University of North Florida

Abigail Bassett
Soprano Abigail Bassett is a University of North Florida Music Education student. Her singing career began with a church solo at the age of four and she has been singing on stages across the country ever since. She has been actively involved in musical productions since elementary school beginning with starring roles as early as the second grade. She has always been involved in the most prestigious choirs and has traveled to give concerts and musical technique seminars.

Abigail graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2004. During her education she has received perfect scores in district solo competition as well as superior ratings at both the county and state level. Abigail is now a private voice and piano instructor. She is a part of the University of North Florida Chorale and Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Cara Tasher. Her voice instructor is Mrs. Marilyn Smart.

Erin Cosgrove
Soprano Erin Cosgrove competed in a national show choir from 2003-2006 receiving solos in all shows. In addion, Erin traveled to various parts of Europe with an all-star show choir (Fame All-Stars) coming out of New York. Following that she performed in a masterclass in Chicago.

Erin has received straight superiors at the state and district level for 3 years in solo and ensembles assessments. Erin performed the national anthem at the Ironman World Championship Triathlon, in Kona, Hawaii, for 2 years; Innisbrook, Florida, for 6 years; several baseball games, and at the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg.

Daniel Crews
Tenor Daniel Crews majored in Vocal Performance at the University of North Florida. Daniel attended Bradford High School in Starke, Florida, and sang in All-State choirs throughout his high school years, making the Reading Choir his last year.

Daniel is heavily involved in singing at opera workshops and in his community, sharing his gift with many people singing in churches throughout the south. Daniel has performed the role of the Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto quartet, and has performed various opera arias with the UNF Opera Ensemble. Daniel's past teachers have included the late Dr. William Brown, Anne Richie, and Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki.

Nathan Edwards
Tenor Nathan Edwards is an accomplished musician who plays keyboard and cello at his church on a weekly basis. He played Cello in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra for 6 years.

Although his main instrument is the piano, which he is studying as his major here at the University, Nathan also loves to sing. He is a member of the UNF Chorale and Chamber Singers under Dr. Cara Tasher.

Melody Fallon
Melody is a Vocal Performance major at UNF. She is a student of Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki. Most recently Melody appeared as Suor Genevieve in UNF Opera Ensemble’s Production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica.

For three years Melody served as the Assistant to the Director of the UNF Opera Ensemble, Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki. This position provided her with many opportunities including, but not limited to: conducting, staging, and teaching within the ensemble. Melody has performed and worked throughout the Greater Jacksonville area both on and off stage, appearing in theatre, concert, film, and television.

Some of her favorite roles include: Belinda/2nd Woman in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, UNF Opera Ensemble; Little Mary in Little Mary Sunshine, Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre; Isabel in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, Players by the Sea; Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Fletcher Sr. High School; Bonnie in Anything Goes, YBAG; and Good Witch of the North, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Fletcher Sr. High School. Melody is overjoyed to be part of the UNF Opera Ensemble. She has enjoyed her time at UNF tremendously and will be both saddened and excited when she graduates from UNF in April 2009.

Melody would like to thank her family for their continuous love and support. She would also like to thank Dr. Biernacki for the endless opportunities, knowledge, skills, mentoring, and tireless support he has provided her over the past four years. Currently Meoldy is in the audition process for graduate schools. She hopes to pursue a Masters Degree in Voice Performance.

Amanda Finch
Amanda Finch is a gifted and soulful young singer who has enjoyed singing for audiences since childhood.

Growing up, Amanda cultivated her musical abilities by singing in talent shows, after-school choirs, plays, and paying gigs. While at the University of North Florida she studied with vocal instructor Krzysztof Biernacki and jazz master Bunky Green.

Amanda describes herself as a typical girl who just so happens to be in love with music. At UNF she explored the range of her talents starting out as a jazz major and moving to a full blown classical major.

Joey Fitzpatrick
Tenor, Joey Fitzpatrick studies under the vocal direction of Professor Marilyn Smart. During his years at UNF, he has performed with several ensembles including the UNF Chamber Singers, UNF Concert Chorale, and the UNF Opera Ensemble. Two notable performances were of Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion and the role of the sailor in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.

Joey has been the Associate Music Minister at the First Baptist Church of Starke since May of 2006.

