CURRENT MEMBERS
Adam Sperber
Tenor
Adam joined in February 2019. Born and raised in the wilderness of mid-Missouri, Adam spent his early years studying classical violin before succumbing to the primal call of bluegrass, picking up mandolin, guitar, and banjo along the way. While studying at Northwestern, Adam rediscovered his love of choral music and since has been singing everything from Carmina Burana to South African call and response. Basically, whatever's loud. These days he can be found in the employ of varied trivia companies, fondly recalling his years as a cook, and rewatching Big Mouth for the umpteenth time. He's always down to go for a walk.
Adam joined in February 2019. Born and raised in the wilderness of mid-Missouri, Adam spent his early years studying classical violin before succumbing to the primal call of bluegrass, picking up mandolin, guitar, and banjo along the way. While studying at Northwestern, Adam rediscovered his love of choral music and since has been singing everything from Carmina Burana to South African call and response. Basically, whatever's loud. These days he can be found in the employ of varied trivia companies, fondly recalling his years as a cook, and rewatching Big Mouth for the umpteenth time. He's always down to go for a walk.
Agnes Otap
Alto
Agnes joined in May 2015, five months after inadvertently completing her undergraduate degree a semester ahead of schedule. She co-founded UIC’s premier a cappella group, Downtown Voices, while in college. Upon graduation, she was sorely missing the regular opportunity to sing. Born and raised in Chicago, Agnes has been involved in various local ensembles since the third grade, including the WYHS Concert Choir and the UIC University Choir. Outside of singing, Agnes enjoys travel, video games, Netflix, and impersonating Kadi House.
Agnes joined in May 2015, five months after inadvertently completing her undergraduate degree a semester ahead of schedule. She co-founded UIC’s premier a cappella group, Downtown Voices, while in college. Upon graduation, she was sorely missing the regular opportunity to sing. Born and raised in Chicago, Agnes has been involved in various local ensembles since the third grade, including the WYHS Concert Choir and the UIC University Choir. Outside of singing, Agnes enjoys travel, video games, Netflix, and impersonating Kadi House.
Ali Arzeni
Alto
Ali joined in April 2019. Originally from Green Bay, she felt like a “rebel choir/theater kid” in an ocean of sports-loving Packer fans. She came to Chicago to pursue her love at Columbia College as a vocal performance major. She quickly learned after graduation that singing in various bands and gigging until all hours of the night wasn’t for her; she’s a morning person! Ali has now found her stride as an elementary school science teacher and music director for the school musicals by day, and proud member of Lakeshore Dynamics by (Tuesday) night. When she’s not being “Jill Nye,” Ali loves to kayak on the Chicago River, listen to true crime podcasts, pet puppies, and try any spicy vegetarian dish she can find.
Ali joined in April 2019. Originally from Green Bay, she felt like a “rebel choir/theater kid” in an ocean of sports-loving Packer fans. She came to Chicago to pursue her love at Columbia College as a vocal performance major. She quickly learned after graduation that singing in various bands and gigging until all hours of the night wasn’t for her; she’s a morning person! Ali has now found her stride as an elementary school science teacher and music director for the school musicals by day, and proud member of Lakeshore Dynamics by (Tuesday) night. When she’s not being “Jill Nye,” Ali loves to kayak on the Chicago River, listen to true crime podcasts, pet puppies, and try any spicy vegetarian dish she can find.
Anna Edelman
Alto
De'Andre Warren
Bass
De’Andre joined in early 2018. He grew up in Santa Cruz and moved to Chicago to study biology and Chinese language and culture at the University of Chicago. He is now pursuing his medical degree from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University. He loves cats, foreign languages, and scouring the streets of Chicago in search of the best tacos. His favorite music genres are Jazz, Funk, and EDM. When he’s not studying 24/7, you can find him playing basketball, watching anime, or singing bass lines in the shower.
