PHYLLIS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Virtual Substitute Teacher
Benjamin is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in Music Education, concentration in voice, where he studied classical and musical theatre singing techniques. He is a Middle School Choir Director in Houston, Texas. While in Baton Rouge, he taught children's choir at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, was a visiting volunteer music teacher for Southdowns Elementary School, a substitute cantor and music director for the former St. Pius X Catholic Church, and a volunteer "reading buddy" at University Terrace Elementary School.
Benjamin has performed in a variety of locations in Louisiana and Internationally. Some of his recent roles include Daniel Buchanan in Street Scene, Le Théiére in L'enfant et Les Sortiléges, un giovanotto in La Rondine, and a chorus member in Le Nozze Di Figaro. Benjamin assistant musical directed Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka in the summer of 2019. He has also musical directed Unplugged and A Technicolor Promise with his church choir.
Benjamin was founding Secretary for the student chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (SNATS) and founding president for American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), both at LSU. He is also a member of National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He placed 3rd in the men's upper division classical voice at NATS Regional Convention in 2018.
When Benjamin is not singing or playing piano, he enjoys practicing yoga.
Ben is extremely knowledgeable and a very detail oriented teacher. He really knows technique and helps me sound my best when singing. - C.W.
A native of Baton Rouge, Chelsea is a graduate of the Conservatory at Baldwin Wallace University (recently named #1 in the 2018-2019 OnStage rankings for Best MT Program in the Country) with a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) - Music Theatre. Her studies included classical and Musical Theater vocal techniques, music theory/sight singing, acting for stage and screen, and a range of dance disciplines.
Chelsea was in the original cast of the First National Broadway Tour of Nice Work if You Can Get It, directed by Kathleen Marshall and David Eggers. She has also performed in numerous Off-Broadway and Fringe festival shows and has been seen in leading roles at regional theatres across the country. Locally, she has performed at Theatre Baton Rouge, Tulane Summer Lyric, Rivertown, and Ascension Community Theatre.
Chelsea spent 6+ years in the proverbial "trenches" of New York City, training, auditioning, attending endless callbacks, and working as a professional actor. She knows the business firsthand, and is well versed in the necessary skills and preparation for success - from local community theatre to college auditions to Broadway, and everything in between. She has trained with a variety of industry professionals, such as Joan Lader (vocal coaching), Tom Burke (voice), Sherri Sanders (Pop/Rock/Rep) and Matthew Corozine (Meisner), and has auditioned for dozens of casting directors and legendary Broadway artistic teams.
Her most recent local credits include: "The Narrator" in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and "Sister Robert Anne" in Nunsense at Rivertown Theaters, and "Yvette" in CLUE at Theatre Baton Rouge.
Coryn is extremely excited to be teaching voice lessons with Phyllis & Friends! She previously taught at Baton Rouge Music Studios, and is excited to embark on this new journey. Born and raised in St. Amant, Louisiana, Coryn graduated from Northwestern State University with a degree in Theatre (emphasis on Musical Theatre and Directing), and has been performing professionally in bands and as an independent artist since.
Coryn wants to encourage every vocal performer out there to be confident in themselves and their ability to sing as possible, as well as to encourage control and pitch correction and awareness. She loves to watch others grow in their love for music, and to share in the joy of musical theater and its many different performance opportunities! She's a huge advocate for self educating, vocal health and is passionate about her cause.
Emma is incredibly "jazzed" about joining the team at Phyllis & Friends! She graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor's in Music Education and a concentration in Vocal Performance. Emma teaches Elementary Music at Magnolia Woods Elementary School here in Baton Rouge and thrives in the lively, colorful, vibrant controlled chaos of her music classroom! Emma has a history of theatre and choral performance, as well as training and experience in opera performance and directing. She believes there's no feeling in the world like telling a story through song or sharing that special authentic experience with your audience while on stage.
Emma is passionate about building a solid foundation of vocal technique and training to allow singers to fully express themselves and dive into the background of the character they are portraying. She believes that the voice is the most intimate and beautiful instrument in the world because it holds so much of who we are! Emma would love to come alongside you on your vocal journey to discover your authentic voice in order that you may bring your unique story to the world.