Meet Tour Guides Majoring in Music and Theatre

Alex Renzoni, Ithaca College Music Education (cello) major

Alex Renzoni
Hometown: Clarence, New York
Major: Music Education (Cello)
Clubs: Leadership Scholar Program; Ithaca College Chapters of American String Teachers Association (ASTA) (2022–23 President-Elect, 2023-2024 President), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and National Association for Music Education (NAfME); Voicestream (IC’s premier, all-gender-inclusive a cappella), Music Director 2022–present; Music Theory tutor; Orientation Mentor and Orientation Leader

Why I Chose Ithaca College
I chose IC because of its vibrant community, filled with a medium-sized, passionate student body, supportive faculty, and picturesque natural beauty all within a renowned college town.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of all of the resources you have available to you as you navigate the college decision process! The Admission Hosts here at Ithaca College are always happy to answer all of the questions you have at in-person events, virtual events, or via email.

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

Becca Blacksten, Ithaca College Acting major

Becca Blacksten
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Major: Acting
Clubs: Hillel; Theatre Department (actor); Park Productions (actor); ICTV (actor)

Why I Chose Ithaca College
I loved that they focused on making my passion into a profession. They make sure every student has a practical application to their joys and passions before going out into their prospective field.
Advice
Address this as a date: are you both right for each other? IC can want you all day, but if you don’t want IC, it’s not the right match.

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

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.

Jillian Wadland, Ithaca College Theatre Studies and English double major

Jillian Wadland
Hometown: Framingham, Massachusetts
Majors: Theatre Studies; English
Clubs: Theatre Department (Stage Manager and Assistant Director); Cauldron Theatre Company; IC Books Thru Bars; IC Outing Club

Why I Chose Ithaca College
IC's academic flexibility allowed me to study all of the things I wanted to study and still graduate in four years, as well as a direct pipeline into a teaching master's degree. In addition, the larger Ithaca community was a place I wanted to be, and I could see myself being a student here clearly.
Advice
Consider all the facts and statistics and numbers, but once all of the logistics are out of the way, trust your gut! You'll end up where you're supposed to be!

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

Catherine Jantson, Ithaca College Music Education (voice) major

Catherine Jantson
Hometown: Delmar, New York
Major: Music Education (voice)
Clubs: IC Defy Dance Company (Co-Chair of Promotions); National Association for Music Education (NAfME); American Choral Director's Association (ACDA); Orientation Leader and Mentor
Internships: Junior Student Teaching (grades 1 and 2 in a local elementary general music classroom)

Why I Chose Ithaca College
I chose IC because of the many opportunities within the Center for Theatre and Dance! I was (still am) enamored by the many opportunities to get hands-on learning from day one.
Advice
Connect with future professors now! Do not hesitate to reach out to faculty members in your degree area—they are all so excited to hear from you!

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