” Elizabeth currently resides in Cordell with her husband, Aaron, and their two children Liam and Elliana and is currently working to establish a new path to general and vocal music at Cordell Public Schools.
Dr. Lesley Friend
Dramatic Soprano, Lesley Anne Friend, has been honored as a Metropolitan Opera National Council Awards Semi-Finalist, and by the Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition, Marguerite McCammon Vocal Competition, Connecticut Concert Opera, the Orpheus Competition, and the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition. Her roles include the title roles in Ariadne auf Naxos and Tosca, Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes, Giorgetta in Il Tabarro, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Fiordiligi in Così fan Tutte, Alma in Hoiby’s Summer & Smoke, Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte, Desdemona in Otello, Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw, Helmwige in Die Walküre, Female Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia, Elisabetta in Maria Stuarda, the title role in Suor Angelica, and Magda Sorel in The Consul. Lesley has worked with Virginia Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Memphis, Baltimore Concert Opera, and Opera on the Avalon. Lesley has long been passionate about new works and less-performed repertoire. She has performed in regional and world premieres of works by numerous composers, including American composers Zachery Redler and Stephen Schwartz: singing Magnanimous in Windows and Myra Foster in Seance on a Wet Afternoon, respectively. Her orchestral work includes Varese’s Offrandes, the music of Harry Partch, and Ginastera’s Cantata para América Mágica in celebration of the composer’s 100th birthday at Indiana University’s Latin American Music Center. During Pride Month 2023, she was honored to perform a recital of music by LGBTQ+ English & American composers. Dr. Friend sang her first Verdi Requiem with Boston’s Chorus Pro Musica and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with the Hartt School of Music Choirs and Orchestra and the New Haven Chorale. She also performed Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer 1915 and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella with the Indiana University Orchestra. Lesley received her B.M. cum laude in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University, her M.M. in Opera from The Boston Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the University of Memphis. Recently, she completed her Doctor of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature, with a minor in Music History at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Her doctoral research involves making musical theatre part of a traditional music curriculum, and she is a student of Carol Vaness.
Dr. Hsuan-Yu Alex Lee
Dr. Hsuan-Yu (Alex) Lee is currently in his first season as the director of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra and fifth season as the conductor of the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra. Dr. Lee has accumulated experience conducting professional orchestras and teaching at the university level. His career has taken him across the United States, Europe, and Asia including collaborations with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Xia-Men Philharmonic Orchestra, Shanghai Opera House Orchestra, University of North Texas Symphony Orchestra and National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Lee is a participant conductor for the famed Cabrillo Music Festival in 2015 and is the recipient of the Bruno Walter Conducting Scholarship. He is also a participant of the prestigious Tokyo International Conducting Competition in 2012 and a semi-finalist of the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview held by the League of American Orchestras in 2013. Dr. Lee enjoys collaborations with renowned soloists such as pianist Gustavo Romero, violinist Linda Wang, violist Susan Dubois, flutist James Scott, Clarinetist Stacey DiPaolo and Saxophonist Keith Talley. In 2013, he was the guest conductor for the National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra Asia Tour. He led the orchestra to perform four concerts in Beijing and Taipei. As an accomplished violinist and violist, Dr. Lee has held multiple concerts in the U.S and Asia. He was the soloist with the Chi-Yen Symphony Orchestra in 2005 and the New Music Ensemble Orchestra in 2004. He has won several important music competitions in Taiwan and served as a principal player with the Voice of Spring Orchestra and National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra. He is invited to join the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra in 2015. Lee has studied with several renowned soloists, such as violinist Michael Shih (Concertmaster of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra), Hao-Tun Deng (Associate Concertmaster of National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan), violist Susan Dubois (Professor of Viola at University of North Texas) and Charles Pikler (Principal Viola of Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Dr. Lee holds a Doctoral of Musical Arts Degree from the University of North Texas. He has studied primarily with Maestri Apo Hsu, and David Itkin and worked with distinguished conductors such as David Effron, Larry Rachleff, Jorma Panula, Gunther Herbig, Marin Alsop, Miguel Harth Bedoya and Jaap van Zweden in seminars and master classes.
