Matt Carlin '14
Matthew “Optimus” Carlin has never been more thrilled to be a part of something as special as the YellowJackets. As a double major student studying trombone performance and music education at the Eastman School of Music, never did Matthew intend on auditioning for a cappella. In an interview with the New York times he professes that “It was pure fate that plunged [him] into the midst of these a capella demigods.” Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Matt engaged himself with community activities like Juilliard's pre-college youth orchestra and community playhouses as well as his school's show choir. Matt one day hopes to achieve a position in a world-renowned orchestra. As for now, he will strive for stardom by subbing for the the “Old Spice” man and by being a YellowJacket -- for he knows that anything is possible when your man smells like Old Spice and not a lady.
Galen Dole '13
Galen “White Chocolate” Dole and his beautiful baritone voice hail from a small town outside of Seattle called Mukilteo. Raised a classical tubist by the renowned Roger Bobo, he climbed up the hierarchy of tuba players until he earned Seattle’s Young Artist Award and played at such venues as Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. However, at the age of 14, he learned of the University of Rochester’s YellowJackets, and made it his lifelong dream to become a member of this prestigious group. Abandoning brass and focusing on vocal performance, Galen came to Rochester after training in his first award-winning a cappella group, “Ocho Loco.” For now, he plans to follow his musical dreams as well as his passion of theoretical astronomy.
Jordan Fontheim '13
Jordan “Special Agent Bravo” Fontheim is an accredited zoologist and the inventor of Post-It notes, but is most often recognized as the beat-boxer for the Jackets. His resounding beats were sought after to accompany artists such as Kanye West and Mozart, but Fontheim turned them down for the auspicious opportunity to be in the Jackets. Ask him about the Lord of the Rings, and he will likely ask for your hand in marriage. An undecided major of the class of ‘13, Jordan is interested in Psychology and Music. He also enjoys getting facial hair drawn on his face. Hailing from the grand city of Washington D.C., Jordan is a lover of Jazz and his dog, Bart. Jordan is ecstatic to be a part of the YellowJackets crew and is looking forward to working with such dashingly handsome fellows.
Matt Francis '11
Matthew “Franchise” Francis sweats excellence. Due to countless hours put in at the gym preparing for the upcoming Rochester baseball season, he not only has a toned and sculpted body, but the voice to match. Born and raised in East Amherst, New York, his career started fresh out of the womb. He began developing the unbelievable voice skills that have recently graced Rochester by crooning smooth melodies and creative tunes as a youngster. He dominates the math world with his calculator of a brain and is majoring in mathematical statistics. Matt is envied by all because everything he touches turns to gold.
Jon Hurley '14
Once the YellowJackets decided to take music seriously, they wised up and recruited Jonathan "Secret Weapon" Hurley. But really, who wouldn't? Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Jon (not "John") rounds out the group with both his amazing first tenor range and his highly seductive hip hop dance moves. Jon is a man of simple tastes, enjoying Shakespeare, rock climbing, backpacking, bacon, dark chocolate, and Dr. Pepper. Planning to major both in biochemistry and dance at the University of Rochester, Jon can say for certain that even though he has dived to the depths of the ocean, climbed to the highest peaks of hte Rocky Mountains, and even soared to the sun on eagles' wings, no experience will ever compare to his time spent as a YellowJacket!
Dana Huyge '11
Dana Huyge is a violist in bassist's clothing. That's right, he's not actually a singer, but shh! Don't tell anyone! He has studied viola since age four, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, located in the greatest city in the world, AnnArbor. He is looking forward to the humbling experience of being a broke, jobless grad student at the Eastman School of Music. Dana consoles himself with the truth that he is, in fact, 'all that,' and he tries to carry the burden of his
genius as well as he can. It's not as easy as he makes it look.
Jamal Moore '12
Jamal “Fun Size” Moore joins Christopher as the second Southern Belle of the group. Hailing from Augusta, Georgia, Jamal now studies at the Eastman School of Music while he works toward his Vocal Performance degree. This gifted young singer has received countless awards and recognitions for his outstanding gift. Aside from his musical prowess, Jamal is widely respected for his unique and effervescent style along with his massive brush collection, for which he has named every one. From ‘The Verticoli’ to ‘Shlomo’, each brush holds a special place in Jamal’s heart. Jamal also brings his Southern courtesy and respect for elders as he captivates the hearts of everyone he meets.
Ross Pedersen '13
Ross Pedersen's affinity for spandex is only matched by that of his affinity for singing. His adventurous spirit has brought him to the University of Rochester, all the way from the far off town of Fairport, New York. This world record-holding, three-time state champion rower has experienced a lot of thrills in his life, but nothing quite compares to singing tenor in the YellowJackets. Other than rowing and singing, Ross tries to make time for studying economics, with ambitions to one day rule the world.
Michael Pittman '13
How does one describe the voice of Michael Pittman? Flawless, perhaps? Or that of slowly churned butter gracefully melting away from a home baked biscuit? Conceived in Niagara Falls, New York, Michael was a mere fetus when he was hired by Aretha Franklin to sing back up vocals. This led to offers by the Pussy Cat Dolls and other less significant artists such as Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. Clearly due to his astounding range, these offers have led Michael to the YellowJackets, his most prized position yet. During his high school years, Michael tried to tame his unrivaled fame by playing various roles in his high school’s productions, such as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors and Radames in Aida. Michael’s true passion for music shined through his success in fifteen other amateur and professional groups in high school. In his spare time, Michael enjoys recycling, protecting the O-Zone layer, and is excited to study Environmental Science at the University of Rochester.
Danny Rubenstein '11
Danny “Night Hawk” Rubenstein began singing at a young age after a violent water skiing accident left him in a hospital room for six months. Having time on his hands, he embarked upon his journey to master his voice. With help from his musical parents, Danny not only mastered the art of singing but also vocal percussion. Nowadays, this self-taught tenor proudly croons with his hard earned talent. As a Psychology major and Business minor, Danny plans on getting involved in advertising and media, dreaming of one day writing and performing jingles for products and companies worldwide. This semester Danny is on a boat in the Pacific, studying abroad and spreading the news about the YellowJackets.
Aaron Sperber '11
Aaron “Foxxy” Sperber has a deep passion for music that began with the cello, progressed to piano, and then finally voice. He is currently a Vocal Performance major at the Eastman School of Music and an International Relations major at the College. More impressive is his recent award of the “Palest Male” at the University of Rochester. But this esteemed honor is just the tip of the iceberg for this junior scholar/rock star. Often spending eight or more hours in his over-loaded classes, he still makes time for his one major passion in life: the YellowJackets. As the musical director this year, Aaron is bringing the YellowJackets to unprecedented heights with his incredible talent and knowledge of music.
Nicholas Wiggins '11
Nicholas “Dark Temptation” Wiggins is a man of many talents. From beginning his collegiate career commanding the football field, to then enrolling in the Eastman School of Music for Vocal Performance, Nicholas seems to master everything he sets his mind to. This gentle giant has great power and intimidation, yet thankfully he uses his power for good. As the branch manager of the Plattsburg Cutco office, he dominates both his professional and collegiate settings. Nicholas’ ambition, along with his heart-melting operatic melodies, ensures him fame and fortune in the future. But for now, he is busy confirming the YellowJackets’ success for his remaining years in the group.