Meet the SPG1 Members for the 2020 – 2021 Performance Season!

Below is a short bio of all the SPG1 members that are a part of this year’s performance season.

Each & every one of them went through a competitive audition process to be involved in the Collective’s elite Special Performance Group 1 (SPG1). Together they will plan, organize, and make up the cast of the Uptown Music Collective’s Fall and Spring Performances. This year, the Uptown Music Collective is facing new challenges and changes as we navigate the execution of our programs through COVID-19 precautions. Stay tuned for our Upcoming Performances!

Click Here to read the 2019 – 2020 SPG1 Online Magazine! (Feel free to Download & Print)

Leah Batman

“I am excited to continue to step out of my comfort zone and push myself this year. Performing with the other members of SPG1 feels electric. It always boosts my mood, and confidence to play around with the people I know and love. I’m mostly looking forward to Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers Show.” … Leah.

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Leah Batman is 15 and in 10th grade with Laurel Springs School. She has been studying at the Collective for seven years and currently takes vocal lessons with Mallory Scoppa-Gardner and guitar lessons with Dave. She has been part of CPGs Backbeatz, 8trax, and Wood & Ivory, and you’ll see her shine on vocals in her fifth year with SPG1.

Billy Bellino

“I’m excited to get back to playing great music on the CAC stage with my closest friends this year. Being in SPG1 has taught me a lot about setting priorities straight, and keeping my life organized. Rehearsing and performing with the group brings me a certain kind of joy and satisfaction that nothing else can recreate.” … Billy.

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Billy Bellino is 17 and is a junior at Danville Area High School. He has studied drums at the Collective with Bobby Leidhecker for two years, participated in the CPG groups Crystal Visions and CL Blues and the Company. This will be his second season on stage with SPG1, and you’ll see him both behind the set and on the mic.

Matthew Bellino

“Ever since I came to the Collective I always wanted to be on a big stage and be in SPG1. Being part of the group this year, I feel excited and anxious at the same time. I am excited to play in front of people, and I think I will learn more about time management and responsibility. Mostly, I’m looking forward to the Steely Dan show.” … Matthew.

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13-year-old Matthew Bellino is a first-year performer with our SPG1 group. He is in 7th grade at St. Joseph High School in Danville and has been a student at the Collective for three years. He studies bass with Levi Stover and played in the CPG Vinyl Rewind.

Sylvie Briggs

“As a writer and a player, it’s just an awesome outlet. Even as a listener, music is very powerful because the best of it comes from the soul of the musician and goes directly to the soul of the listeners. Genres and tastes vary with every person, but for each of us, really finding the music you enjoy… It’s like unlocking a piece of your purpose somehow. Once you’re sure of what you’re doing, performing and practicing is a very driving experience. Rehearsing is hard work, but knowing how much it will pay off in the future is quite encouraging.” … Sylvie.

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A first-year guitarist in SPG1, 16-year-old Sylvie Briggs is currently in her senior year of high school and is also enrolled in classes through Penn State University. She’s studied at the Collective for four years, taking vocal lessons from Haley Miller and guitar lessons from Dave.

Izzy Brumbaugh

“I’m excited to be in SPG1 again because I love performing, especially with my friends, and I just love everything the Collective provides.. I always look forward to the process of putting the show together to actually playing the songs on stage. I love the atmosphere and the energy that everyone in the group brings to the rehearsals and on the stage. I’m most looking forward to the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan show.” … Izzy.

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17-year-old Isabelle Brumbaugh is a senior at Williamsport Area High School and has been taking lessons at the Collective for 11 years. Her 9-year tenure with SPG1 makes her a familiar face on the stage, and she has also played with CPGs Urban souls, The Duo, 70s Threshold, The 3rd Street Blues Band, and Crystal visions. She takes piano lessons from Steve Adams.

Isabel Butters

“The Collective has given me so many opportunities that I could not get anywhere else. I love hanging out with my best friends, and doing what I love the most… playing music! I also love that I get the opportunity to perform in front of a ton of people that are not my family.” … Izzy.

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Isabel Butters is in 8th grade at Loyalsock Middle School and, at 13, is one of the youngest performers in the group. She has been a student at the Collective for four years, taking vocal lessons from Stacia Abernatha and guitar lessons from Willi Ort. You’ll see her for the second year grabbing the mic on stage with SPG1.