Holly Pippin
Holly Pippin is a veteran early childhood/elementary General Music Teacher and an Adjunct Professor of Music Education at SWOSU. She is currently finishing her PhD in Music Education at the University of Hawai‘i. Mrs. Pippin taught American and world folk songs and dances in the classroom and for school performances for 20 years. She loves dancing to all types of music and is passionate about sharing the joy of folk music and dance with students and communities! Dr. Hsuan-Yu (Alex) Lee is currently in his first season as the director of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra and fifth season as the conductor of the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra. Dr. Lee has accumulated experience conducting professional orchestras and teaching at the university level. His career has taken him across the United States, Europe, and Asia including collaborations with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Xia-Men Philharmonic Orchestra, Shanghai Opera House Orchestra, University of North Texas Symphony Orchestra and National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Lee is a participant conductor for the famed Cabrillo Music Festival in 2015 and is the recipient of the Bruno Walter Conducting Scholarship. He is also a participant of the prestigious Tokyo International Conducting Competition in 2012 and a semi-finalist of the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview held by the League of American Orchestras in 2013. Dr. Lee enjoys collaborations with renowned soloists such as pianist Gustavo Romero, violinist Linda Wang, violist Susan Dubois, flutist James Scott, Clarinetist Stacey DiPaolo and Saxophonist Keith Talley. In 2013, he was the guest conductor for the National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra Asia Tour. He led the orchestra to perform four concerts in Beijing and Taipei. As an accomplished violinist and violist, Dr. Lee has held multiple concerts in the U.S and Asia. He was the soloist with the Chi-Yen Symphony Orchestra in 2005 and the New Music Ensemble Orchestra in 2004. He has won several important music competitions in Taiwan and served as a principal player with the Voice of Spring Orchestra and National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra. He is invited to join the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra in 2015. Lee has studied with several renowned soloists, such as violinist Michael Shih (Concertmaster of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra), Hao-Tun Deng (Associate Concertmaster of National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan), violist Susan Dubois (Professor of Viola at University of North Texas) and Charles Pikler (Principal Viola of Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Dr. Lee holds a Doctoral of Musical Arts Degree from the University of North Texas. He has studied primarily with Maestri Apo Hsu, and David Itkin and worked with distinguished conductors such as David Effron, Larry Rachleff, Jorma Panula, Gunther Herbig, Marin Alsop, Miguel Harth Bedoya and Jaap van Zweden in seminars and master classes.
Dr. Daniel Farris
Daniel serves as director of choral studies and vocal area coordinator, teaching applied voice, applied conducting, and the choral music education sequence to performance, education, business, and music therapy majors. He also teaches the Southwestern summer choral camp for OMEA/OCDA preparation and other workshops during the academic year that work to further enrich and improve the audition skills needed for successful placement in the state-level honor choirs. Raised in the strong choral tradition of west Texas music education, Daniel completed a Bachelor of Music with all-level teacher certification at Angelo State University and taught at the junior high and high school levels in San Angelo, TX, and Arlington, TX, respectively. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting with related fields of music theory and musicology from the University of North Texas. His conducting mentors are Candis Rogers-Hicks, Pamela Lee, Jerry McCoy, Stephen Dubberly, and Henry Gibbons. Daniel is a regional and international scholar with focused interests in choral conducting pedagogy, vocal pedagogy, score study/editing, and modern language diction, having presented at international and regional conferences on these topics. In his tenure at Southwestern, he has conducted workshops, taught classes as a visiting professor, and presented at various conferences and universities in the United States, central Europe, and southeast Asia. Daniel’s choirs have performed as honor choirs at conferences in Italy, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Daniel is an active clinician, adjudicator, and conductor. He also was a church musician for 24 years, but hung up his church choir director hat at the tender age of 40, having served several congregations in Texas and Oklahoma, the last one being First Presbyterian Church in Elk City, OK. Daniel spends his non-professional time reading, cooking, hanging with family and friends, and pursuing various enological topics.