De’Andre joined in early 2018. He grew up in Santa Cruz and moved to Chicago to study biology and Chinese language and culture at the University of Chicago. He is now pursuing his medical degree from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University. He loves cats, foreign languages, and scouring the streets of Chicago in search of the best tacos. His favorite music genres are Jazz, Funk, and EDM. When he’s not studying 24/7, you can find him playing basketball, watching anime, or singing bass lines in the shower.
Josh Zygman
Tenor
Josh joined in July 2019. Originally from Massachusetts, Josh grew up in a house filled with music, theater, and musical theater, and gained a love for all of them early on. He sang and performed from middle school through college, including leading a singing group for his class graduation. The workforce kept him from singing for years after that, but today he is ecstatic to be singing with a group once again. When not singing either with the group or at karaoke, Josh enjoys playing video and board games, cooking, reading and doing voiceover.
Josh joined in July 2019. Originally from Massachusetts, Josh grew up in a house filled with music, theater, and musical theater, and gained a love for all of them early on. He sang and performed from middle school through college, including leading a singing group for his class graduation. The workforce kept him from singing for years after that, but today he is ecstatic to be singing with a group once again. When not singing either with the group or at karaoke, Josh enjoys playing video and board games, cooking, reading and doing voiceover.
Julia Turner
Alto
Julia joined in the summer of 2019. She moved to Chicago from Minnesota in the fall of 2016, and after filling her need for music with a large choir for a couple of years, she was able to find this wonderful group during an online search for Chicago a cappella. She has been a part of at least one singing group at all times since she was 9, and she can’t imagine life without it. She is currently working toward her MS in nursing at UIC. She is eternally grateful for Lake Michigan, baked goods, the opportunity to make music with lovely humans, and the friends who make Chicago feel like home.
Julia joined in the summer of 2019. She moved to Chicago from Minnesota in the fall of 2016, and after filling her need for music with a large choir for a couple of years, she was able to find this wonderful group during an online search for Chicago a cappella. She has been a part of at least one singing group at all times since she was 9, and she can’t imagine life without it. She is currently working toward her MS in nursing at UIC. She is eternally grateful for Lake Michigan, baked goods, the opportunity to make music with lovely humans, and the friends who make Chicago feel like home.
Kadi House
Mezzo-Soprano
Kadi was one of the group's founding members in fall of 2014. She had just moved to Chicago and was looking for a group of friends, when she stumbled upon Mary Maroney's post on Meetup about starting a group; it was perfect timing! Music was always a part of Kadi's life growing up, from piano lessons, choir, and musical theater, to teaching herself guitar, songleading at her synagogue and occasionally writing her own music. Originally from Los Angeles, Kadi is a Cali girl at heart who loves the beach, sandals, yoga, and being a vegetarian.
Kadi was one of the group's founding members in fall of 2014. She had just moved to Chicago and was looking for a group of friends, when she stumbled upon Mary Maroney's post on Meetup about starting a group; it was perfect timing! Music was always a part of Kadi's life growing up, from piano lessons, choir, and musical theater, to teaching herself guitar, songleading at her synagogue and occasionally writing her own music. Originally from Los Angeles, Kadi is a Cali girl at heart who loves the beach, sandals, yoga, and being a vegetarian.
Laura Nainggolan
Alto
Lizzie Amundsen
Soprano
Lizzie joined in 2016, ten years after she moved to Chicago from Minneapolis. Music has always been a big part of her life. The piano was her first instrument. She played French horn with the band and symphony throughout secondary school. She also sang in several choirs, musicals, and with her high school jazz band while pursuing individual vocal training. During college at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, musical outlets were hard to find, so she picked up the banjo. Today, she is happy to sing in her first a capella group. Lizzie enjoys art, music, scuba diving, skiing, traveling, time with friends and family and eating delicious food.
