OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE, NURTURE, AND EMPOWER.
Sing Sing Sing! came to life when the stars aligned bringing 2 kindred spirits together through the joy of singing. Recognizing, and bonding over, the empowering, magical impacts singing had on our own lives, we formed a strong belief that everyone CAN and SHOULD sing. Why? Because everyone deserves to feel this kind of empowerment. It can be life changing!
This belief led to the creation of Sing Sing Sing!, a magical place that provides empowering experiences, education and opportunities through singing and music. We invite you to join us and
Grab Life By the Mic!™️
Jacki Smathers
Co-Founder/CEO
MEET OUR TEAM
SAMANTHA CHRISTOU
SING SING SING! Bakerstown STUDIO MANAGER
VOICE & ACTING
Samantha Christou is a graduate from Slippery Rock University with a BA in Music with a specialization in vocal performance. She attended Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA where she studied musical theater. She has performed in musicals for Pittsburgh Savoyards, Comtra Theatre, and The Red Barn Players. Some of her musical theater credits include ‘Young Frankenstein’, ‘I Love You. You’re Perfect. Now Change,’ and ‘Pirates of Penzance.’ She has also had the opportunity to perform in several operas during her time at SRU. Her opera credits include ‘The Old Maid and the Thief,’ and ‘Dido and Aeneas.’ In addition to teaching voice, Sam is also the Manager of both SSS locations.
MARA FLANNERY
SING SING SING PERFORMANCE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
VOICE
Mara Flannery was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and has been involved in music based activities her entire life. She became involved in musical theater in middle school and high school, and decided to pursue music as a career. She attended Slippery Rock University as a Voice Major where she discovered Music Therapy. This new career path joined her two loves, music and helping others. Upon graduating from Slippery Rock University in 2017, she completed her music therapy internship at Johns Hopkin’s All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2018 and soon after became a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). When Mara moved back to the Pittsburgh area, she found Sing Sing Sing! and immediately felt at home. She identifies very strongly with Sing Sing Sing’s message that music and singing are for everyone, and that it‘s purpose is to bring joy, expression, and release into our lives. Mara teaches private lessons for voice and is also the Performance Group Director at both the Bakerstown and Wexford locations. Whether in private lessons, performance group rehearsals, or at SSS Shows, Mara hopes to foster an atmosphere of community, joy and growth so that students feel that they can truly be themselves, and find their own unique sound. Keep singing!
EMMELINE JONES
Performance Group Choreographer
VOICE, PIANO, ACTING & PERForMANCE GROUPS
Emmeline Jones is a graduate of Point Park University where she currently holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Musical Theatre. Originally from Southern Maryland, Emmeline moved to Pittsburgh in 2016 to attend college and has since made the city her new home. Aside from her background in theatre and dance, her love for music began as a young child when she began studying classical violin and piano. She has performed in Pittsburgh at The Pittsburgh Playhouse and with Stage 62, as well as with theatres in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. jkmj Emmeline is thrilled to be able to share her joy for music, dance, and theatre with the next generation at Sing Sing Sing! Emmeline teachers voice, piano and acting at SSS.
In addition to teaching private lessons, Emmeline teaches several of our Performance Groups and is responsible for the choreography across the Performance Group Program.
MICHAEL COOK
GUITAR, UKULELE, BASS, VOICE, & SONGWRITING
Michael Cook is a seasoned musician with professional guitar and vocal training and performance skills. Michael has been studying and performing music since the age of seven and has studied under many different private vocal and instrumental teachers, including the highly sought after vocal coach, Robert Fire.
In addition to his guitar and vocal skills, Mike is skilled at playing many other instruments, including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and various string instruments. He has appeared in many stage productions and musicals, and also sings professionally with the The Gibbons Big Band and leads a band called The Forest Floor. With the Forest Floor, Mike has been working on a full-length album of his original music, with two singles already released on streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Pandora, YouTube and more.
In his lessons Mike hopes to inspire a love of music, through creating a relaxed, fun, and open environment that leads all students to experience confidence, successful progress, and joyful self-expression.
LACEY OVERHOLT
VOICE & UKULELE
Lacey Overholt has performed professionally in and around the Pittsburgh area for over 20 years! She was notably mentioned in Pittsburgh’s Best of Theater in 2015 for her portrayal of Ariel in 'Disney’s the Little Mermaid' and proved her versatility in City Paper’s 2018 Best Musical Production of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' with her portrayal of Yitzhak alongside 'RuPaul’s Drag Show' star Mimi Imfurst. Lacey holds a BA with a concentration in Theatre Arts awarded from Point Park University in 2007. She is a master of adaptability and has used her skills to thrive in various facets of the performance art scene from wedding singing, corporate event bands and princess parties to theatre arts instruction, direction, choreographing and stage managing. She is dedicated to sharing her passion for the arts with aspiring artists of all ages, creating lasting memories and solid foundations. Her grounded and practical yet professional approach to the performance realm translates well through her instruction and aids in student self discovery. Lacey is also a proud mother of three, a self-proclaimed songwriter and a certified yoga instructor.
