I first met Jeremy when we both were students at Andrews University. From pedagogy classes, long choral rehearsals, master class and opera scenes performances we spent a lot of time together. We initially bonded over a love for musical theaters, “GLEE” and later “SMASH”, and became good friends especially my final year. Jeremy’s powerful tenor voice was always distinctive as was his passion for music. With his friendly personality and commitment to excellence, he was a standout candidate for a career in music education. It was fun to catch up with him and discuss a little bit about his life now… but first, let’s start at the beginning. “I started singing originally, because of my mom. My mom is a singer and when I was small, she did a lot of singing up front at church.” Her influence as well as the music of the Christian group known as The Gaither’s not to mention several “Disney” influences, inspired Jeremy to give it a try himself. “I was just sitting in my room one day, I think I was probably in the fifth or sixth grade, and I kind of realized that I could carry a tune – possibly a little better than the next person.” I chuckle here, “possibly” is more than right. “I went to one of my friend’s who was good at playing the guitar and I was like ‘Hey I want to try something out with you, how does this
sound?’ and he really liked my voice. I dived in from there.” He learned immediately the value of being encouraged from a young age and by his friend helped introduce him to others in the local music circle. “(My music experience) really just went off from there.” A good teacher was the next step in his vocal development. “Growing up I was very much exposed to Broadway, thanks to my elementary school music teacher at the time. Even though I grew up in a Christian environment Ms. Whidden was really good at bringing in a lot of other influences, she didn’t just stick to Christian standards – and I really appreciated her for that.” Jeremy grew up with The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, Annie and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (I still remember his inspiring performance of ‘Close Every Door To Me’). Jeremy attended Andrews Academy where the school featured a musical every other year. “In high school, I was involved in ‘South Pacific’ (sophomore) and my senior year I played the villain in ‘Honk’ which is sort of a lesser known musical based on the ‘Ugly Duckling.’ I played the evil cat.” When it came time to go to college Jeremy decided to attend Southern