Meet the 2025-2026 Junior Faculty
Kate Pierce
Kate Olivia Pierce is a three-time finalist of the Colorado-Wyoming National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. She performed with both the University of Wyoming’s Collegiate Chorale and Bel Canto Women’s Chorus, the latter of which was chosen to perform at the 2018 Northwestern American Choral Directors Association conference. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Wyoming in 2020 and has since performed as Maguelonne in Pauline Viardot’s "Cendrillion" with Opera Wyoming, as Barbarina in "Le nozze di Figaro" with the Garvin County Sinfonietta, and in several more operas as a part of the 2024 Vienna Summer Music Festival.
Jefferson Hannon
Hello, my name is Jefferson Hannon and I am originally from Newcastle, Oklahoma. This is my sophomore year as a music therapy major with percussion as my primary instrument. I plan to graduate with a bachelor in music therapy and a master degree in music therapy. Once I graduate I plan to work as a music therapist in school to expand my career and experience. Eventually I plan to open a nonprofit for children to have access to various necessary interventions that will improve their daily lives. In college I have participated in various ensembles including Percussion ensemble, Symphonic Band, and marching band. I am excited to teach a variety of lessons that improve the individual's percussion abilities, overall musicality and understanding of music and what it can do for students outside of just playing.
Hello, my name is Jefferson Hannon and I am originally from Newcastle, Oklahoma. This is my sophomore year as a music therapy major with percussion as my primary instrument. I plan to graduate with a bachelor in music therapy and a master degree in music therapy. Once I graduate I plan to work as a music therapist in school to expand my career and experience. Eventually I plan to open a nonprofit for children to have access to various necessary interventions that will improve their daily lives. In college I have participated in various ensembles including Percussion ensemble, Symphonic Band, and marching band. I am excited to teach a variety of lessons that improve the individual's percussion abilities, overall musicality and understanding of music and what it can do for students outside of just playing.
Dylan Burrows
My name is Dylan Burrows. I play the trumpet and I am in my third year of a Bachelors Degree of Music Education. I have participated in many ensembles in my time here at SWOSU. Including Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band.
My name is Dylan Burrows. I play the trumpet and I am in my third year of a Bachelors Degree of Music Education. I have participated in many ensembles in my time here at SWOSU. Including Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band.
Kassadee Ostermaier
Kassadee Ostermaier is a Senior Music Education major from Enid, Oklahoma. Kassadee graduated from Enid High School in 2022. She has been playing trombone for 9 years, starting band in 2015. She currently studies under Dr. Phillip Martinson, and has taken lessons from alumni such as Christopher Hall. She has performed in many ensembles at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 2023-2024, she performed in many top ensembles at Swosu, including Bass Trombone in Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and the Jazz Orchestra. Currently, she is the 2nd trombone of the Jazz Orchestra and performs in the Pride of the Great Southwest Marching Band. She has also participated in Drum Corps International in the Summer of 2024, marching baritone with Zephyrus Drum and Bugle Corps, based out in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kassadee plans on graduating, and becoming a band director in her future, and pursuing a master’s degree Music Education.
Kassadee Ostermaier is a Senior Music Education major from Enid, Oklahoma. Kassadee graduated from Enid High School in 2022. She has been playing trombone for 9 years, starting band in 2015. She currently studies under Dr. Phillip Martinson, and has taken lessons from alumni such as Christopher Hall. She has performed in many ensembles at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 2023-2024, she performed in many top ensembles at Swosu, including Bass Trombone in Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and the Jazz Orchestra. Currently, she is the 2nd trombone of the Jazz Orchestra and performs in the Pride of the Great Southwest Marching Band. She has also participated in Drum Corps International in the Summer of 2024, marching baritone with Zephyrus Drum and Bugle Corps, based out in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kassadee plans on graduating, and becoming a band director in her future, and pursuing a master’s degree Music Education.