Lizzie joined in 2016, ten years after she moved to Chicago from Minneapolis. Music has always been a big part of her life. The piano was her first instrument. She played French horn with the band and symphony throughout secondary school. She also sang in several choirs, musicals, and with her high school jazz band while pursuing individual vocal training. During college at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, musical outlets were hard to find, so she picked up the banjo. Today, she is happy to sing in her first a capella group. Lizzie enjoys art, music, scuba diving, skiing, traveling, time with friends and family and eating delicious food.
Luis Rivas
Tenor
Max Sendor
Tenor / Vocal Percussion
Max joined in July 2019. A Chicago native, he recently moved back home to Chicago in January 2019 after graduating from CU Boulder with a degree in Media Studies and a stint at New York City. He has been in various choirs and vocal ensembles since 4th grade. Max developed a passion for A cappella when he joined his first group at CU Boulder and continued on to sing with 3 other groups since. Max has had the opportunity to perform in many awe-inspiring places in his escapades around the world from on a pirate ship in the Virgin Islands to the tops of the Pyrenees Mountains. When Max isn’t singing, you can find him working in non-profit communications, practicing guitar, making art, traveling, streaming movies and tv, or galavanting around Chicago!
Max joined in July 2019. A Chicago native, he recently moved back home to Chicago in January 2019 after graduating from CU Boulder with a degree in Media Studies and a stint at New York City. He has been in various choirs and vocal ensembles since 4th grade. Max developed a passion for A cappella when he joined his first group at CU Boulder and continued on to sing with 3 other groups since. Max has had the opportunity to perform in many awe-inspiring places in his escapades around the world from on a pirate ship in the Virgin Islands to the tops of the Pyrenees Mountains. When Max isn’t singing, you can find him working in non-profit communications, practicing guitar, making art, traveling, streaming movies and tv, or galavanting around Chicago!
Sam Decker
Bass
Sam joined in April of 2019. He moved to Chicago in the summer of 2018, where he began his first year as a Diverse Learner teacher at Caldwell Academy of Math and Science in Chicago. He has been involved playing music since he was in 5th grade, and started out playing clarinet and saxophone in various musical ensembles. In high school, found a passion for singing and began playing at open mic nights. Some of his musical highlights include playing Tenor Saxophone in the marching Illini, being the lead singer in a cover band, and playing Brian in the musical production of Avenue Q! After moving to the city, he was looking for various opportunities to sing besides karaoke nights and found LSD! When he isn’t teaching, you can find him running around the city, playing in various bands in the lakeside pride community bands, or singing karaoke!
Sam joined in April of 2019. He moved to Chicago in the summer of 2018, where he began his first year as a Diverse Learner teacher at Caldwell Academy of Math and Science in Chicago. He has been involved playing music since he was in 5th grade, and started out playing clarinet and saxophone in various musical ensembles. In high school, found a passion for singing and began playing at open mic nights. Some of his musical highlights include playing Tenor Saxophone in the marching Illini, being the lead singer in a cover band, and playing Brian in the musical production of Avenue Q! After moving to the city, he was looking for various opportunities to sing besides karaoke nights and found LSD! When he isn’t teaching, you can find him running around the city, playing in various bands in the lakeside pride community bands, or singing karaoke!
Sinan Atac
Bass
Sinan joined in September of 2019. Originally from Turkey, Sinan grew up playing piano and has recently rediscovered his love for singing after a long hiatus (since high school!). When he’s not lawyering he likes to work on his budding calligraphy skills, read a book, or enjoy a dram of single malt scotch.
Sinan joined in September of 2019. Originally from Turkey, Sinan grew up playing piano and has recently rediscovered his love for singing after a long hiatus (since high school!). When he’s not lawyering he likes to work on his budding calligraphy skills, read a book, or enjoy a dram of single malt scotch.