Molly Chapman

“I’m excited to be playing music again. It’s been so long and I’m just beyond ecstatic at the idea of performing with my friends again. From SPG1 I’ve learned a lot of time management, responsibility, and leadership. This year, I’ll be learning how to cope with situations out of my direct control and make creative solutions.” … Molly.

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Molly Chapman is 18 and in her senior year at Montoursville Area High School. She has been taking guitar lessons from Dave and vocal lessons from Stacia Abernatha for 10 years, performing with CPG groups Blue Envy, Backbeatz, Sonic Wall Party, and Vinyl Rewind. 2020-2021 will be her fifth year in SPG1.

Isabella Cole

“My favorite past performance was “Time in a Bottle” because I grew up listening to that music and have always dreamed of performing it. Also, I got to play the dulcimer! This year, the Women of R&B show is the one I’m super excited for because the girls are going to be able to showcase their power and ability in every single song. I know I will really appreciate this year since it will be my last one at the Collective.” … Isabella.

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Isabella Cole is 17 and is a senior at Loyalsock Township High School. A familiar face on the UMC stage, she has been performing both vocals and keys with SPG1 for seven years. She currently takes vocal lessons from Mallory Scoppa-Gardner, and has also studied voice and keyboard with Kim Adair over her eight and half year tenure as a student. Isabella has performed with a number of our CPG groups: Urban Souls, Just Jazz, 7 Wonders, Midnight Soul, Sonic Wall Party, and Crystal Visions.

Abigail Colone

“I took a break from big shows for a year and I realized how much I loved them and how much fun I had doing them. I did a Motown show when I was 11 in April of 2015 (soooooo long ago) so I’d consider myself a new-comer. I’m REALLY pumped to learn all the new techniques I know Dave has in store for me, and I’m excited to develop as a performer and as a musician. When we play with the SPG1 group, I feel like everyone corresponds with one another and I think the energy in the room will be contagious.” … Abby.

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Abby Colone is 16 and is a sophomore at Loyalsock Township High School. She has been a student at the Collective for ten years and takes vocal lessons with Kim Adair. She has played with CPG The Backbeatz and this is her first official season as a vocalist with SPG1.

Chase Cowden

“I am really excited to begin to perform and make music again. I’ve missed it a lot during COVID. Everyone in SPG1 wants to play the music and wants to play it to the best of their abilities, and that’s something that I love to take a part in” … Chase.

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Chase Cowden is 14 and entering his 4th year of drum study with Adam Westover at the Collective. He attends Loyalsock Township Highschool where he is a freshman and will grace the SPG1 performance stage for his second year behind the set. He has also played with our CPG Mini Motown.

Connor Evans

“The SPG 1 program has always been a dream of mine to be a part of from when I first saw the Collective perform. I am excited to be part of the group again because of the bonds I have formed and the development of not only my music but also my personality. The others I get to perform and rehearse with are like my second family and they are supportive of me and each other. So far, my favorite Collective performance is definitely Aerosmith. The energy was great and performing it was a lot of fun.” … Connor.

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Drummer Connor Evans is 15 and a sophomore at Williamsport Area High School. He is a three-year student of UMC instructor Bobby Leidhecker, has played with the CPG Crystal Visions, and is a second-year SPG1 performer.

Collin Franzen

“My involvement with SPG1 has helped me to better myself as a person and as a musician. In a way, it feels like a second family. When we work together, I feel excited and confident in the music we make. This year, I’m most excited about the Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers show.” … Collin.

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16-year-old Collin Franzen is in 11th grade at Williamsport Area Highschool. He has been a student at the Collective for five years, studying drums with Jesse Roedts, and has played in CPGs 8 Trax, Sonic Wall Party, and Vinyl Rewind. 2020-2021 will be his third year as a member of SPG1.

Dominic Fredin

“I’m excited to be in SPG1 again this year because I love the feeling I get when I’m playing music with my friends. I remember watching SPG1 as a TechMonkey, yearning for the day I got to be on the stage. When we’re performing, I get a feeling matched by no other feeling…nothing else matters, it is just us, the music, and the crowd.“ … Dominic.

