Kanga Blue is the University of Akron's student-led female a cappella group, sponsored by the School of Music.
The group was started in fall 2010 from of a lack of opportunity for female singers, as nUAnce was an all-male group and Rhythm & Roos (co-ed, sponsored by Honors) could only take so many women each year. Dr. Dale Mugler (Dean of the Honors College at the time) turned to Merissa Coleman (graduate student, MM Choral Conducting) to start a new female a cappella group that would later be called “Kanga-Blue.” The group would practice a few times a month and perform at UA AcapaROOzas each spring semester.
In April 2014, this group of women dropped the hyphen, performed their first bi-annual concert, and became recognized as a student organization. Kanga Blue now rehearses three times a week during the school year and strives to build a stronger a cappella community at UA with the help of Rhythm & Roos and nUAnce. Kanga Blue has performed for organizations including the NEO Roller Derby; International Soap Box Derby, Inc.; the American Cancer Society; the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and various University of Akron organizations.
Introducing the Kangas (in order of years in the group)
Ellyn DeLisle (joined Fall 2013)
Senior Fashion Merchandising major
Ellyn had the best Santa Claus bubble bears when she was young
Jessica Dixon, President (joined Fall 2013)
Senior Integrated Marketing Communications major
Jessica once studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain.
Annie Mizner, Treasurer (joined Fall 2014)
3rd year Nursing major
Annie has this awesome secret random fact but if she told you, she’d have to kill you.
Tori Schurr, Vice President (joined Fall 2015)
Sophomore Integrated Marketing Communications major
Tori has never been to Swenson’s and where she’s from they put fries on their salads.
Lauren Spape, Assistant Musical Driector (joined Fall 2015)
Sophomore AYA Integrated Mathematics major
Lauren has small feet, so she buys her shoes from the kids’ section.
Sophie Cressman (joined Spring 2016)
Freshman Biochemistry major
Sophie's first kiss was with one of the dolphins from Jaws
Audrey Nolte, Musical Director (joined Spring 2016)
Sophomore Vocal Performance major
Audrey once met John Stamos on a plane and he told her she was pretty.
Emily Morgan (joined Fall 2016)
Junior Exercise Science-Occupational Therapy major
Emily can touch her tongue to her nose
Allison Cantrall Secretary (joined Fall 2016)
Freshman Dietetics major
Alli loves to play the piano and marimba
Claire Cogar (joined Fall 2016)
Freshman Psychology major
Claire clays the clarinet in Ohio's Pride, the University of Akron's marching band!
Veronica Hernandez (joined Fall 2016)
Freshman Nursing major
Veronica has been involved in choir and a cappella for the past 4 years
Kassie Mastrolonardo (joined Fall 2016)
Freshman Integrated Marketing Communications major
Kassie pole vaulted and was on the varsity softball team in high school
Rachel Brennan (joined Spring 2017)
Freshman
Maddie Stoneking (joined Spring 2017)
Freshman