Mackynsie McKedy
Mackynsie McKedy is a Junior Music Therapy major at SWOSU! She has professionally performed across the state with her family band and has opened and shared the stage with numerous professional musicians including Grammy Award winning band Diamond Rio, Gene Watson, Bobby Flores and Jana Jae and Byron Berline. Mackynsie is also Miss SWOSU 2024 and competed at Miss Oklahoma and was awarded both the Rookie and Overall Talent awards! Mackynsie is also a country music recording artist with the prestigious Clarksville Creative Sound Label.
Mackynsie McKedy is a Junior Music Therapy major at SWOSU! She has professionally performed across the state with her family band and has opened and shared the stage with numerous professional musicians including Grammy Award winning band Diamond Rio, Gene Watson, Bobby Flores and Jana Jae and Byron Berline. Mackynsie is also Miss SWOSU 2024 and competed at Miss Oklahoma and was awarded both the Rookie and Overall Talent awards! Mackynsie is also a country music recording artist with the prestigious Clarksville Creative Sound Label.
Chelsea Nickel
Chelsea Nickel is a senior at Southwestern Oklahoma State University majoring in Vocal Performance. After graduation, she plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a professor of music. This past summer, Chelsea served as a camp counselor and co-taught short lessons at the SWOSU Musical Theater Camp, where she enjoyed sharing her love of music and working with younger performers. She studies with Dr. Lesley Friend, whose guidance has inspired Chelsea to grow as both a singer and a teacher. Passionate about both performing and teaching, Chelsea looks forward to pursuing a career where she can share her knowledge and help others discover the joy of music.
Chelsea Nickel is a senior at Southwestern Oklahoma State University majoring in Vocal Performance. After graduation, she plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a professor of music. This past summer, Chelsea served as a camp counselor and co-taught short lessons at the SWOSU Musical Theater Camp, where she enjoyed sharing her love of music and working with younger performers. She studies with Dr. Lesley Friend, whose guidance has inspired Chelsea to grow as both a singer and a teacher. Passionate about both performing and teaching, Chelsea looks forward to pursuing a career where she can share her knowledge and help others discover the joy of music.
Londin Hine
Londin Hine is a percussionist and bassist currently pursuing bachelor's degrees in music education and percussion performance. He has studied under David Bessinger, Michael Barnes, and Mark Osborn. He acts as a Drum Major in the Pride of the Great Southwest, has been the Principal Double Bassist in the SWOSU Symphony Orchestra, plays bass in SWOSU’s Jazz Orchestra, and plays in many other ensembles on both percussion and bass. He also plays with a number of groups outside of SWOSU including Stardust, Those Cats from Out West, and Strings on Fire. During his time at SWOSU, he has been an active face in the department, participating and holding offices in SWOSU’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha. He recently married the love of his life, Kelli. Together they have two sweet puppies named Duke and Honey.
Londin Hine is a percussionist and bassist currently pursuing bachelor's degrees in music education and percussion performance. He has studied under David Bessinger, Michael Barnes, and Mark Osborn. He acts as a Drum Major in the Pride of the Great Southwest, has been the Principal Double Bassist in the SWOSU Symphony Orchestra, plays bass in SWOSU’s Jazz Orchestra, and plays in many other ensembles on both percussion and bass. He also plays with a number of groups outside of SWOSU including Stardust, Those Cats from Out West, and Strings on Fire. During his time at SWOSU, he has been an active face in the department, participating and holding offices in SWOSU’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha. He recently married the love of his life, Kelli. Together they have two sweet puppies named Duke and Honey.
