From 2020 to 2022, I had the pleasure of being the Music Director of Note-oriety, James Madison University’s premier upper voices a cappella group.

My formal responsibilities as MD were to conduct the group as we sang, teach members new music, make rehearsal plans, decide on set lists for gigs, continuously update our repertoire, and make executive music decisions.

However, the responsibility that meant the most to me was leading the group alongside the President at the time. As a leader, it is up to me to walk into a rehearsal room and set the tone and expectations. I strived to be a leader that prioritized kindness and understanding while knowing when and how to put my foot down when I needed to. I wanted our rehearsal space to be a brave space — one where we could be honest with one another in vocalizing our needs while remaining respectful and empathetic towards each other’s individual walks of life.

I wanted Note-oriety to feel like more than just an organization on campus. When we share music, we reach beneath the surface to connect with one another, and no other experience can compare to ones we share with one another.

check out some of our gigs below!