Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

Matthew Walker

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Matthew Walker

Major: Music Performance

HOMETOWN

Knoxville, TN

MAJOR

Music Performance, Minor: Pre-Health Sciences

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

Full Time Optometrist / Part Time Symphony Orchestra Trombonist

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I actually chose my major through a process of trial and error. I came to college undecided, bounced around various music and science degrees, and finally landed on music performance and pre-health. It is the perfect combination of doing what I love: playing and performing with the trombone, and working towards a scientific job in the medical field.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • UT symphony orchestra
  • Trombone choir
  • Jazz big band
  • Trombone quartet
  • Brass quintet
  • UT wind ensemble
  • UT rock climbing club

FUN FACT

“Despite towering over everyone at 6’6″, I actually am one of the worst basketball players to ever step foot on a court. Just ask my friend, Jacob Ross, if you ever see him.”

Emma Poppert

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Emma Poppert

Major: Vocal Music Education

HOMETOWN

Chattanooga, TN

MAJOR

Vocal Music Education

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

Fine arts administration and/or teaching choir

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I have had so many lovely teachers who have helped me to grow and succeed in so many ways, not just academically, but in all aspects of life. I want to be able to create relationships with people and make them successful, while also cultivating a love for the fine arts. The same way many teachers or advisors did for me.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • SAI (Sigma Alpha Iota) – Vice President of Membership
  • RUF – Leadership Team
  • Revolution Acapella
  • Joy of Music School – Teacher

FUN FACT

“This summer I went to Pavarotti’s house in Italy.”

Ella Pinchok

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Ella Pinchok

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Knoxville, TN

MAJOR

Music Education, Minor: Music Business, ’27

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

College Band Director, Songwriter/Artist

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I want to continue the growth of music education and the community it brings for future generations. Music is a language that breaks all barriers and I want to create works that connect.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Pride of The Southland Marching Band
  • Music Industry Business
  • My own band/performing/singer-songwriter
  • Church Worship Leader
  • Artist for Ella Pinchok Art

FUN FACT

“I love to go surfing and fishing!”

Christian Carroll

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Christian Carroll

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Collierville, TN

MAJOR

Music Education, Minor: Leadership

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

“I know that I want to be a music teacher. I am enamored with the thought of teaching music in any capacity so I could see myself teaching it at any place or level.”

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“Music education is my calling! Being a band director would allow me to simultaneously help others while enjoying myself to the fullest. There is nothing else I would rather be doing!”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Pride of The Southland Band – Drum Major
  • Leadership Studies Ambassador
  • Member of multiple university ensembles
  • Private Teacher for drum major and trumpet lessons

FUN FACT

“I used to be a studio dancer!”

Carson Duckworth

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Carson Duckworth

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Jonesborough, TN

MAJOR

Music Education

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

High School Band Director

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I chose my major because I have such a deep passion for music and education. I believe a teacher can be one of the most powerful influences a student can have. I can’t wait to get out there and start teaching!”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Wood working
  • Camping
  • Video games

FUN FACT

“I grew up on a sunflower farm!”

Caleb DeLong

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Caleb DeLong

Major: Music Performance

HOMETOWN

Knoxville, TN

MAJOR

Music Performance (Horn), Minor: Business Administration, ’26

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

“I would like to pursue a career in performing anything from orchestral music to film scores. I would also like to find ways, through local organizations, to keep my community engaged with music in any way possible!

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“Playing music is what I find the most joy in. Collaborating with many different people across different ensembles fulfills me, so there was no other choice!

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Haslam Leadership Scholars
  • Music Industry Club
  • Student Alumni Associates

FUN FACT

“My favorite show growing up was Little Einsteins!”

Ally McNabb

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Ally McNabb

Major: Music Business Administration

HOMETOWN

Newport, TN

MAJOR

Music Business Administration, Minor: Applied Music Vocal, ’26

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

“Many parts of the music industry as a whole. I have had the opportunity to work with an artist manager out of Nashville and I am very interested in that path. I am interested in tour management and A&R as well.”

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I love music and I grew up performing. While I love to perform I love to put on performances and work on various projects. Collaboration with people is important to me. I felt music business was really my calling and I think I will work in the music industry in some way for the rest of my life!”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Music Industry Club – President
  • Revolution (SSAA Contemporary A cappella group) – Co-director
  • Chamber Singers Choir
  • Alpha Omicron Pi
  • SAI (Sigma Alpha Iota)

FUN FACT

“I have a vinyl record collection over 200.”

Issac Hair

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Issac Hair

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Collierville, TN

MAJOR

Music Education, ’28

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

Wind band pedagogy, the marching arts, and jazz performance/education

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I found my passion in music, so I found a major that combines my talents with my calling!”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Member of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps
  • Local high school band tech
  • Reading
  • Hiking in the mountains

FUN FACT

“I have a Giant Schnauzer and his name is Radar.”

Faith Nevarez

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Faith Nevarez

Major: Music Business Administration

HOMETOWN

Amarillo, TX

MAJOR

Music Business with BA in voice, ’25

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

“I want to be an artistic administrator of an opera company to help more local artists and other talented musicians get the opportunity to perform with a trusting company.”

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I chose my major because of my love and passion for opera. Opera, performing, and collaborations with living composers and connections are super essential in the world. I love all the opportunities this college offers and what it has done for the start of my career as an artist.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • SAI (Sigma Alpha Iota) – President
  • University of Tennessee Opera Theatre
  • Knoxville Opera
  • Exercising
  • Playing pickleball
  • Hanging out with friends
  • Traveling

FUN FACT

“I used to live in Buffalo, New York and I am ambidextrous.”