Grace Oliver
Grace Oliver is a senior Instrumental Music Education and Flute Performance major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), where she studies under Dr. Shelley Martinson. With 10 years of flute experience, she has performed with the Oklahoma Youth Winds, SWOSU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Flute Choir, “Pride of the Great Southwest” marching band, “Wild Dawgs” pep band, and various chamber ensembles. Some of her most recent performances include the 2024 National Flute Association Convention and the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Oklahoma Flute Society Fair. She has also performed in masterclasses with Colleen White and Natalie Syring. As an educator, she has had experience with being a SWOSU Band Camp Counselor and Flute Section Leader for the Pride of the Great Southwest. Grace is also passionate about creating an engaging learning environment that fosters individuality and self-expression, helping students develop both technical skills and a deep connection to their music.
Grace Oliver is a senior Instrumental Music Education and Flute Performance major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), where she studies under Dr. Shelley Martinson. With 10 years of flute experience, she has performed with the Oklahoma Youth Winds, SWOSU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Flute Choir, “Pride of the Great Southwest” marching band, “Wild Dawgs” pep band, and various chamber ensembles. Some of her most recent performances include the 2024 National Flute Association Convention and the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Oklahoma Flute Society Fair. She has also performed in masterclasses with Colleen White and Natalie Syring. As an educator, she has had experience with being a SWOSU Band Camp Counselor and Flute Section Leader for the Pride of the Great Southwest. Grace is also passionate about creating an engaging learning environment that fosters individuality and self-expression, helping students develop both technical skills and a deep connection to their music.
Kris Lawrence
Kris Lawrence is a Graduate Student and Graduate Assistant at SWOSU studying a Master’s of Music Viola Performance. Kris graduated with his Undergraduate degree in Music Education at SWOSU in the Spring of 24 with the primary instrument of Violin. Kris used the last two years of his Undergrad to explore the other three stringed instruments (Viola, Cello and Double Bass) to prepare for teaching and fell in love with the Viola. Kris is the principal Violist in the SWOSU Symphony Orchestra. Kris started teaching violin lessons with the SWOSU Music Academy last summer and is excited to meet new and returning students this year!
Kris Lawrence is a Graduate Student and Graduate Assistant at SWOSU studying a Master’s of Music Viola Performance. Kris graduated with his Undergraduate degree in Music Education at SWOSU in the Spring of 24 with the primary instrument of Violin. Kris used the last two years of his Undergrad to explore the other three stringed instruments (Viola, Cello and Double Bass) to prepare for teaching and fell in love with the Viola. Kris is the principal Violist in the SWOSU Symphony Orchestra. Kris started teaching violin lessons with the SWOSU Music Academy last summer and is excited to meet new and returning students this year!
Deven Howe
Deven Howe is a sophomore Music Education and Saxophone Performance major from Harrah, Oklahoma. He is the principal saxophone for the SWOSU Wind Symphony, a member of the SWOSU Jazz Orchestra, and a performer for Scissortail Productions and the Stardust Jazz combo.
Deven Howe is a sophomore Music Education and Saxophone Performance major from Harrah, Oklahoma. He is the principal saxophone for the SWOSU Wind Symphony, a member of the SWOSU Jazz Orchestra, and a performer for Scissortail Productions and the Stardust Jazz combo.
Gabby Giblet
Gabby is a fifth-year undergraduate at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), pursuing degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Clarinet Performance under Professor Michelle Jaluvka. At SWOSU, she has performed with the Wind Symphony, Pride of the Great Southwest Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Orchestra. She has served as principal clarinetist and lead tenor saxophonist of many ensembles. In addition, she will be one of the Drum Majors for this season’s Pride of the Great Southwest! Gabby has three years of experience teaching private lessons and six years of leading woodwind sectionals for high school and collegiate students.
Gabby is a fifth-year undergraduate at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), pursuing degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Clarinet Performance under Professor Michelle Jaluvka. At SWOSU, she has performed with the Wind Symphony, Pride of the Great Southwest Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Orchestra. She has served as principal clarinetist and lead tenor saxophonist of many ensembles. In addition, she will be one of the Drum Majors for this season’s Pride of the Great Southwest! Gabby has three years of experience teaching private lessons and six years of leading woodwind sectionals for high school and collegiate students.
