Kathy Aceves Pitney, 6/08: "After 11 years teaching students, I've moved on and am now consulting and training teachers! A big change, but well worth it! We've been married 10 years; our daughter is now 7 and our son is 4. It's hard to believe time is passing so quickly. I still pull out the SOA video from time to time and take a trip down memory lane. What a fantastic time of my life. SOA always has a special place in my heart. Be well all!"

Kimberly Adrianson Brooks, 4/13 : There is unconfirmed reports of Kim's passing. "I am married now and have a 2 year old little boy named Connor. I haven't played music since college and I miss it a lot. I've been thinking of joining the comminity band but time is an issue and I have no chops anymore. I'm sure it will come back like riding a bike! I have my own home based business that is very successful with the Stayin Home and Lovin it Team.
 
Maybe I'll make one of the concerts some day when I am traveling. I still have great memories of the trip and am working on a nice scrapbook of the photos I took.

Previous info: I went to RIT in Rochester, NY where I completed a BS in Environmental Management. I then proceded to move around a bit exploring different career options (not all of them good) until I landed in Virginia, where I met my husband Jeff and have been married since 1999. We moved to Florida in 2000 and bought a house in 2001. No children yet because I am working on an MS in environmental science and policy and he is working on a CCNA certification for computer networking. We do have 6 indoor cats, a dog and fish. I spend my time working for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, volunteering for my local Audubon chapter, and trying to keep up with my huge butterfly garden. If you are ever in Florida, I'd love to see you!"

ALBERT AVILA: Unfortunate and tragic news about Albert Avila, tenor in our '92 chorus. In October 2003, Albert was killed in a car accident in Lubbock, TX. He had previously attended South Plains College, TX, where he appeared in a number of musicals. He became a makeup artist in the entertainment industry, and appeared in musicals Cactus Theater as well. He was an eagle scout, taught Sunday school, and of course, was one of our "Made in the USA" dancers and vocalist for "Wild Thing". We are so saddened to learn of his premature passing. We will keep him alive in our hearts and memories. His family requests memorials to SPAR< 4819 Ave. Q, Lubbock, TX 79412.

Jackie Baum: "I've gone back to college to complete my degree in Psychology. I'm going to visit Australia the end of April while Wendy (daughter) is on spring break there."

Jessica Baum: Completed her MS at Ohio University 6/99. She's beginning her 2nd year as the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Fredonia State University, in Fredonia, NY.

Marty Baylor: "I have resigned from NASA and have started a physics PhD program at University of Colorado at Boulder. "

Erinn Beck Machacek, 5-05: "I recently moved to Omaha, Nebraska and am now teaching vocal music at Omaha Bryan High School and performing with Omaha Chamber Singers.

Previously: I decided after just showing some students my SOA videos, that I should check into checking up on some of you, and I found this!!! I am currently teaching high school vocal music at a school of about 600 9-12 graders. I graduated with my bachelors of performance, and general music education. After 1 year of graduate school in opera performance, I decided to influence the lives of others and began teaching. I married in 1996 to a wonderful man named Mark, graduated with my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2002, gave birth to twins - Treyce and Madison in 2001, and continue to direct my church choir, and sing with a swing band on weekends. I would love to catch up with some of you!!!"

Jennifer Begley: Jennifer Lynn Begley & Brian Kendall Johnson MD, were married fall 2001!

Kaye Bowersox: "I graduated from Ohio University in August 2001 with my MBA. I am now in Philadelphia, PA working for a small software consulting firm!"

Lee Buckalew, 10-08: "SOA was one of the truly life changing times of my life. It helped me grow as a musician and to really begin on a track of live and recorded sound production that I continue to this day.

In June of 2005 I started my own company, Pro Sound Advice. I provide professional sound system design, consultation and training services. I also provide free lance recording engineering services for The Pan Galactic Company, the company which has the recording contract for St. Louis Symphony and others. We were very fortunate this year (2008) to be able to assist with the recording of the U.S. premier, in St. Louis, of John Adams "Dr. Atomic Symphony" and then follow that up this fall with the John Adams "Guide to Strange Places". These will be released together next year (2009) on the Nonesuch record label.

I continue to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Webster University in St. Louis. I teach in the School of Electronic Media and in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

I was married in July of 1993 (one week after getting back from SOA) to my beautiful wife Mary. We have four children, LeighAnna (11), Marissa (9), Jesse (7) and Larkyn (almost 2). We live about 35 miles outside of St. Louis, Missouri.

