Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

Preston Turner

by

Preston Turner

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Dallas, GA

MAJOR

Music Education, Minor(s): Music Theory and Music Composition

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

Collegiate Director

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I couldn’t see myself in any other career!”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Pride of the Southland Marching Band

FUN FACT

“I write music for the marching band!”

Sydney Flenniken

by

Sydney Flenniken

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Seymour, TN

MAJOR

Music Education, ’27

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

High School Director

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I’ve always loved music, and teaching always seemed like an incredible outlet for me to be able to express that. All while being able to help build that love in the next generations.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Assistant Drum Major for Pride of the Southland Marching Band
  • Hiking
  • Tending to my plants
  • Hanging with my cat <3

FUN FACT

“My favorite animal is a puffin!”

Rose Capooth

by

Rose Capooth

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Collierville, TN

MAJOR

Music Education, ’26

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

Collegiate level French Horn Professor, while continuing to perform in local ensembles (orchestras/bands/chamber groups).

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I chose Music Education to continue building and refining my skills as a teacher and a performer. This degree sets a very sound foundation for any level of Music Education I choose to pursue, which was intriguing for me because I had not quite settled my aspirations on one grade level. The Music Education path has been a fundamental part of my growth as a musician and person throughout college.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Squad Leader in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band
  • Resident Assistant in Fred Brown Hall
  • Member of the National Residence Hall Honorary

FUN FACT

“I have a fish named Lobster who is going on seven years old!”

Reagan Imwalle

by

Reagan Imwalle

Major: Music Education

HOMETOWN

Cleveland, OH

MAJOR

Music Education, ’27

PERSONAL CAREER INTERESTS

Teaching and Performing

REASON I CHOSE MY MAJOR

“I want to teach kids through music and show them how much of an impact it truly has on their lives.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • ReVOlution A Cappella group – member 
  • Choir – member

FUN FACT

“I have been to Southern India for a traditional Indian wedding.”

Matthew Walker

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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!”