Samantha Gambardella
Soprano
Sam joined in September 2019. She is from Long Island, New York and moved to Chicago in July to work in marketing research. Sam took piano lessons and dance classes growing up, but has always had an affinity for singing because her parents raised her on show tunes (most notably the soundtrack from Rent) and frequently took her to see musicals on and off Broadway. She was a soprano in Notre Dame’s first co-ed a cappella group, Halftime, for three years during college and singing quickly became her favorite form of creative expression. When she’s not at work or rehearsal, she can be found reading on the L, eating way too much Jeni’s ice cream, doing crossword puzzles, or explaining to midwesterners why New York pizza is better than deep dish.
Sam joined in September 2019. She is from Long Island, New York and moved to Chicago in July to work in marketing research. Sam took piano lessons and dance classes growing up, but has always had an affinity for singing because her parents raised her on show tunes (most notably the soundtrack from Rent) and frequently took her to see musicals on and off Broadway. She was a soprano in Notre Dame’s first co-ed a cappella group, Halftime, for three years during college and singing quickly became her favorite form of creative expression. When she’s not at work or rehearsal, she can be found reading on the L, eating way too much Jeni’s ice cream, doing crossword puzzles, or explaining to midwesterners why New York pizza is better than deep dish.
Sarah Ritter
Alto
Sarah joined in 2015 after she heard about the group from her former nursing school roommate. She decided that organized singing could be a good fit and would potentially help her spend less money tipping (bribing) the karaoke DJ every week. Sarah played classical violin for several years when she was younger, which is where she learned music theory and how to read music. During the day, she works as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She enjoys all stereotypically nerdy things like fantasy novels, role playing, board games, and science.
Sarah joined in 2015 after she heard about the group from her former nursing school roommate. She decided that organized singing could be a good fit and would potentially help her spend less money tipping (bribing) the karaoke DJ every week. Sarah played classical violin for several years when she was younger, which is where she learned music theory and how to read music. During the day, she works as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She enjoys all stereotypically nerdy things like fantasy novels, role playing, board games, and science.
Stacia Sliger
Mezzo-Soprano
Stacia joined in September 2019. Originally from Austin, TX Stacia moved to Chicago in 2017 to further her education at Northwestern University. She first got her taste for singing when performing in “The Music Man” in high school and knew that this is where her passion lies. Stacia enjoys playing the guitar, going to the movie theater alone, playing with pets at the animal shelter and being active in sports during the [short] summer. You can find her at karaoke or drinking wine while watching movies on the weekends.
Stacia joined in September 2019. Originally from Austin, TX Stacia moved to Chicago in 2017 to further her education at Northwestern University. She first got her taste for singing when performing in “The Music Man” in high school and knew that this is where her passion lies. Stacia enjoys playing the guitar, going to the movie theater alone, playing with pets at the animal shelter and being active in sports during the [short] summer. You can find her at karaoke or drinking wine while watching movies on the weekends.
Torin Schuster
Baritone / Vocal Percussion
Torin joined in 2015 shortly after moving to Chicago from living abroad in Taiwan. A cappella and music have been his major passion since his first role in Oklahoma! as a high school freshman. Since then, he has participated in competitive jazz and vocal choirs, played lead and minor characters in dozens of musicals, recorded professionally for ESL companies in Taiwan, and been a part of two all male a cappella groups including Colorado College’s the Back Row. As a Colorado native, Torin’s favorite audition song is Rocky Mountain High by John Denver. He loves architecture, the outdoors, and all things Asian!
Torin joined in 2015 shortly after moving to Chicago from living abroad in Taiwan. A cappella and music have been his major passion since his first role in Oklahoma! as a high school freshman. Since then, he has participated in competitive jazz and vocal choirs, played lead and minor characters in dozens of musicals, recorded professionally for ESL companies in Taiwan, and been a part of two all male a cappella groups including Colorado College’s the Back Row. As a Colorado native, Torin’s favorite audition song is Rocky Mountain High by John Denver. He loves architecture, the outdoors, and all things Asian!
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