Alumni Stories
![Alumni Stories Department of Music Chair Jaunelle Celaire, second from left, and adjunct instructor Daniel Strawser, third from left, pose with graduating students Ariana Lopez, left, and Ellie Martinson, right,during the University of Alaska Fairbanks 2024 Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Carlson Center. UAF Photo by Eric Engman](/music/images/alumni_stories/EE-24-7786-1424.jpg)
Alumni Spotlight
![Ariana Horner Sutherland. Image courtesy of Ariana Horner Sutherland](/music/images/alumni_stories/ArianaHornerSutherland-1x1.jpg)
Ariana Horner Sutherland
Ariana Horner Sutherland, a lyric soprano from Alaska, is pursuing her DMA, with a career promising significant contributions to opera.
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![Rose Crelli. Image courtesy of Rose Crelli](/music/images/alumni_stories/RoseCrelli1x1.jpg)
Rose Crelli
Rose Crelli, a versatile electric and acoustic violinist, has performed internationally, holds four music degrees, and has collaborated with renowned artists and major clients.
Read More![Christopher Hull holding a drum. Photo courtesy of Christopher Hull](/music/images/alumni_stories/ChristopherHull1x1.jpg)
Christopher Hull
Christopher Hull, a percussionist and ethnomusicologist, blends tradition and innovation. He is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Toronto, reflecting global experiences.
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Alumni
![Ariana Horner Sutherland. Image courtesy of Ariana Horner Sutherland](/music/images/alumni_stories/ArianaHornerSutherland-1x1.jpg)
Ariana Horner Sutherland
Ariana Horner Sutherland, a lyric soprano from Nome, Alaska, began her musical journey at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, earning a Bachelor of Music Education. She then obtained a Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Sam Houston State University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of California Santa Barbara. Her education and performance experiences have profoundly shaped her musical path. Ariana's dedication to her craft promises significant contributions to the opera world. Her evolving career leaves audiences eagerly anticipating her future achievements in the realm of opera.
Read More![Rose Crelli. Image courtesy of Rose Crelli](/music/images/alumni_stories/RoseCrelli1x1.jpg)
Rose Crelli
Electric and acoustic violinist Rose Crelli began playing at age six and holds four music degrees, including from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Louisville. Conservatory-trained, she has performed in seven countries such as Italy and South Korea. She has played solo halftime shows at NBA Golden State Warriors games and performed with renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé. Her corporate clients include Rolls-Royce and Meta. Featured on CBS News and in the San Francisco Examiner, Rose was born in China and adopted by a family in Alaska, where she grew up. She is a proud Alaskan and dual US-Canada citizen.
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![Christopher Hull holding a drum. Photo courtesy of Christopher Hull](/music/images/alumni_stories/ChristopherHull1x1.jpg)
Christopher Hull
Christopher Hull is a percussionist and ethnomusicologist blending tradition and innovation. With degrees in classical percussion from Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and a performing arts certificate from the Arts Institute of Indonesia Denpasar, he is now pursuing a doctorate in ethnomusicology at the University of Toronto. His genre-defying work reflects his diverse, global experiences.
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![Jonathan Dillon. Courtesy of Jonathan Dillon](/music/images/alumni_stories/JonathonDillon1x1.jpg)
Jonathan Dillon
Jonathan Dillon is a music educator specializing in music education for children, with interests in general music, Kodály-inspired pedagogy, and youth choral music. Joining the University of Utah's music education faculty in 2023, Dillon teaches various music education courses and has an extensive background in K-5 music education in Alaska. Recognized for his excellence in teaching, Dillon's research focuses on the professionalization of music educators and empowering students in general music education.
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![Dr. Emerson Eads, courtesy of Emerson Eads](/music/images/alumni_stories/EmersonEads1x1.jpg)
Emerson Eads, PhD
Emerson Eads, PhD, Director of Choral Activities at Minot State University, is a renowned composer, conductor, and singer. With degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Notre Dame, he has studied under notable mentors and has an extensive performance and composition portfolio. Notably, he has premiered works with the Fairbanks Symphony and received several commissions, including "Give Me Room" for UAF. Eads' music has been performed internationally, earning multiple accolades, and he continues to contribute to the choral and musical community globally.
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![Mallory Bernstein, courtesy of Mallory Bernstein](/music/images/alumni_stories/MalloryBernstein1x1.jpg)
Mallory Bernstein
Born in White Plains, New York, pianist Mallory Bernstein has a diverse career in collaborative work, solo performances, and nonprofit management. She studied at Ithaca College, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Denver, performing with various ensembles and orchestras. Bernstein founded Education Through Music-Colorado, providing music education to 2,500 students in the Denver metro area.
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![Jon Heintz. Courtesy of Jon Heintz](/music/images/alumni_stories/JonHeintz1x1.jpg)
Jon Heintz
Jon Heintz earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2014, studying double bass under esteemed instructors. He has actively participated in Fairbanks' music scene, performing with various groups and festivals. Currently, he is the orchestra director at Rainier Middle School and Auburn Mountainview High School in Auburn, Washington, and maintains a private double bass studio. Heintz credits UAF and Fairbanks for transforming his passion for music into a calling.
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