Meet Tour Guides Majoring in Music and Theatre

Caroline Buell, Ithaca College Music Education (voice) major

Caroline Buell
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Music Education (voice)
Clubs: Premium Blend (all-female-aligned a cappella group); American Choral Director's Association

Why I Chose Ithaca College
A lot of factors led me to IC—like our music program and the area itself—but mainly the lively community here. On and off campus, there's always something to do (lots of hiking, concerts, and other fun events) with a variety of friendly faces to tag along! It really is a close-knit space where everyone belongs, and I love having so many opportunities and outlets to pursue my interests.
Advice
Know that this process is a journey! No one ever said that choosing a college was easy, but remember that there are many people that are so proud of your hard work. Take it all in, ask LOTS of questions, and enjoy it! Everything will fall into place :)

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at cbuell@ithaca.edu.

Ellie Babbitt, Ithaca College student

Ellie Babbitt
Hometown: New Windsor, New York
Major: Music Education (voice)
Clubs: Premium Blend (all-female-aligned a cappella)

Why I Chose Ithaca College
I really loved the community here and could see myself making meaningful connections with my professors and peers and making lifelong friends, and that is true to my experience here today!

Advice
Be curious and ask questions! And don't be afraid to reach out to the faculty here, they would love to tell you about what they do. Good luck!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at ebabbitt@ithaca.edu.

Hunter DeYoung, Ithaca College student

Hunter DeYoung
Hometown: Oakland, New Jersey
Major: Music Education (saxophone)
Clubs: IC Active Minds (2024–25 President); National Association for Music Education; Student Leadership Consultant
 

Why I Chose IC
I chose Ithaca College for the Center for Music—but specifically the music education program! When looking at schools to transfer to, I was drawn to IC because the music education program has a unique junior student teaching experience along with the full semester of senior student teaching. Not to mention other resources the Center for Music has: an instrument repair/rental window, a music education resource room, and over 70 practice rooms!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at hdeyoung@ithaca.edu.

Leah Kilkenny, Ithaca College student

Leah Kilkenny
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Major: Music Education (saxophone)
Clubs: National Association for Music Education IC Chapter (NAfME), IC Wind Ensemble, IC Campus Band, IC Saxophone Society, IC Pep Band

Why I Chose IC
I chose Ithaca College because of the academic rigor of the music education program; the wonderful community I discovered in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance; and just the overall feeling of belonging that being on campus brought me.

Student Teaching
Caroline Elementary School (Ithaca, NY)

Advice
Just be yourself during the application process. Whether that be through a Common App essay, musical audition, content-specific interview, or all of the above, the admission team at IC is looking for authentic, passionate people.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at lkilkenny@ithaca.edu.

Riley Israel, Ithaca College student

Riley Israel
Hometown: Rochester, New York
Major: Stage Management
Minors: Education Studies, Environmental Studies
Clubs: Leadership Scholar; Oracle Honor Society

Why I Chose IC
Ithaca is one of the only schools that offers my major, and the student and professor relationship is incredible!

Advice
Just be yourself! Colleges want to see who you are. Bring your whole authentic self with you.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at risrael@ithaca.edu.