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Dominic Fredin is a 17-year-old senior, attending Montoursville Area School District online. He has been a student at the Collective for five years where he has studied guitar with Dave. During his work with UMC, he has participated in several Community Performance Groups; 8 Trax, Eyes of Disarray, and CL Blues and the Company. The 2020-2021 season is his third with SPG1, and you’ll see him rocking guitar and vocals.

Rian Gephart

“I wanted to be a part of SPG1 because I think I will gain a lot of confidence and become so much better of a performer. I am excited because I want to learn new things and how to be responsible and get to work with everyone. I think I’ll learn the importance of responsibility and some new music.” … Rian.

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Rian Gephart is 12 years old and in 7th grade in the Montoursville Area School District. She takes vocal lessons from Mallory Scoppa-Gardner and has studied at the Collective for 6 years. She sang with the CPG Mini Motown and is going to experience her first major performances this year in SPG1.

Gabreon Godin

“Music is the best thing in my life and performing at the level that this group requires gives me more than I could ever ask for. The collective gives me the dreams I want to achieve that I otherwise could never do. Without the Collective, sure I could know how to play guitar but making music and performing that music is a skill only they can give me the high level they offer. It’s extraordinary how much they offer and whatever happens in the future I will owe to them.” … Gabreon.

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Gabreon Godin is 15 and is a freshman at Williamsport Area High School. A student of the Collective for seven years and a 3-year veteran of SPG1, he studies guitar with Dave and has been part of the CPG groups CL Blues and the Company and Eyes of Disarray. He will be playing guitar and bass in our major performances.

Sage Gurski

“I’m excited about everything about my first year in SPG1. I’m excited to be in a room with other musicians more often than before and to make bonds that are invaluable. Being in SPG1 means that I get to be around other serious musicians who enjoy and have a love for music. I’m already realizing that when we rehearse, we are unified, and there is no better place to be than beside all the other musicians in this group. I think I will learn to be a better musician this year.” … Sage.

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Sage Gurski is 15 and in tenth grade at Danville Area High School. A first-year SPG1 vocalist, she has been studying with Stacia Abernatha for three years at the Collective and has performed with the CPG Crystal Visions.

Andrew Head

“I am really excited to take on the adversity that will face us with the current coronavirus problem. Music can truly get you through anything in life. Whenever you need it, music is there for you, and this year, we need music more than ever.” … Andrew.

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Andrew Head is 17 and a senior at Montoursville Area High School. He has studied at the Collective for seven years and is entering his fourth year as a bassist with SPG1. He takes lessons from Dave and has played with CPGs Backbeatz, Sonic Wall Party, and Crystal Visions.

Anthony LaCerra

“I love the Collective. It gives me the privilege to perform on the CAC stage, and it allows me to learn and create music with my peers. As part of SPG1, I get to perform on stage and meet new people. I have learned discipline and time management. This year, I’m most excited to play Steely Dane, and I know I will learn how to become a better leader and a better performer.” … Anthony.

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Anthony LaCerra is 16 and a junior at Loyalsock Township High School. He has studied guitar with Dave for three and a half years and has played with both The 3rd Street Blues Band and CL Blues and the Company. The 2020-2021 season will be his third playing with the SPG1 group, and you’ll see him rocking on both guitar and drums.

Ella Lamey

“I’m excited to do larger performances with new friends this year. I get, like, this rush and once I get comfortable on stage I feel like I’m where I need to be. I think I will learn better time management. Music just makes me feel like I’m one with everything.”… Ella.

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Ella LaMey is 16 years old and a junior at Williamsport Area High School. She has been taking voice lessons with Haley Miller for 6 years and will be one of our vocalists for her first season in SPG1. You may recognize her from her participation in the CPG Vinyl Rewind.

Jossian Lilley

“This year, I’m excited to learn how to play as a group in music that I’ve never gotten to work with before – I’m especially looking forward to the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. I’m also excited to play on a scale that I’ve never achieved before. With the group, I feel like I’m amongst my own people. There aren’t a lot of people that I know that enjoy and understand music the same way I do, and when playing with this fantastic group of people, I really feel at home.” … Jossian.

