Meet the COLLECTIVE’S SPG1 Members of the
2022-2023 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 plan, organize, REHEARSE and make up the cast of the Uptown Music Collective’s Fall and Spring Performances.

Leah Batman

Leah Batman is 17 and is a senior at Laurel Springs School. This is her 7th year in SPG1. Leah is a singer and guitarist in SPG1.  Leah takes Guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“Dave always encourages me to never reach for less than my full potential. He pushes me in a way that challenges and motivates me to be a better musician, person, and student every day.” – Leah.

  Leah has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 9 years.

Matt Bellino

Matthew Bellino is 15 and in 9th grade at Danville Area High School.  This will be his third year in SPG1. 

Matthew is a bass player in SPG1.  Matthew takes bass lessons from Dave.

“My favorite thing about Dave is his determination to make me a better player.” – Matt.

Matthew has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 6 years.

Tixo Bower

Tixo Bower is 15 and is in 10th grade at home school. This is his 2nd year in SPG1. Tixo is a guitarist and bass player in SPG1.  He takes Guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“My favorite workshop is Jazz Workshop. I learn improvisation and being able to play with my ear.” – Tixo.

  Tixo has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 3 years.

Isabel Butters

Isabel Butters is 15 and in 10th grade at Loyalsock Township High School. This will be her 4th year in SPG1. Izzy is a singer and guitarist in SPG1. She takes voice lessons from Stacia Abernatha.

“My favorite collective performance was Women of R&B because it is my favorite type of music. It was super exciting to participate in a show that showcases female vocals.“ – Isabel.

Isabel has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 6 years.

Abby Colone

Abby Colone is 18 and a senior at Loyalsock Township High School.  This will be Abby’s  3rd year in SPG1. Abby is a singer and keyboard player in SPG1.  Abby takes piano lessons from Haley Miller.

“There is only one place other than my own home that I feel I can be my true self and that’s the collective. The collective is a part of my life now and will be forever.” – Abby.

Abby has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 11 years. 

Chase Cowden

Chase Cowden is 16 and in 11th grade at Loyalsock Township High school. This will be his 4th year in SPG1. Chase is a drummer and keyboard player in SPG1. He takes drum lessons from Bobby Leidhecker and piano lessons from Taylor Flemming.

“I am excited to put on the major performance shows. Though that may seem like an easy answer, I am excited about the work we put in. Everything about the show, the students have a say in. The set, the assignments, the lights, the performance, etc, all stem from our ideas. This makes the end product filled with satisfaction, and that feeling is what we all look forward to.“ – Chase.

Chase has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 8 years.

Connor Evans

Connor Evans is 17 and in 12th grade at Williamsport Area High School. This will be his 4th year in SPG1. Connor is a drummer in SPG1. He takes drum lessons from Bobby Leidhecker.

“My favorite performance was Good Times, Bad Times: The Music of Led Zeppelin because it was the first time I really got to become the best I could be at that time. It was a show that had some of my favorite songs and it helped me become more confident. That show, to me, was everything I could’ve wanted. The performance I am most excited about this year is the Southern Rock show because I get to direct the show. I’ve always been a huge fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, and other bands or artists in this style. This music was always very special to me, and being able to direct it has made this the show I am most excited for.” – Connor.

Connor has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 5 years.

Ben Feuerstein

Ben Feuerstein is 17 and is a senior at Lewisburg Area High School. This is his 3rd year in SPG1.  Ben is a guitarist in SPG1.  He takes Guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“The most thing that I appreciate about Dave is his insight into how music can be a career.” – Ben.

  Ben has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 4 years.

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Isaac Fleury

Isaac Fleury is 18 and is a senior at Canton Junior/Senior High School. This is his 2nd year in SPG1.  Isaac is a keyboard player and singer in SPG1.  He takes vocal lessons from Haley Miller, keyboard lessons from Taylor Flemming, and guitar lessons from Willi Ort.

“My favorite things about my teachers are Haley’s charisma and kindness, Taylor’s piano fluency and jazz knowledge, and Willi’s sense of humor and organization.” – Isaac.

 Isaac has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 4 years.

Gabreon Godin

Gabreon Godin is 17 and is in 11th grade at Williamsport Area High School. This is his 6th year in SPG1.  Gabreon is a guitarist in SPG1.  He takes guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“SPG1 groups have been a home to many and it has been a home for me just the same. It has brought so many people together that never would have crossed paths otherwise and created a very strong family. There’s so much selflessness in the Collective and I feel so blessed to be here.” – Gabreon.

Gabreon has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 9 years.

Grace Godin

Grace Godin is 13 and is in 8th grade at Williamsport Area Middle School. This is her 2nd year in SPG1.  Grace is a singer in SPG1.  She takes voice lessons from Haley Miller.

“I’m excited to be in SPG1 because of my growth from last year. Throughout my time in the previous year, both my musical abilities and maturity grew. It frustrates me, but I still have a long way to go. I’m excited to see where I am at the end of this. I’m constantly learning small tactics to improve my musical and vocal skills. Work ethic is also a major focus point of what I’m learning and actively improving.” – Grace.

