What are our students up to
outside the TaVaci classroom?
TaVaci teaches students skills that are used far beyond the walls of the TaVaci studio. They're not only learning music skills, they're learning life skills as well.
Hear from some of our TaVaci of Mt. Vernon OH students and see what they're doing on and off the stage in our community and beyond!
Lacey Blubaugh - 10 year TaVaci Student
Lacey Blubaugh was a 7 year TaVaci student when she graduated from the program. During the two following years, she has worked as a class helper and joined the Elite group this past TaVaci season (Being part of the program for 9 years and counting). In the upcoming TaVaci year, Lacey will be helping teach along side Ms. DeAnne in the regular Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday classes, as well as teaching an acting class. This summer she will be helping with TaVaci Summer Camp, participating in the Dan Emmett Music and Arts festival, singing the National Anthem at the Knox County Fair, participating in Knox Idol, and rehearsing with MTVArts for Annie Jr. In the future she plans to study Music Education. She hopes to later own a performing arts studio where she will teach all the basic aspects of theater: vocal, dance, and acting.
Lilly Buckley - Tavaci Alumni Class of 2011
Lilly is a Journalism and Media Production Major at the Mount Vernon Nazarene University, with a long list of diverse skills on her resume (with the latest addition being website designer. Yes. This website). She is very involved with MVNU's radio station, WNZR, and has served as a co-host on the Afternoon Drive, as well as their Production Director. Lilly has performed, singing and playing guitar, at many local events including First Friday's in Downtown Mt. Vernon, the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival, SonFest, and the Distinguished Young Women of Knox County competition. Lilly wouldn't be where she is today without TaVaci. It's given her the confidence she needed to pursue her love of music and use her talents in a variety of different ways.
Hailey Davis - 10 year TaVaci Student
Hailey Davis is a singer, songwriter from Fredericktown, Ohio. Hailey has recently competed in a competition in Tennessee - the North American Country Music Associations International competition (or NACMAI). Hailey placed and won trophies for all three of her categories - songwriter, vocalist, and entertainer. Hailey has also appeared on the Kelby King show on Mansfield’s WMFD TV station as a personality and performer. Hailey recently announced the release of her new self-titled cd. She is looking forward to performing at many different fairs and festivals including the Ohio State Fair, the Fredericktown Tomato Show, and of course, the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival with TaVaci.
Megan Campbell - TaVaci Alumni Class of ???
Megan Campbell is a Sophomore at the Mount Vernon High School. Megan has been very active in the music and arts world after graduating TaVaci. She has performed at the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival in the Youth Showcase, with the Colonial Kids, and in her own half-hour shows. Megan is also very involved with MTVArts, most recently playing Annie in the ArtsIQ production of "Annie Junior". She also played one of the Tweedles in the ArtsIQ production of "Alice in Wonderland Junior" and acted in the summer production of "Bye Bye Birdie". Megan also competed in the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition to honor Country music star and Sevierville native, Dolly Parton.
Annika Kanuckel-Wolfe - TaVaci Alumni Class of 2017
Annika Kanuckel-Wolfe is a Freshman at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Annika is no stranger to the stage, performing at the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival with the TaVaci Elites, taking the stage at local First Friday's with her band, "The Wolves", and participating in many MTVArts productions. Annika had the role of Kim McAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie", one of the Silly Girls in "Beauty and the Beast", and one of the Addams Ancestors in "The Addams Family". Annika was also crowned the 2018 Distinguished Young Woman of Knox County. For her talent portion of the competition, Annika sang "Not For the Life of Me" by Jeanine Tesori.
Megan Lee - TaVaci Alumni Class of 2016
Megan Lee is a Sophomore at Mount Vernon High School. She is first trumpet in the Mount Vernon Marching Yellow Jackets, and first chair in the MVHS Symphonic Band. Megan excels on the field, on the stage, and also in the classroom, currently maintaining a 3.92 GPA. Megan says that TaVaci helped her prepare for public shows and events and performances with the band. TaVaci was also integral for teaching Megan stage presence. TaVaci taught her how to properly preform, listen, and learn the steps. Through classes and rehearsals, Megan also learned that preparation for performances is very important.