Audrianna White
Hello! My name is Audrianna and I am a Music Ed. /Performance Major! I have always loved music and it has been such a joy to share that passion with others. I graduated from Lone Grove High School and have played the flute for 7 years. I have also participated in many different honor band groups throughout my career and have made so many wonderful memories because of them! When it comes to life outside of music, I love to either be outside exploring or inside watching videos! My favorite hobbies include crocheting, hanging out with friends, window shopping, and the gym. I am a firm believer that the way you live your life creates the way you present your music, so I love making the most of everything! I'm so excited for this upcoming year and I hope you have a wonderful music journey!
Hello! My name is Audrianna and I am a Music Ed. /Performance Major! I have always loved music and it has been such a joy to share that passion with others. I graduated from Lone Grove High School and have played the flute for 7 years. I have also participated in many different honor band groups throughout my career and have made so many wonderful memories because of them! When it comes to life outside of music, I love to either be outside exploring or inside watching videos! My favorite hobbies include crocheting, hanging out with friends, window shopping, and the gym. I am a firm believer that the way you live your life creates the way you present your music, so I love making the most of everything! I'm so excited for this upcoming year and I hope you have a wonderful music journey!
Brandy Rolling
My name is Brandy Rolling, and I am a graduate student in the Music Therapy program. I have just completed my internship at Bethany Children's Health Center. During my internship, I worked with kids ranging in age from newborn to 21 years old with a wide variety of diagnoses. I assisted several of these kids with learning the basic concepts of guitar or ukulele, with adaptations as needed to suit their skill and abilities. After graduation, I plan to work with kids with severe and profound disabilities in a school setting.
My name is Brandy Rolling, and I am a graduate student in the Music Therapy program. I have just completed my internship at Bethany Children's Health Center. During my internship, I worked with kids ranging in age from newborn to 21 years old with a wide variety of diagnoses. I assisted several of these kids with learning the basic concepts of guitar or ukulele, with adaptations as needed to suit their skill and abilities. After graduation, I plan to work with kids with severe and profound disabilities in a school setting.
Crelia Lopez
Hello my name is Crelia Lopez! I’m from Oklahoma City and I am a sophomore majoring in music therapy hoping to work with kids in the future. My primary instrument is guitar, but I can also play piano, violin, electric bass, and the drums. I have participated in ensembles here at SWOSU but my main are Orchestra and guitar ensemble! I’ve been teaching guitar lessons at my church for almost a year now!
Hello my name is Crelia Lopez! I’m from Oklahoma City and I am a sophomore majoring in music therapy hoping to work with kids in the future. My primary instrument is guitar, but I can also play piano, violin, electric bass, and the drums. I have participated in ensembles here at SWOSU but my main are Orchestra and guitar ensemble! I’ve been teaching guitar lessons at my church for almost a year now!
Brayden Smith
Brayden Smith is a Music Education and Performance major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). From Ponca City, Oklahoma, he has a strong musical background with 14 years of trombone, 7 years of bassoon, and 8 years in musical theater. Before transferring to SWOSU, Brayden was an active member of various college ensembles, including the Northern Oklahoma College Roustabouts and the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band at the University of Oklahoma. He is a current and former member of many ensembles at SWOSU, including playing the bass trombone in Wind Symphony and Jazz Orchestra, as well as principal bassoon in the Symphony Orchestra. His talent for the stage is evident in his numerous performances, ranging from musical theater productions to trombone concertos with orchestras. Brayden has studied trombone under Dr. Philip Martinson and Dr. Edward Dixon, as well as bassoon under Dineo Heilmann and Candice Wojciechowsky.