Stefani Gundacker
Stefani Gundacker, soprano, is a junior majoring in Music Education at the University of North Florida. Stefani is from Winter Park, FL. While in Winter Park, Stefani studied under the fabulous Priscilla Bagley, soprano. Stefani is currently studying with Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki.

In Stefani’s first year she performed in UNF’s production of Dido and Aeneas as the First Witch as well as the Sorceress. She sang in the chorus for UNF’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, and sang the role of Monitor in the production of Suor Angelica last semester. Throughout high school she was in the school’s production of Night on Broadway in which she sang a variety of Musical Theatre, and Jazz standards.

In addition, Stefani toured Portugal with the UNF Chorale singing a very diverse repertoire and learning from others along the way, and hopes to travel with UNF Opera Ensemble as well as Chorale next year.

Tyler Hott
Tyler Hott has been performing in the Jacksonville area for several years in both music and theatre alike, including 4 years in local First Coast High School’s Choral program, an appearance as a pirate/policeman in Players By The Sea’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, and the Limelight Theatre of St. Augustine’s production of the musical revue Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know.

A lover of all types of music, Tyler was honored to be a part of such a great ensemble with talented students and professors of such diverse levels and backgrounds. Studying under Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki in Classical Voice, Tyler is also honored to appear in the UNF Chorale and Chamber Singers, and is heading up the newly formed Barbershop Quartet at UNF.

Anna Hong
Anna Hong was born in Seoul South Korea into a musically talented family. Anna has had the talent to be an accompanist at various churches since the age of 10. She also worked as a conductor to a woman’s ensemble at the Church of Missionary for Jesus Korean Baptist Church located in Orange Park Florida.

Anna has performed in various churches around Florida as well as in Korea, including a solo performance at the Sung-Lak Church in Seoul Korea, which is listed as the top 20 biggest Christian churches in the world.

In addition, Anna also used her talent to perform in rehabilitation centers for the disabled, in both Korea as well as in America and continues to improve as she shares her talent with her community.

Luke Hopper
Tenor, Luke Hopper is making immense strides in a developing career as a versatile musician and actor. A native of Jacksonville Beach, Luke began his musical training as an instrumentalist. In middle school, Luke studied trumpet and guitar, and in high school focused on drums, piano, and voice. Currently, Luke is pursuing a B.M. in Voice Performance from the University of North Florida under the instruction of Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki.

Past roles have included Mr. Mushnik in YBAG’s Little Shop of Horrors, a pirate in Players by the Sea’s production of Pirates of Penzance, and the First Sailor in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. Heavily involved in the Opera Ensemble, Chamber Singers, and Chorale at UNF, as well as taking any Community Theatre opportunity that presents itself, Luke is gaining valuable experience as an up and coming vocal artist.

Jennifer Jeffries
Soprano, Jennifer Jeffries was a Vocal Performance major at the University of North Florida.

A native of Fort Walton Beach, FL, she has been actively singing in choirs since her middle school years and has participated in Reading Choir at FVA All-State the last three years of high school. Jennifer has sung in Stetson Honor Chorales under Dr. Duncan Couch and she was chosen to sing in the Florida ACDA choirs her last two years of high school under the world-renowned baton of Dr. Andre Thomas. Jennifer became involved in solo singing her senior year of high school and received superior ratings in County and State competitions for solo voice, as well as with her choirs. During the last few years, she has become heavily involved in Opera Workshop, singing the role of Susanna in scenes from the Marriage of Figaro, Zerlina in scenes from Don Giovanni, and has studied the role of Little Red Riding Hood, among others. In November of 2006, Jennifer sang the soprano solo in the U.S. premier of Eurico Carrapatoso's Magnificat. Jennifer was a student of Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki.

Terrence Joseph
Baritone, Terrence M. Joseph is a Voice Performance major at UNF. Terrence is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where he began his study of music and theatre. There he was involved in productions of Jerry Bock’s Fiddler on the Roof and Robert Waldman’s The Robber Bridegroom. Terrence was also a cast member of the Tampa Bay Center for the Performing Arts’ Central Theatre Company where he performed in original musical theatre productions and most recently played the part of King Melchoir in UNF Opera Ensemble’s production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Terrence is currently a student of Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki. In addition to his studies, Terrence finds real joy in his work as the Music Director at First Timothy Baptist Church and teaching private voice. After graduation he plans on pursuing a career in Music Education.