  Grace has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 6 years.

Abby Jamison

Abby Jamison is 15 and is in 10th grade at Williamsport Area High School. This is her 2nd year in SPG1.  Abby is a singer in SPG1.  She takes voice lessons from Stacia Abernatha.

“I love music because it makes me feel like I’m the only person on earth. I know when having a stressful day I can just turn on some music and sing.” – Abby.

  Abby has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 7 years.

Brendan Kuriga

Brendan Kuriga is 16 and is in 11th grade at South Williamsport High School. This is his 2nd year in SPG1.  Brendan is a guitarist in SPG1.  He takes guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“My favorite part about the Collective is that I always feel like I belong. Everyone there, whether it’s the students or staff, are amazing to me, and I am so grateful for everyone.” – Brendan.

  Brendan has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 7 years.

Duncan Larson

Duncan Larson is 17 and is a senior at Loyalsock Township High School. This is his 2nd year in SPG1.  Duncan is a guitarist, drummer, and bass player in SPG1.  He takes guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh and drum lessons from Jesse Roedts.

“Performing live in a rehearsal room or on a stage is truly a feeling like no other. Having bandmates that all share the same passion for music makes playing with them a magical experience. I couldn’t imagine my life without them and I am infinitely grateful for the opportunity.” – Duncan.

  Duncan has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 4 years.

Jossian Lilley

Jossian Lilley is 17 and is in 11th grade at Loyalsock Township High School. This is his 3rd year in SPG1.  Jossian is a guitarist, singer, and keyboard player in SPG1.  He takes guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“Performing with other SPG1 members makes me feel invincible. The energy that bounces from one of us to another is what makes Collective performances special.” – Jossian.

  Jossian has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 5 years.

Cassidy Lutz

Cassidy Lutz is 17 and is a senior at Loyalsock Township High School. This is his 4th year in SPG1. Cassidy is a bass player and singer in SPG1.  He takes bass lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“I love being surrounded by musicians who are also my peers in a place where everyone is accepted and loved for who they are.”

– Cassidy.

  Cassidy has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 7 years.

Anna Maffei

Anna Maffei is 18 and is a senior at Danville Area High School. This is her first year in SPG1.  Anna is a guitarist and bass player in SPG1.  She takes guitar lessons from Willi Ort.

“I love to perform with other members. I have formed some great friendships and playing music with them is such a special experience. They inspire me to do my best.” – Anna.

  Anna has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 3 years.

Calistra Mahoney

Calistra Mahoney is 17 and is a freshman at Penn College. This is her second year in SPG1.  Cali is a singer and keyboard player in SPG1.  She takes voice lessons from Haley Miller.

“I’m excited to be in SPG1 because I get to do what I love almost every day. Something I’ve learned while being in SPG is how to become more comfortable with myself and confident in what I do, and I believe this year I will learn even more about that.” – Cali.

  Cali has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 7 years.

Owen Miller

Owen Miller is 15 and is in 10th grade at Williamsport Area High School. This is his first year in SPG1. Owen is a drum player in SPG1.  He takes drum lessons from Bobby Leidhecker.

“My most anticipated show this year is Free Bird: A Tribute to Southern Rock because I grew up with Southern Rock and I’m very excited to perform one of my favorite genres of music on the CAC stage.” – Owen.

  Owen has been enrolled as a student at the Uptown Music Collective for 3 years.

Read More about Leah!

Stephanie Nappi

Stephanie Nappi is 18 and a senior at Pa Cyber School.  This will be her 4th year in SPG1. Stephanie is a singer and keyboard player in SPG1.  Stephanie takes Keyboard lessons from Taylor. 

“When I am performing with the other SPG1 members it boosts my mood and confidence to play around with people I know and love. They help me push past what I think I am capable of and encourage me to always do my best.” –Stevie.

 Stephanie has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 7 years. 

Luke O’Brien

Luke O’Brien is 18 and a senior at Loyalsock Township High School.  This will be Luke’s 3rd year in SPG1. Luke is a singer and guitarist in SPG1.  Luke takes Guitar lessons from Dave Brumbaugh.

“I think that the most meaningful part about the Collective is the way that people of such young ages are able to aspire to something very large and play at such a professional level. I feel that going into college I will be so much more prepared for handling large workloads and planning out long-term goals.” – Luke. 

 Luke has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 6 years. 

Scarlet O’Brien

Scarlet O’Brien is 15 and in 9th grade at Loyalsock Township High School.  This will be her second year in SPG1. Scarlet is a singer in SPG1.  She takes vocal lessons from Isabella Cole.

“I love being a part of the collective because it’s taught me a lot of things that I use in everyday life and it’s created amazing memories and friendships that I will cherish forever.” – Scarlet.

Scarlet  has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 9 years. 

Carter Rogers

Carter is 16 and in 11th grade at Muncy High School.  This will be Carter’s first year in SPG1. Carter is a singer and guitarist in SPG1.  Carter takes guitar lessons from Willi Ort.