Brayden Smith is a Music Education and Performance major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). From Ponca City, Oklahoma, he has a strong musical background with 14 years of trombone, 7 years of bassoon, and 8 years in musical theater. Before transferring to SWOSU, Brayden was an active member of various college ensembles, including the Northern Oklahoma College Roustabouts and the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band at the University of Oklahoma. He is a current and former member of many ensembles at SWOSU, including playing the bass trombone in Wind Symphony and Jazz Orchestra, as well as principal bassoon in the Symphony Orchestra. His talent for the stage is evident in his numerous performances, ranging from musical theater productions to trombone concertos with orchestras. Brayden has studied trombone under Dr. Philip Martinson and Dr. Edward Dixon, as well as bassoon under Dineo Heilmann and Candice Wojciechowsky.
Chloe Sutton
My name is Chloe Sutton. I am a senior Music Education major at SWOSU. I am originally from Nocona, Texas. I currently serve with the 395th Army Band in Mustang, OK and have for about four years. I have been playing tuba for about 12 years. I have played in many ensembles at SWOSU and within the Army such as brass quintet, wind ensemble, marching band, New Orleans style brass band, and more. Music and service have always been a big part of my life as I am also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi; a national, co-educational honorary band fraternity that serves to advance college and university bands through dedicated service and leadership.
My name is Chloe Sutton. I am a senior Music Education major at SWOSU. I am originally from Nocona, Texas. I currently serve with the 395th Army Band in Mustang, OK and have for about four years. I have been playing tuba for about 12 years. I have played in many ensembles at SWOSU and within the Army such as brass quintet, wind ensemble, marching band, New Orleans style brass band, and more. Music and service have always been a big part of my life as I am also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi; a national, co-educational honorary band fraternity that serves to advance college and university bands through dedicated service and leadership.
ABOUT
SWOSU DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
Southwestern Oklahoma State University includes one of Oklahoma’s largest music schools – one of established excellence. Undergraduate degrees offered at Southwestern include: Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental/General), Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/General), Bachelor of Music (Performance or Music Business), and Bachelor of Music (Music Therapy). The Graduate Division of the department offers the Master of Music in Performance, the Master of Music in Music Therapy, and the Master of Music in Music Education.
Whatever your musical goals, SWOSU’s Department of Music works with you to achieve your personal best. You study with superb musicians committed to your academic and musical advancement. With individual training customized to meet your needs, SWOSU’s Department of Music gives you the educational and performance opportunities to put you on the path of musical success. Our Department of Music is one of the region’s largest and finest music schools. The excellent quality of training offered at SWOSU is demonstrated daily by the hundreds of graduates now working in Oklahoma and throughout the United States.
Southwestern offers a full range of scholarship and financial aid to university students. For information about scholarships, contact Dr. Shelley Martinson, Chair; Department of Music: Southwestern Oklahoma State University; 100 Campus Drive; Weatherford, OK 73096. Telephone: (580) 774-3708 Email: [email protected].
College seniors can visit bit.ly/auditionswosu to schedule a scholarship audition.
Visit us at the official SWOSU Department of Music website: www.swosu.edu/music
Contact Us:
June 3 - July 22: Call 580-774-3296
After July 22: Call 580-774-3182
Whatever your musical goals, SWOSU’s Department of Music works with you to achieve your personal best. You study with superb musicians committed to your academic and musical advancement. With individual training customized to meet your needs, SWOSU’s Department of Music gives you the educational and performance opportunities to put you on the path of musical success. Our Department of Music is one of the region’s largest and finest music schools. The excellent quality of training offered at SWOSU is demonstrated daily by the hundreds of graduates now working in Oklahoma and throughout the United States.
Southwestern offers a full range of scholarship and financial aid to university students. For information about scholarships, contact Dr. Shelley Martinson, Chair; Department of Music: Southwestern Oklahoma State University; 100 Campus Drive; Weatherford, OK 73096. Telephone: (580) 774-3708 Email: [email protected].
College seniors can visit bit.ly/auditionswosu to schedule a scholarship audition.
Visit us at the official SWOSU Department of Music website: www.swosu.edu/music
Contact Us:
June 3 - July 22: Call 580-774-3296
After July 22: Call 580-774-3182