Elyse Matthews
Elyse Matthews, soprano, is a Vocal Performance major at the University of North Florida. Originally from the northeast, Ms. Matthews has resided in Florida since 1992 and has been involved in music throughout Jacksonville for over eight years. She began vocal training with Mark Shaw at the age of 19 and went on to study at UNF with Prof. Marilyn Smart in her Freshman year, Dr. Kandie Smith in her sophomore year, and Prof. Kimberly Beasley in her Junior year.

In February 2009, Elyse won her category at the NATS North Florida Chapter Student Auditions. As a member of the UNF Chorale and Chamber Singers under the baton of Dr. Cara Tasher, Ms. Matthews has been heard as a soprano soloist in Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de confessore, Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine, and Haydn’s Missa brevis in F major. She has performed in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and sang the role of Gretel in Humperdinck’s fairy tale opera Hansel and Gretel, directed by Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki.

Upon earning her Bachelor of Music, Elyse plans to attend graduate school, continue her interest in Worship Arts, and pursue a career in opera.

Barbee Monk
Barbee Monk is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with a minor in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. She studies voice in the studio of Prof. Kimberly Beasley.

Barbee was thrilled to perform in Hansel and Gretel; recently she appeared in UNF’s production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Under the direction of Dr. Cara Tasher, Barbee is the Tour Coordinator for the UNF Chorale; an active member of the UNF Chamber Singers; and the Assistant Conductor of the UNF Women’s Chorus. Ms. Monk has recently performed as a soloist with the Choral Department on such works as Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine and Haydn’s Missa Brevis in F Major.

Barbee serves as the Corresponding Secretary for the Delta Eta chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity. Upon receiving her B.M., she plans to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate degree and a career in vocal music and arts administration.

Shyla Louise Norful
Shyla Louise Norful’s love for music began when she was a small child listening to her mother, Donna Lee, sing and practice for her various performances.

As Norful grew, music was always a part of her education. She sang in the Brookmeade Elementary School Chorus, played clarinet in the Meig’s Magnet School 5th-6th grade band, played bassoon in the Concert and Symphonic Bands at Fletcher Middle School, and the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Symphonic Band.

Norful won superior ratings at Solo/Ensemble competitions, participated in honor bands, and graduated high school as the principal bassoon player in the #1 band in the United States according to Downbeat Magazine (2005-2006).

Maria Claudia Pena
Soprano, Maria Claudia Pena, was born in Bogota, Colombia where she started to sing when she was 10 years old. Moving to the United States to finish her high school, she graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2004. Pursuing her musical major, Maria moved back to Colombia where she studied voice under Professor Sergio Hernandez. In return to the United States, she started her college studies at Florida Community College at Jacksonville where she followed the music path. Studying voice with Professor Pamela Helton, she was an active member of the FCCJ chorale and Women’s Chamber Choir under the direction of Professor R. Wayne Bailey.

Recently transferring from FCCJ, Maria is now attending the University of North Florida as a music performance major, and she is a current student of Dr. Cara Tasher. Being part of the UNF Opera Workshop under Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, Maria is also part of the UNF Chorale, Chamber Singers, and UNF Women’s Choir under the direction of Dr. Cara Tasher.

Angelique A. Perretta
Soprano, Angelique A. Perretta is a senior voice performance major at UNF. Ms. Perretta most recently appeared in the UNF Opera Ensemble’s Hansel and Gretel as The Witch as well as the Fall Production (as the title role) of Puccini’s Suor Angelica. She has also been seen as Dido in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and The Mother in Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Angelique has been involved in theatre and music throughout Jacksonville since the age of 12. She has portrayed such roles as Helen O’Toole in Fred Carmichael’s farce Exit the Body, and Piti-Sing in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. Her oratorio works include Rutter’s Requiem, Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Faure’s Requiem.

Angelique is a student of Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki. She has participated in master classes with renowned pedagogue Richard Miller of Oberlin Conservatory, Opera Star Sherrill Milnes, former Orlando Opera General Director Robert Swedberg, and Metropolitan Opera Soprano Christine Brewer.

Ms. Perretta enjoys teaching private lessons to varying ages and participating in service projects with Mu Phi Epsilon, a professional music fraternity. Upon receiving her B.M., she intends to pursue a Master’s in Voice performance.