I'd love to hear from folks from any of the years I was fortunate enough to tour with SOA"

Previous: I designed the very first Martin Audio Miniature Line Array sound system in the United States.   I have also continued to dabble in lighting design.  A team of three other gentlemen and myself produced an event for the world premiere of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Baileys "WIZARD OF OZ ON ICE".  It was called "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and as a part of this event we lit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis as a rainbow.  It was the first time that it had succesfully been lit.  We won the highest award that the international Illuminating Engineering Society gives for outdoor architectural illumination.  The Paul Waterbury Award.  This was the only time that it has been awarded for a temporary installation. It was awarded to us "with distinction".  This was a very special honor as this award is not given every year but only when work sufficiently worthy of merit is presented and then it is not always given "with distinction". I designed the sound systems and staging layouts for each year of the St. Louis Blues Heritage Festival, a jazz and blues festival second only to the New Orleans festival in size in the U.S."

Eric Franklin, 9/06: "Hi everyone!!!  I have another e-mail... just wanted to update my info.  Hope everyone is doing well. I ran into Melissa about a month ago. I couldn't believe it! She told me about this site and I finally have a chance to write something. I am still singing, but through time, I found other important things to me. For example, I am now a cop... I work for Mebane Police Department in Mebane North Carolina. I am trying to settle down now after moving a total of 19 times so far. Hopefully, I will stay here for a while. I am so glad to read that many of you are doing well. I see that many of you are married... I just got engaged to the most wonderful woman I have ever met. I proposed to her by having her arrested... hahaha... she said yes, kissed me, then beat the tar out of me. She even has me saying the word CRITTER... She is amazing! Well, I have to go for now. I hope to hear from you all someday soon."

Aaron Grigg: "How is eveybody doing! I'm living in Rexburg, ID . I've just recently got back into singing. My wife was an opra major in college and has been in the nevada and utah opera company's but those groups were way above my talent, but here in small town Idaho I've been performing with my wife in some of the local shows. I've Got three kids Son 6yrs, another Son 4 yrs and a daughter of 16 months. love to hear from anyone."

Amy Harrison Puetz, 8/04: "After SOA, I joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. I met my husband at Great Lakes and then spent 4 years of military life in Virginia Beach. My husband and I have been married for 9 years now and we have 4 kids (3 girls and a boy). I am living in Nebraska and working as a Pharmacist assistant. I would love to hear from any of you, especially if you happen to know where I could find Kavita Kumar. I lost her about 8 years ago and I've been looking to get in touch with her."

Regina Hartman, 11-08, "Hello SOA 92'. I am currently a music and theatre teacher in NY. After SOA, I finished high school and went on for my Bachelors and Masters in Music. I am still living in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of NY and enjoying the quiet country life."

Brent Hedding: He's working as a Manufacturing Engineer at 3M in St. Paul, MN; he's expecting his first child 6/00.

Michael Helle, 2-11: Hello everyone one. Wow it seems for ever ago that I was part of SOA. Life changes so much. I have not been involved in music for many years, but always made sure my son Joshua was involved even though he was big into sports. I choose a path in the Medical field. Worked for many years as a Critical Care Paramedic, then moving into administration working a Director of Emergency Department and EMS. Currently I work for a hospital as Director of Outpatient Services. Great to see eveyones posts on here. Hope to catch up with a few of you.

Linda Hull-Viera, 10-12: Living in Topeka, KS.

Brian Johnson, 9/05: Jennifer and I are still married after four years still no kids yet. She just graduated in may for interior design and is in the process of redesigning our house. I just finished a fellowship in Cardiac Anesthesia in june of 2005 at the Cleveland Clinic and am currently working as astaff anesthesiologist in the division of anesthesia at the clinic. Hope everyone form '92 is doing well drop us a line some time.
Previous: Graduated from Medical School 5/00 and started Surgery Residency training 7/00, in Wichita, KS. After 8 1/2 long years of long distance dating and many years of just being freinds the most unlikely couple of the red bus, "Jennifer Lynn Begley were wed on September 22,2001 in Beaver Falls PA. We would like to thank all those who were with us on our trip and made our relationship possible. RED BUS RULES" Jennifer Lynn Begley & Brian Kendall Johnson MD, were married fall 2001!  

Bryce Jorgenson, 2/05: "Hello everyone! You will never believe this when I tell you, but I was showing my students in my world history class some European cathedrals by using my SOA videos. So, I thought that I would update my personal information and see what everyone else is doing. I am still married to Rebecca (12/99) and we now have 2 children, Brooke (5/29/02) and Brianna (1/30/05). They keep us busy lately plus I am finishing my masters to be school principal. We will be looking to relocate this summer and find new employment. I hope everyone has a great 2005!"