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Jossian Lilley is a 15-year-old freshman at Loyalsock Township Highschool who has been a guitar student with Dave for two and a half years. He played with CPG Vinyl Rewind and is excited for his first year as a guitarist with SPG1.

Emma Luke

“I love music because it gives me a way to express myself without using words. I get to use my emotions to connect through songs. Playing music together brings such joy to all of us, and I feel like I am unstoppable when I’m on stage.” … Emma.

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Emma Luke is 16 and in 11th grade at Loyalsock Township High School. She has taken vocal lessons for four years from Mallory Scoppa-Gardner and will be a second-year vocalist in SPG1. She sings with the CPG Vinyl Rewind.

Cassidy Lutz

“Music inspires me everyday. I wanted to be a part of SPG1 because it’s fun to learn songs and play them for people on stage. Last year, I loved the Time in a Bottle show, and this year I am excited to play some more high energy music with my friends this year and am especially looking forward to Steely Dan.” … Cassidy.

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Cassidy Lutz is a 15-year-old sophomore at Loyalsock High School. He takes bass lessons at the Collective with Levi Stover and has been studying with us for five years. The 2020-2021 season will be his second with SPG1. He has also played with the CPG Mini Motown.

Stevie Nappi

“Originally, I wanted to be a part of SPG1 so that I could meet new people and learn to be a better musician and performer. I have learned so many skills from being in SPG1: responsibility, teamwork, time management, and preparation. I think this year will push my boundaries and help me step even further outside my comfort zone to do the best job I can. The group has helped me grow as a person and performer and I’m excited to be back into playing with my friends again.” … Stevie.

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Stephanie Nappi is 16 years old and is a sophomore at Williamsport Area High School. She has studied vocal performance with Mallory Scoppa-Gardner for four years and was part of our Wood ‘n Ivory CPG. This will be her second year in SPG1 – you’ll see her on the mic and behind the keys on stage.

Tyler Noaker

“This year, I’m excited to direct a show, watch it all come together, and perform it. Being in SPG1 has taught me that if we all do our part and work together as a team, we can do incredible things. I have the opportunity to learn more about leadership and putting a show together from the very beginning when it’s still just a thought. Mostly, I’m excited for our Steely Dan show.” … Tyler.

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Tyler Noaker is 18 and a recent graduate of Lewisburg Area School District. He is in his third year of guitar lessons with Dave and vocal lessons with Stacia Abernatha. He played with the CPG Crystal Visions, and our 2020-2021 season will be his second playing guitar with SPG1.

Luke O’Brien

“I’m excited to get to work with a lot of the people who’ve become my friends from tech monkeying so many shows, and of course to play for a large crowd. I hope to learn more performance skills and just generally become a better player of songs.

I feel very exhilarated when we rehearse and play; people are usually well-rehearsed and the music just feels tight.” … Luke.

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Luke O’Brien has been taking lessons at the Collective for four years and studies guitar with Dave. A sophomore at Loyalsock Township high school, he is 16 and a first-year SPG1 and he has also played with the CPG Mini Motown.

Gavin Paulhamus

“When we play, I feel like a true Rockstar. It is truly the most fun I have ever had. I feel like we are all connected, playing as one unit, and it really is an amazing feeling. I have learned so much about leadership through the Collective and I feel I will learn even more about it this year being a senior. I can’t wait to continue improving my playing.” … Gavin.

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Gavin Paulhamus is 17 and a senior attending Hughesville High School. He has been a student at the Collective for five years where he studies guitar with Dave. His third year in SPG1, you’ll see him rocking bass, guitar, and vocals – and maybe the harmonica too.

Maren Snow

“SPG1 offers the amazing and unique opportunity for me to play great music with extremely talented musicians (who are my age!) for audiences of over 2,000 people. Being part of the group, I’ve learned commitment and dedication to things that I’m working on. I think this year I will work especially on leadership.” … Maren.

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Maren Snow is 18 and a senior at Lewisburg Area High School. She has been studying with the Collective since she was in 6th grade and is entering her third year as a vocalist and bassist with SPG1. She takes lessons with Mallor Scoppa-Gardner and Levi Stover and will play with her first CPG group this year.

Watch the Latest Videos of Our Students

Many of our SPG1 students perform throughout these videos!

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