John Zirpoli

My name is John Michael Zirpoli, and I am a senior at Millersville University pursuing a B.S.E. in Music Education and a B.A. in Percussion Performance. I currently perform as the first chair percussionist in Wind Ensemble, have completed my junior recital, and am preparing my senior recital. I have two semesters of teaching experience with Music for Everyone, along with prior leadership and outreach roles within the Tell School of Music such as a Peer Mentor. Additionally, I contribute to the local music community through teaching in after school programs at Eastern York High School and through performing as an orchestral percussionist for various Lancaster based organizations.

 

 

Emily Shank

Emily Shank is a Junior, Dual Music Education and Peformance major at Millersville University. She participates in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Flute Ensemble on campus, and holds leadership positions in multiple organizations. These include Vice President of Nafme, and President of the Flute Association, along with acting as the Freshmen Peer Mentor for the Music Education and Performance programs, and a tutor for the Language of Music and Solfege courses. Not only is she involved on campus, but she also holds a pit director position for the Lancaster Catholic High School Marching Band, as well as teaching private flute lessons in the Davis Flute Studio. With her degree and teaching experience, Emily hopes to pursue a career teaching music and performing when she can.

Jovanne Cortez

Jovanne Cortez (he/him) is pursuing dual degrees in Music Education and Music Performance (Voice) at Millersville University. Dedicated to leadership, scholarship, and musical excellence, he re-established the Millersville University chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and has served as its President for three years. He is an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). Jovanne also belongs to the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, the Alpha Alpha Alpha First-Generation College Student Honor Society, and the prestigious Cygnus Society.

As a member of the Cygnus Society, Jovanne serves as an ambassador of the Office of the President, representing Millersville University at major events such as State of the Ville and University Commencements. Members of this distinguished society embody the university’s EPPIIC values—exploration, professionalism, public mission, integrity, inclusion, and compassion—through scholarship, leadership, and service.

Jovanne’s leadership extends beyond music. He has served as Performing Arts Representative and Secretary for Millersville’s Student Government Association, collaborating with campus leaders to advocate for the arts and strengthen student life. A three-time Glorious Sounds of the Season Scholar and MU-APSCUF Award recipient, Jovanne has been honored for his exceptional musicianship, academic achievement, and service to the Millersville community. In addition to these accomplishments, he serves as a music tutor and choir librarian, supporting fellow students in their musical and academic growth.

An accomplished and versatile performer, Jovanne sings with Millersville’s choral ensembles, Wind Bands, Jazz Band, and the Marauder Marching Band. Beyond campus, he performs with the Lancaster Symphony Chorus and the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Singers. Through performance, education, and service, Jovanne strives to inspire others and foster meaningful connections through music and community engagement.

Jillian Dolan

Jillian Dolan is a third-year music industry major and psychology minor at Millersville University. She studies as a vocalist with Professor Brandon Martinez and has performed lead vocals in numerous commercial bands and jazz ensemble. Outside of her academics, she is in a 4-piece folk band named Barkley Cove as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Whilst performing with the band, she is also working towards solo music releases and a career in music production. This will be her second year collaborating with Lancaster’s Boys and Girls Club, and she is thrilled to continue her work with the kids. Previously, they worked on songwriting, learning guitar, music production on Logic Pro, vocal warm-ups/techniques, and co-writing skills. She is honored to accept the Max Curtin Memorial MBT Recording Scholarship!

 

Colin Miller

My name is Colin Miller, and I am a senior at Millersville University, majoring in Music Industry with concentrations in Music Production and Live Audio. Through this program, I hold student worker positions within the Recording Studio and the Ware Center for the Arts. I have also gone on several trips through the school to places like California for the NAMM Show, Iceland for the Iceland Airwaves festival, the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in China, in addition to Spain and Greece. Throughout the duration of my college career, I have participated in school ensembles such as the jazz band, commercial bands, concert band, and orchestra. I am a founding member of Lancaster-based horn band The A440s, where I play drums and handle all of the bookings. By the end of my senior year, I plan to have The A440’s first EP recorded and released in the summer as a senior project. I am currently interning with Triforce Pro Audio, and in the future, I hope to work in a recording studio, continue to gig and play drums, and do some live sound gigs on the side.