Jamie Kepley: She's recently finished her internship at Osawatomie State Hospital in Osawatomie, KS and now has her degree in Music Therapy.

Andy Klemenko, 9-06: "I am so glad I found this site. As for me. I never finished college, because I started traveling doing National Touring Companies. While involved in this, I ran into an old high school girlfriend and got married 10/99...Currently, I run the Drama Department at my church and still perform occassionally in local dinner theatres while working for a financial institution. But I miss the touring. So I am now in process of applying for grants to start my own Theatrical Production company... Other than that I am still married and living in Chicago (okay I live in the suburbs). But that is the short short version..."

Kandi Linn Stelling: 2 daughters, Mariah 3 1/2 and Cassidy 8 months, still teaching elementary music in Kearney, NE

Dorothy Maceluch MacKillop: "Our 3rd daughter (Amber Renee) was bon July 14 2001. I havent decided yet if I will try again for a boy but I have a whole year to think about it while my husband Jim is stationed in Korea. (again!). The girls and I have moved to New Hampshire to live with his family. ( I need the help) We will be moving again in January 2003 but as of yet we dont know where. I will try to keep everyone updated but with 3 kids it a little challenging."

Tiffany Mattison, 8/07: "Hi everyone... can't believe it's been so long! My son, Brendan, turned 5 in May and starts kindergarten this year. I am no longer with the airlines, but am now a full time student at Portland State University (studying to be a pharmacist) and I also run a daycare. I don't get a chance to sing much anymore, but I still dance. I've competed in Two-Step, West Coast Swing, and Waltz competitions and have started giving dance lessons, as well as learning how to salsa. Would love to hear from everyone. Hope everyone is doing well....Keep in touch!"

Therese Paulin Marlette: Worked in MN as RN in Transplant Nursing; now she's in Bismark, ND, with her husband, Todd, who's doing his chiropractic internship.

Lisa Marcione: Reportedly graduated last spring. She just started a job in an office temp agency.

Michelle Nunnally Pittman, 1/07: "I thought it was about time for me to update my information. Still living in Spartanburg, SC with my hubby, Mike, and 5 wonderful children. Steven is 10 (wow cannot believe that I have a 10 year old); Christian is almost 9; Katelyn is 6 and is doing some modeling and acting in Charlotte; Amber, my stepdaughter, is now 9; and my youngest Corianne Grace is now 2... and ruling the house I might add. As for me, I am busy raising children, singing and dancing at church,
running from football practice, to dance practice, to karate, to piano, to ... well you get the picture... and trying to stay sane through it all. Since so many of you knew her, I must add that my dear mother, Marcia, passed away in April of 2006 from cancer. It was a difficult year for all of the family, but a blessing as well as we now know that Mom is with our Lord and is not suffering anymore. So along with my duties in my own home, I am now busy taking care of my dad and niece, Elise, and my two grandmothers. All and all, life is good.

I miss you all very much. Think of you very often. And hope that one day soon I will run into someone from my SOA 1992 family. If you are ever close to SC, send me an email. In the meantime, know that I pray for you! And love you very much!

Brian Ralston: "Well....at the time I toured with the SOA, my goal was medical school. Life has changed dramatically for me and the music in my life won out. I am now a Film/TV composer in L.A. I am currently in USC's Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program. I am recording most of my music on Paramount's Scoring Stage "M" and having it played by top L.A. studio musician's and 90 piece orchestras. I am working hard and having a blast!. I am glad I decided to make music my career and my experiences with the SOA will never be forgot. Hopefully one summer I will have the time to come back as a performing chaperone. Soon I will also have www.brianralston.com up and running where you all can check out some of my music and current projects/comissions, etc... And yes, I am still playing my trumpet regularly."

Alicia Rhoads Gilbert, 11-07: "Nothing much has changed with me. I am still married to Rick (SOA 94)...for 10 and a half years now. We have 4 kids, 3 boys and one girl, ages 6,5,3 1/2, and 10 mos. We currently reside in Virginia Beach, VA. I haven't been doing much other than the SAHM thing...but am looking into getting back into some of the theater scene around here. We will see.
We are currently living Virginia Beach, Va with our three kids, Ethan-4, Avery-3 and Jenna-1. I am a SAHM, and am studying to be a medical transcriptionist. I would love to hear from any of you.

