2025-2026 CHORAL FELLOWS

Anthony Martini is a junior music education major at the University of Connecticut studying voice with Dr. Spencer Reese. He is a tenor section leader of the UConn Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, with whom he has performed at Carnegie Hall and with Jacob Collier. Recent engagements include the role of Jupiter in Offenbach’s Orphée aux enfers with UConn Voice Opera, and singing with Prism Chorus in the Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Competition, placing 13th in the world. Mr. Martini currently holds choral fellowships with The Vernon Chorale, St. Mark’s Episcopal Chapel in Storrs, CT, and is chorus assistant for the UConn Festival Chorus under the direction of Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth. He is the UConn ACDA student chapter vice president, UConn NAfME student chapter secretary, and represents the music education degree program on the UConn Music Student Advisory Council. Mr. Martini is a proud alumnus of UConn's A Completely Different Note A Cappella serving as a new member mentor, and of Trumbull High School in Trumbull, CT, where he sang in three choirs under the direction of Dr. Christopher Wasko (Vernon Chorale Conducting Fellow, 2012-2015). Sempre scegli di amare.

Maggie Murray is a junior at the University of Connecticut pursuing dual degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, where she studies with Meredith Ziegler. Maggie sings with the UConn Concert Choir and Chamber Singers and serves as President of UConn Choirs and the Student National Association of Teachers of Singing. She was recently appointed as the inaugural Collegiate Liaison for the Connecticut chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and previously led the UConn ACDA Student Chapter. Maggie also performs as a choral scholar with Storrs Congregational Church, and was most recently featured in UConn's American Songbook Songfest Recital. This past summer, she was one of 25 singers worldwide selected to participate in the Florence Choral Course, an international program focused on the Italian Renaissance choral tradition. A graduate of Scituate High School (MA), Maggie is passionate about fostering inclusive, inspiring musical experiences and is grateful for her teachers, mentors, and family.

Brayden Kramer is a sophomore music education major at the University of Connecticut, where he studies classical voice under Mark Womack. He is a baritone section leader for UConn Concert Choir and a member of the university’s Chamber Singers, with whom he has performed alongside several musical professionals, the most recent of which was Jacob Collier. Notably, Brayden has also participated in numerous vocal workshops, including those led by members of Chanticleer. In addition to his performance endeavors, Mr. Kramer continuously serves as The Music Director of the UConn Conn-Men A Cappella group and as a Choral Fellow with the Vernon Chorale. He is an active member of ACDA and NATS, regularly attending and performing at regional conferences. To Brayden, music thrives in moments when words fail, and he hopes to one day imbue a love for musicianship in his students.

2023-2024 CHORAL FELLOWS

Grace Michalowski is from East Hampton, Connecticut. She is currently a student at Eastern Connecticut State University pursuing a BA in Music with a double concentration in Vocal Performance, Music Industry and Leadership, as well as a minor in Theater. Grace is a proud member of multiple ensembles at Eastern, including Eastern Concert Chorale, Eastern Chamber Singers, and Eastern’s 3 o’ clock Jazz Combo. She also supports the music department as vocal department assistant. Grace will be participating in Eastern’s production of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ in the Spring of 2023. Grace is a student of Dr. Emily Riggs and Dr. Rebecca Barko Grace is so thankful to be able to take part in Vernon Chorale this semester as she is eager to make music with as many talented musicians as possible.

Kianna Mitchner is a Senior at Eastern Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance. Kianna is a member of multiple ensembles at Eastern, including Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop and Concert Chorale. In
spring of 2022, Kianna was in the ECSU Opera Workshop production of Hansel and Gretel as a part of the Gingerbread Chorus, along with various roles from scenes such as Elisetta from Il Matrimonio Segreto and Mrs. Jones from Kurt Weill’s Street Scene. This past summer she attended a 6 week “Audition Boot-Camp” at the Music and Mentoring House in New York. During this time she had the privilege of working with established classical musicians such as Lauren Flannigan and Elizabeth Blancke Biggs, as well as attending masterclasses run by Mannes School of Music’s Chris Frisco. Kianna is a student of Dr. Emily Riggs and Dr. Lisa Williamson.

Aidan O'Connor is a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in music performance with a minor in psychology with plans to work in music therapy after graduating. In high school he participated in the Connecticut’s Northern Region High School auditioned chorus, worked with Hartford’s own professional Chamber Ensemble, VOCE, alongside renown composer Paul Mealor. He now sings in both the Eastern Concert Chorale and Eastern Chamber Singers at ECSU.  Aidan is grateful  to be awarded his second Choral Fellowship with The Vernon Chorale this season.