Kadishia Robinson
Kadishia Robinson, a recent graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and the fourth of five children. Kadishia grew up in a large, tight-knit family and is proud to be a first-generation college student. At Douglas Anderson, she participated in the superior rated Concert Chorale and Chorale Women. Also, she sang with the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Silhouettes, an elite, 12-member vocal jazz ensemble. As a soloist, she has received superior ratings at Florida District and State Solo competition, and was a 2006-2007 FVA All-State Musician.

Unofficially classified as a lyric soprano, she aspires to receive her Master’s Degree in Voice Performance from Indiana University (at Bloomington) and to sing at the Met and all the major opera houses worldwide. She also wants to teach voice both privately and in a choral setting.

Emily Sharrett
Soprano, Emily Sharrett is currently finishing her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Florida.

Emily sang in Honor’s Choir from age 11 through high school, where she was the alto section leader and an active member in the Tri-Music Honor Society. At UNF, Emily’s opera roles have included Mercury in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Amahl in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, and the Dew Fairy in Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretal. Emily is a student of Dr. Cara Tasher.

Emily is a member of UNF’s Opera Ensemble, Chorale, and Chamber Singers, and Women’s Chorus.

Maria Sicuranza
Soprano, Maria Sicuranza is studying Music Education at the University of North Florida.

While in high school she performed in Chamber Choir, Ministry Choir, Church Choir, and various audition only all county choirs such as Hampton Music Educators Association and Suffolk County Music Educators Association.

Maria currently performs with the UNF Concert Chorale, the UNF Women's Choir, and the UNF Opera Ensemble. Maria is a student of Professor Kimberly Beasley.

Brandon Thornhill
Born in Ipswich, England on August 31, 1985, Brandon who is a bass/baritone, has always had a love for music but didn’t begin singing until middle school when he joined the chorus. His senior year in high school, he tried out for a music scholarship to the University of North Florida. He received a scholarship in vocal performance and since then has performed many different works by many famous composers. These works include arias from operas such as Marriage of Figaro, Rigolleto, and The Magic Flute. Brandon has played the role of King Balthazar and King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors. He has also performed the St. Mathew’s Passion with his fellow chorus members under the instruction of Dr. Palmer.

Brandon continues to grow as a musician and plans on becoming a professional singer. Brandon would like to thank Mrs. Marilyn Smart, Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, Dr. Cara Tasher, and his family for the opportunities and support that he has received from them.

Lindsey S. Tuller
Lindsey S. Tuller, a native of Chelsea, Alabama, graduated with her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Florida in 2008.

Her recent opera roles have included Monica in Menotti’s The Medium; Lucy in Menotti’s The Telephone; Peep-bo in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado; and Nursing Sister in Puccini’s Suor Angelica.

Lindsey has been soprano soloist for Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore and Requiem on several occasions both in Birmingham and Jacksonville. Between 2003 and 2007, Lindsey was a soloist and cantor in the Cathedral Choir at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, AL. While in Birmingham, she was selected to be the soprano soloist for the world-premier recording of K. Lee Scott’s Requiem. She was also selected to participate in a performance workshop with Dr. Ben Bernstein.

Since moving to Jacksonville in January 2007, Lindsey has been director of the Cathedral Choristers at St. John’s Cathedral. She has also been a soprano soloist with the Orange Park Chorale, and the Don Thompson Chorale. Lindsey is currently a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

Gabrielle Williams
Gabrielle Williams is pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of North Florida. After graduating from the Florida Community College at Jacksonville in 2007 she transferred as a junior and continued her vocal training with Dr. Kandie Smith and is currently under the private instruction of Dr. Kimberly Beasley as a senior. In addition, she participates in the UNF Chorale under the direction of Dr. Cara Tasher as well as Opera workshop under the instruction of Dr. Biernacki. At FCCJ she began her classical voice training with Professor Pamela Helton and participated in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Inc. (NATS) in the spring of 2006 where she was awarded 2nd place in her competitive category. She also participated in the FCCJ Chorale and Women’s Chamber Choir under the direction of Professor Wayne Bailey.

Presently Gabrielle is the assistant director of the choir and ensemble of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research Inc. (IDMR Jacksonville Branch) where her musical roots were established.

Jamie Houck
Jamie, age 12, is in his 5th year with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus currently under the direction of Darren Dailey.

Jamie began his love for singing in the church and sang his first solo at the age of 7. Currently he is completing his final year at Beaches Episcopal School.

Additionally Jamie enjoys playing piano and loves sports, especially soccer and basketball.