Rhythm & 'Roos - The Honors College a Cappella Singers
Founded in 2005, the Rhythm & Roos is a mixed honors a cappella singing group of about 18 students. The Roos sing at many types of special UA events, including Honors College events, sports events, and other student and alumni gatherings.
In February, 2007, the Roos were chosen to be one of nine groups from four states to compete in the Intercollegiate a cappella regional competition held at the University of Michigan.
In April, 2009, the 'Roos held their first annual spring concert in Simmons Hall’s Auditorium. They used this as an opportunity to take donations for the Fuller Center for Housing. Shortly afterwards, they hosted Tiffin University’s a cappella group: Up in the Air.
In February, 2010, the 'Roos held a benefit concert for Imagine Missions in the Student Union, and, they sang The National Anthem for Colin Powell at EJ Thomas Hall.
Their Spring Concert 2010 will take place on April 24th at 7:30 p.m. in ASEC 120. They will be collecting donations for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure.
Current Officers for 2009-2010 include:
Student Director: Lauren
Vernice
Past Student Director: Peter Haubert
Assistant Director: Steven Tripp
Music Librarian: Tanya Reichert
Publicity Chair: Laura Magni
Webmaster: Tim Nixdorf
Treasurer: Melissa Merril
Historian: Teale Bennett
Faculty sponsor: Dean Mugler
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Rhythm and Roos Members (2009-2010):
Lauren Vernice - Director / Soprano
Violin Performance, Junior 
As a violinist, Lauren has worked extensively with professional musicians and violinists in various orchestras around the United States, including a Florence, Italy tour with a chamber orchestra ensemble.
Stephen Tripp - Assistant Director / Bass
Music Education, Junior 
When Steven isn’t performing with R&R you can find him playing with the University Band, the Blue and Gold Brass, the marching band, the men’s chorus, his rock band, the trumpet ensemble, the…
Melissa Merrill - Treasurer / Soprano
Mechanical Engineering, Senior 
Melissa has been a loyal member of R&R from the start, and while she’s not singing, she enjoys science, traveling, and hanging out with wild ponies.
Laura Magni - Public Relations Chair / Alto
Theoretical Math and Secondary Education, Sophomore 
Laura hopes to teach high school Trig or Calculus. She loves math, singing, playing flute, and skinny vanilla lattes. She also loves warm places and wants to live in Charlotte or Atlanta after college.
Tim Nixdorf - Webmaster / Tenor
Civil Engineering, Freshman 
Tim loves math, science, and music. In his spare time, he likes to watch TV and movies, read, and play soccer and tennis.
Tanya Reichert - Music Librarian / Soprano
Dietetics, Sophomore 
Tanya loves hanging out with friends and family, and enjoys tennis, wakeboarding, ballroom dancing, being adventurous, and anything outdoors.
Teale Bennett - Historian / Alto
Biomedical Engineering, Junior 
Teale enjoys film editing, photography, swimming, and scrap booking.
Leigh Ann Seibert - Soprano
Nursing, Freshman 
Leigh Ann is excited to be a member of R&R. When she isn't singing or studying, she can be found playing euchre, extreme spoons or just having fun with her friends.
Sarah Highman - Soprano
English, Freshman 
Sarah loves to sing and read in her spare time!
Ashley Bohaychyk - Alto
Early Childhood Education / Intervention Specialist / Painting and Drawing, Senior 
On top of singing and school work, Ashley is planning for her wedding in May!
Bethany Baranyk - Alto
Applied Mathematics, Sophomore 
Bethany is one of the few people who enjoy math. In her spare time, she likes reading, hanging out with her family and friends, and of course, singing!
Marissa Watson - Alto
Biology / Pre-med / Chemistry, Sophomore 
This past summer, Marissa studied abroad in Greece and Italy, visiting ancient ruins, learning about numerous cultures, and tasting wonderful food. She has participated in NMR research with the chemistry department here at UA, is involved in numerous clubs and organizations, is the service chair for the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, and is a peer mentor with the multicultural office. Outside of school, Marissa enjoys shopping, reading, snowboarding, and spending time with family.
Abbie Apsel - Alto
Violin Performance, Sophomore 
Abbie, growing up in Mt. Sinai, NY, has participated in several musicals, choruses and orchestras, including the New York State All-State Women’s Choir two years in a row. She is very excited to be singing with R&R!
Nick Zimmer - Tenor
Human Resources, Freshman 
Nick is a new member of R&R and he has only been performing as a singer since his senior year of high school.
Sean Wirfel - Tenor
Secondary Education (Social Studies), Freshman 
In high school, Sean was a member of "Northwest Singers" his church choir, and performed in his high school's production of "Lil Abner." His favorite pastime is hanging out with his friends and watching football- especially UA and the Pittsburgh Steelers!
Peter Haubert - Beat Boxer / Bass
Music Education, Senior 
Peter likes biking, hanging out with friends, beat-boxing, playing Nintendo Wii, beat-boxing, outdoorsy type stuff, and oh yes, beat-boxing! Peter loves the Lord and thanks Him for all the gifts and talents He has bestowed. Peter’s favorite restaurant is Applebee’s and his favorite meal is chicken quesadillas at happy hour!
Eli Callahan - Bass
Music Education, Junior 
Eli loves playing and watching all sports.
Will White - Bass
Pre-Law and English, Sophomore 
Will DJs at Akron's college radio station, WZIP as "Willie."
Justin DeWitt - Bass
Biomedical Engineering, Freshman 
Justin has quite the chocolatey bass voice.
Check out R&R on Facebook and Youtube.
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Honors students or their friends interested in participating in our mixed SATB a cappella singing group are invited to complete the interest form below.
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Lauren Vernice at lbv1@zips.uakron.edu for further information.