“Music moves me in all aspects of my life, I do my homework to music, I drive to music, I wash dishes to music, and so on; without music I’d be lost!” – Carter.

Carter has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 2 years now.

Gianna Waldman

Gianna Waldman is 15 and in 10th grade at Montoursville Area High School. This will be Gianna’s first year in SPG1. Gianna is a drummer in SPG1. Gianna takes drum lessons from Jessie Roedts.

“I think that the friends that I have made over the years has to be why I love the Collective. Even when I wasn’t in SPG1, I still felt like I was part of a family because everyone was so nice to me. One of my favorite memories for Uptown was when I walked around the corner to go to my auditions and Leah Batman stood up and said, “Wait, you’re trying out this year?” When I said yes she started freaking out because she was excited. Memories like this are why I love the Collective.”

Gianna has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 4 and 1/2 years.

Leah Batman
SPG1 2021-2022

Leah Batman is 16 and in 11th grade at Laurel Springs. This will be Leah’s 6th year in SPG1 on vocals. Leah takes guitar lessons from Dave. Leah’s favorite thing about Dave is that “he holds all of us to a high standard, but one he knows we are capable of achieving. He never stops pushing us to be our best selves.” Leah has been at the Uptown Music Collective for 8 years.

Leah’s favorite class or workshop was/is the vocal workshop (Indigroove) because “It gave me so many performance opportunities, such as gigs and open mic nights; it allowed me to grow as a vocalist alongside my friends; and it taught me how to give and receive constructive criticism from my peers.” Leah has performed with CPG groups Backbeatz, 8trax and Wood & Ivory, and is currently in Double Barrel. 

Leah has teched through our Tech Monkey program for 4 major performances and has performed in 19 performances: 

  • Permanent Waves: The Music of Rush
  • King of Pop: HIStory
  • The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust
  • Life in the Fast Lane: The Story of the Eagles 
  • Women of Rock: The Music of Hart and Pat Benatar
  • Southbound: A Tribute to Southern Rock
  • UMC Unplugged: Generation Grunge
  • Gimme Shelter: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones
  • More Than a Feeling: 70’s Arena Rock
  • 25 or 6 to 4: The Music of Chicago and Friends
  • Women of Pop: 21st Century Divas
  • Runnin’ Down a Dream: The Music of Tom Petty
  • Walk this Way: The Music of Aerosmith
  • Captain Fantastic and the Piano Man: Billy Joel and Elton John
  • Time in a Bottle: Singer/Songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s
  • Reelin’ In The Years: The Music of Steely Dan & The Doobie Brothers 
  • The Long Run: The Music of the Eagles
  • Good Times Bad Times: Music of Led Zeppelin
  • Respect: The Women of R&B

 

Interview Questions below with Leah:

  • – Why are you excited to be in SPG1? What have you learned by being in SPG1 or, if this is your first year, what do you think you will learn this year in SPG1?

I’m excited to be in SPG1 because when I was little, I would go to Collective shows and wish I was the one performing on that stage. I idolized a lot of the older kids and so when I got into the group my first year, it was a dream come true. Not only has being in SPG1 been fun, but it has helped me grow immensely as a musician, performer, and person. It has helped my confidence grow, as well as my leadership skills, time management, work ethic, commitment, responsibility, persistence, team work, and so much more. It has given me the opportunity to be a part of the leadership committee, which has allowed me to learn the business side of putting on shows, such as sales and marketing, as well as the behind-the-scenes part of putting on shows like stage plots, lighting, costumes, and theatrics. I am excited to continue to step out of my comfort zone and push myself this year. Every year that I’m granted the opportunity to return to the performance group is just as exciting as it was my first year getting in. 

  • – Favorite Collective performance so far (even if you were not in the performance) & why? What performance are you most excited about this year & why?

There are a lot of shows that I would consider my favorites, but I think my all-time favorite would have to be Walk This Way: The Music of Aerosmith. The energy that was on stage the second night of the show was unparalleled to anything we had ever done before. 

  • – How do you feel when you perform with other SPG1 members?

Performing with the other members of SPG1 feels electric. Playing music and performing with people who love it just as much as you do is incredible. It always boosts my mood and confidence to play around with people I know and love. 

  • – Why do you love music? 

I love music for many reasons. No matter what is happening in my life, whether it be good or bad, I can always turn to music and use it to express myself. I love music because, although it’s constantly evolving and gifting us with new songs, bands, and artists, we never lose touch with the older ones. It can form connections between people and never fails to bring people together. It is and will always be the universal language.

  • – Why are you grateful for the sponsors that donate to the shows that you get to perform in? 

I am grateful for the sponsors that donate to our shows because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love. They really do help us get one step closer to our dreams, day by day, and I don’t think we would have achieved the great milestones we have made as a performance program without their support.

  • – Why do you love the Collective? 

I love the Collective because it has become my second home over the years and has given me an amazing support system built up of students, staff, instructors, and parents, all of whom I consider to be family. The Collective has allowed me to meet my best friends and gives me opportunities I would never have gotten anywhere else. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be the musician or person I am today if it weren’t for the Collective. For all of these reasons, I love the Collective. 

 

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