About us

About the Bands

Dr. Galen S. Karriker

Dr. Galen S. Karriker
Director of Bands

More about Dr. Karriker

Michelle Bell-02.jpg

Dr. Michelle Bell
Assistant Director of Bands

More about Dr. Michelle Bell

BAND STAFF

Abby Noyes

Abby Noyes

Abby Noyes is in her second year as a Music Education major at the University of Akron. She studies flute with Dr. Lindsay-Leach Sparks. Abby participates in “Ohio’s Pride” Marching band, concert band, and flute choir. Abby also has a donkey and loves thrifting.

Cameron Abeyta

Cameron Abeyta

Cameron Abeyta is a graduate music education student and serves as a Band Graduate Assistant. He received his Bachelor of Music Education and Music Performance from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. Prior to attending The University of Akron Cameron Abeyta served as the Director of Bands at Kirtland Middle School, Kirtland Elementary School, and Judy Nelson Elementary School in Kirtland, New Mexico.

Elyce Enrique

Elyce Enrique

Elyce Enrique is in her third year at the University of Akron double-majoring music education and flute performance. She also studies music composition with Dr. James Wilding. Elyce is the head drum major of the Ohio’s Pride Marching Band, and she also is a member of the Wind Symphony, Flute Choir, Concert Choir, and UA Summer Band. Elyce is a huge dog person and loves to go hiking and thrifting.

José Howard-Guerra

José Howard-Guerra

José Howard-Guerra is a second year euphonium performance major at the university of Akron. He studies euphonium under Dr. Chris Blaha and trombone as well. He has participated in Akron’s Tuba-Euphonium ensemble, Symphony band, Concert choir, jazz band, and will be marching in Ohio’s Pride Marching Band.

Kristen Flinner

Kristen Flinner

Kristen Flinner is in her third year at The University of Akron earning a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a minor in Psychology. Kristen has performed in Wind Symphony, “Ohio’s Pride” Marching Band, Flute Choir, Concert Choir, and UA Summer Band. Kristen’s fun fact is that she was born on International Marching Band Day!

Lacey Kinsey

Lacey Kinsey

Lacey Kinsey is a graduate music education student and serves as a Band Graduate Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The University of Akron in December 2019. She taught K-5 general music and 5-12 Band at Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools for two years before returning to Akron to pursue a master’s degree.

Sarah Plain

Sarah Plain

Sarah Plain is in her third year at the University of Akron majoring in Music Education. She studies trumpet with Dr. James Johnson and has played in several ensembles that the school offers, such as UA’s Symphony Band, Concert Choir, Trumpet Ensemble (that competed at the national level last spring) Blue and Gold Brass, and the Ohio’s Pride Marching Band. Sarah has two cats and loves playing video games and reading.

OUR OFFICE

Sheri Simone, Administrative Assistant
ssimone@uakron.edu

The University of Akron — UA Bands
157 University Ave.
Akron, OH 44325-1002

Contact us
Email: gsk1@uakron.edu
Office: 330-972-6919
Fax: 330-972-5488
Director: 330-972-6180
Assistant Director: 330-972-6186
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