Dana Rogers Spear, 10/07: "Dana Rogers Spear: We have been living in Dupont, WA (1 hour south of Seattle) for three years now. My husband Sam is in his 4th year of residency as an ENT doctor. We have three wonderful children: Stuart (7), Brooke (4), and Roger (1). I homeschool my oldest, which has been a wonderful adventure. All three of my children show an interest in music. I don't sing very often anymore, mainly because of health problems that have affected my voice. Instead, I am learning how to play the fiddle. I still play guitar and mandolin, but am currently not in any bands. I spend my free time digital scrapbooking. We plan on living here until June 2009. My family website is: http://web.mac.com/danaspear."

Melissa Rogers Brothers, 10/10: "I am now living in Suwanee, Ga. with my husband of 10 years and my son Johnny who was born in May, 2008. Just moved here recently from Cleveland,Alabama. Would love to hear from you guys!
Previous: My husband and I are still very active in our church with different ministries going on all of the time. I have kept in touch with a few of you and would like to hear from some more of you as well. I must say that the two years I toured with SOA were the most incredible experiences of my life as a young adult. I remember so many of you and am so excited to read where our lives have taken us and to see what we have all accomplished since then. Happy New Year to all! I would love to hear from you! Married John Brothers 3/25/00; our two"children" are Rani, (dog) and Duchess our beloved retired showcat. I still think of you all so often and hope we all stay in touch. Rachel Smith Driggs (SOA) was her matron of honor."

Mindy Ruch Gordon: "I'm still working at a Broadway theatre advertising agency in NYC--the shows I currently work on are 42nd Street, Into the Woods and Urinetown. I'm also taking a class in copywriting, and I'm about to start a class in voiceover work. Please look me up if you're ever in NYC!"

Melissa (Sand) Payne, 3-09: "I hope to hear from some of you. Wanting to catch up. E-mail me."

Rachel Smith Driggs, 10/03: Reportedly she and her husband and 3rd child.

Melanie Sturgeon: "I am still singing...(in the car that is). :) I live 75 miles away from my work-so I have a lot of time to practice. I am currently working at Family Physicians Group, a 17 doctor family practice in Vancouver, WA. We have 2 clinics, one at Fisher's Landing and the other in downtown Vancouver. I am a patient registration/phone room person." Hopes to go back to school at Willamette University to get Master's in teaching, (elementary education), her bachelor's in music and a minor in computer science. About SOA, "I never had the chance to say "thank you" for all the great memories. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget!"

Jerome Thompson, 1/05: "Hello All! I've missed you all very much!!! I now live between New Orleans & Detroit... I'm a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines... having a ball all over the world! I'm still singing.. I've made a few CDs & have done many stage plays... My most enjoyable role was as Sis. Mary Hubert in "NUNSENSE" the musical.... 5 guys playing nuns, singing like & acting like women... I still have my house in New Oreans... I just bought a 2nd home there a week ago! I have an apartment in downtown Detroit. I haven't seen any of you since we were together last, but I would love to see & hear from all of you soon! I can travel where ever you are... My phone # is 313-671-6715 CALL ME! PEACE & MUCH

Jason Tucker, 3/07: "After HS, I joined the Army and toured the world a bit, settling down in Knoxville TN, where I attended The University of TN to pursue a BS in Electrical Engineering. I graduated in 2002, and am still in Knoxville working as an engineer for a consulting firm. My wife Amy and I have been married for 11 years this April, and we have 3 children: Eric (8), Meredith (3) and Madeline (1). Send me an email, I'd love to catch up with you all! "

Hayley (Warshaw) Wasser 1/08: Hello, SOA friends! I am now living in Houston with my husband (Ian, a second-year law student) and our two dogs (Lola and Suki). I have been working in non-profit fund development for the past seven years--it's fun and challenging, and I feel like I am helping to make a difference in our crazy world. I'd love to hear from you, so please drop me a
line! Previous: Graduated from U of Michigan with Master degrees in Public Health and Social Work in May 2001. "

Leah Weitzsacker MacDuffie, 10/04: "Just sending an update to my previous information. Samantha is almost 2 1/2 now, I've been music director at our church since August '03. I also still teach privately out of my home. I completed my Masters in Music Education May '04. I still play a lot of flute and would you believe I'm in a *brass* quintet on horn as well? (It was my secondary in college). My husband still works for Microsoft and we're busy as always."

Jamie Wright Gallimore, 9/06: " My husband and I still reside in Norman, Oklahoma.  He works in Moore, Oklahoma and I work at the University of Oklahoma as a college admissions assistant.  I am also a Court Appointed Special Advocate and member of Kelsey's Purpose (www.kelseyspurpose.org).  I would love to hear from you!

last modified 8-4-2020, tlb