Breaking Through
By Jenell Anderson Hironimus | Published in the winter 2011-12 issue of Millikin Quarterly magazine.
Jarrett Johnson ’01 planned on becoming a civil or electrical engineer. But that all changed when a friend’s mother suggested Millikin.
Career Field Music Education- Instrumental
Shortly after graduation, Linda went to graduate school at Illinois State University to study college student personnel administration. After graduating with her masters in 2004, Linda worked for four years at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois.
Career Field Commercial Music; B.S. Accounting
Following graduation, Darice worked as a cost accountant for Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur, IL before moving to Santa Monica, CA where she became senior accountant for a nonprofit affordable housing firm called the Community Corporation of Santa Monica.
Career Field Music Business, Business Administration Minor
John "Jay" Schleppenbach is an attorney at Jenner & Block LLP in Chicago, IL. His practice focuses on the litigation of complex civil matters, including class action securities litigation and international arbitrations. He recently published an article on the enforcement of international arbitral awards in Dispute Resolution Journal.
Career Field Music Business, Business Administration Minor
John went on to receive a Masters in Music from Bowling Green State University before returning to Millikin as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music. He teaches music theory, composition, and directs vocal jazz ensembles. His choral and chamber music has been performed throughout North America and Europe. The University of Oregon’s Waging Peace Through Singing, an international competition for choral music on the theme of peace, has recognized his work.
Career Field Music Education: Vocal Emphasis, Theatre Minor
Aaron completed a Doctorate of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature from Indiana University shortly after leaving Millikin. He currently sings with Cantus, a nine-member professional, male, vocal ensemble based in Minneapolis, MN.
During his tenure with Cantus, Aaron has enjoyed solo appearances with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Minnesota Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Performing with Cantus has taken Aaron from the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center to Cameroon in West Africa.
Career Field Music Business
After graduating from Millikin, Pete moved to Los Angeles, CA to begin working with the respected talent agency, Kazarian Spencer & Associates before moving to his current position as Director of Dance and West Coast Theatre for Clear Talent Group (CTG). CTG is a full service talent agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York. The agency has emerged as the go-to agency for professional dancers and singers.
Career Field Commercial Music
Matthew catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, "More,” which was the most played Christian AC song of 2004. He is a multi-Dove Award nominee and has released two critically-acclaimed Universal South recordings including Happy in 2003 and History in 2005.
Career Field Music Performance: Vocal Emphasis
Jennifer was recently a Faculty Member (series regular) on ABC’s “High School Musical: Get in the Picture.” She has been seen in the Tony-winning revival of Into the Woods on Broadway and most recently originated the role of Barbara in the world premiere of Twice Upon a Time at the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities in Redondo Beach, FL.
Career Field Music Education: Instrumental Emphasis
Stacy is now in her seventh year as Music Department Chair at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox, IL. A suburban school of over three thousand students from five communities, she oversees four bands, four choirs, an orchestra (which she directs), two percussion ensembles, a guitar studio class (created and directed by her husband, 1997 Millikin Alum Nate Jackson), and fourteen other piano, music technology, guitar and music seminar classes.
