School of Music

Pursue Your Passion

Category: Alumni Spotlight

  • Alumna Spotlight: Lori Mechem
    January 12, 2020 by

    Lori Mechem graduated from Ball State in 1986 with a bachelor degree in Jazz Performance. Lori and her husband, Roger Spencer founded the Nashville Jazz Institute in 1998 with very little money and a handful of students. Lori is currently the Founder and Education Director of The Nashville Jazz Workshop; one of the leading non-profit […]

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  • Alumna Spotlight: JoAnn Rediger
    October 11, 2019 by

    Dr. JoAnn Rediger received her Bachelors degree from Taylor University in 1971; her MMEd degree from James Madison University in 1981 and a DA from Ball State University in 1994. She recently retired after many years of service to Taylor University as the choral director. Dr. Rediger answers questions about her experience from Ball State […]

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  • Rebecca Sorley headshot

    Alumna Spotlight: Rebecca Sorley, D.A. ’96
    June 27, 2019 by

    Rebecca Sorley is originally from Indianapolis and completed her Doctor of Arts degree in piano performance at Ball State in 1996. She currently serves as Professor of Music at the University of Indianapolis. What opportunities attracted you to Ball State?   I liked how the program prepared me to be a university professor – especially with […]

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  • headshot of Michael Pettry

    Alumnus Spotlight: Michael Pettry Discusses Arts Administration
    May 14, 2019 by

    Alumnus Michael Pettry holds a bachelor’s degree in pipe organ performance from Ball State University and a master’s degree in conducting from Butler University. He currently serves as Vice President of Development for the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN. He previously served as Executive Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir for 13 […]

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  • Rebekah Weaver headshot

    Alumna Spotlight: Rebekah Weaver, B.S. ’04 and M.M. ’06
    March 29, 2019 by

    We recently interviewed Rebekah Weaver about her experience at Ball State and how it shaped her career. Rebekah graduated in 2004 with a B.S. in Instrumental Music Education and in 2006 with a M.M. in Percussion Performance. Where are you originally from and what major were you when you attended Ball State?  I was born in Williamsport, […]

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  • Jordan West speaks to audience in Sursa Hall.

    Alumna Spotlight: Jordan West Visits Ball State
    January 30, 2019 by

    Jordan West is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter from Indiana currently based in Los Angeles, CA. She received her B.A. from Ball State in 2014. In October 2018, Jordan visited Ball State as part of the School of Music’s Entrepreneurial Artist Residency Series. She presented a TED Talk, performed, met with a recording class, and […]

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