ZACH STADTLANDER
GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE & Recording
Zach Stadtlander is an experienced musician with years of training in guitar, bass, singing, and music technology. He has studied and performed music since the age of eleven. Zach joined his first band, Nox Boys, playing bass guitar at age sixteen and began performing professionally, which led to invaluable experience in live performance and in the process of writing, arranging, recording, and publishing full quality studio recordings. As a young musician, Zach worked to provide all-ages spaces to share the talents of other musicians in his age group. In high school, he participated in AP music theory, choir, and was elected president of the school club that organized individual and ensemble showcases for students who specialized in contemporary, pop, and rock music. Zach was twice certified in the "Tuff Sound Apprenticeship" program, which teaches students about the process of recording, mixing, live sound reinforcement, and electronic composition. He also studied music technology, guitar performance, and choir at Duquesne University. With his lessons, Zach aims to inspire passion for music and performance by working with students to discover the scope of their musical interests. With a relaxed yet engaging style, Zach will have students looking forward to lessons and ready to rock!
Kaitlynn Sinclair
Director of Piano Curriculum
PIANO
Kaitlynn Sinclair has a BA in Music and an MA in Performance: Piano Pedagogy. She plans to pursue a Doctorate in Vocal Coaching! Her solo performances include degree recitals, seminars, piano festivals, and charity concerts she has organized. Kait also loves accompanying voice students and musicals. She has been teaching for over 10 years and welcomes all ages and abilities.
In addition to teaching private lessons, Kait is the Director of Piano Curriculum at SSS.
MICAYLA REYNOLDS
VOICE, PIANO & GUITAR
New to the Pittsburgh area, Micayla Reynolds recently graduated from the University of Miami with a double major in music therapy and psychology. Growing up with a voice and piano teacher for a mother, Micayla’s passion and pursuit of music was fostered from a very early age. Micayla is classically and contemporarily trained in voice and piano, and plays the guitar, ukulele, and clarinet as well! She believes in teaching fundamental music concepts in her lessons while incorporating contemporary performance techniques and goals desired by the student. Learning music is a different experience for everyone, and Micayla works with her students to guide them along their unique musical journey!
ALESSANDRA GABBIANELLI
Sing sing sing! Wexford Studio Manager
VOICE & piano
Alessandra Gabbianelli is a Dramatic Coloratura Soprano from the Pittsburgh area. She has her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio and her master’s degree in Opera Performance from The Boston Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts. Up until recently, she was performing and teaching in the Philadelphia area. As part of the symphonic choir for the Philadelphia Symphony, she performed numerous times at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA with the award-winning Philadelphia symphony. She made her professional operatic debut in 2014 as The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Her students have been in musicals, performed on Broadway, won competitions, and have gone on to study music in college. She is known for teaching a good foundational technique that is a safe, healthy, and a sustainable way to sing. She specializes in adapting this technique for Broadway and Classical styles of singing, but is also known for adapting this technique for all genres of music.
In addition to teaching, Alessandra is the Manager of our Wexford Studio!
Whitney hayes
VOICE & ACTING
WHITNEY HAYES is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Musical Theatre and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association*. Her favorite performance credits include, performing in the inaugural cast of Another Rose as the Chanteuse, on board Richard Branson’s Scarlet Lady with Virgin Voyages. She was also in The Happenings Cast as The Hostess, on the Scarlet Lady and the Valiant Lady. Elf the Musical! National Tour as Deb, Menopause the Musical National Tour as Power Woman. Regional credits include, Ain’t Misbehavin’ * as Armelia McQueen, Chicago as Matron Mama Morton, and Hairspray as Motormouth Maybelle. Whitney loves singing in concerts such as 54 Below and The House of Yes in New York City. When she is not on stage, Whitney can be heard as a vocalist on back ground vocal recordings and voice over tracks in theme parks, cheerleading competitions and various commercials (RWS Entertainment Group/Cheer America/ Nickelodeon Hotels& Resorts Riviera Maya). She has taught many Musical Theatre Workshops (Vincentian Academy/ North Hills High School/ Ocean City Theatre Company) and loves coaching students of all ages and abilities. Whitney can also be found working as the Production Coordinator for theme park entertainment installations around the United States (RWS Entertainment Group) as well as ringing in the new year in Times Square as the Production Coordinator (Countdown Entertainment) for New Years Rockin’ Eve. Whitney is honored to be a part of the team at Sing Sing Sing and cannot wait to empower young vocalists with the tools to succeed!
RICHARD BRESENHAN
VOICE & PERFROMANCE GROUPS
Richard Bresenhan has always had a love for singing and for the awesomeness of vocal harmonies. His love and passion for music led him to attend Edinboro University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Bachelors degree in Vocal Performance.
Rich loves to sing and continues to do so whenever he can. He has performed with the Voices of Liberty and the Dapper Dans at Walt Disney World in Florida. He was also the lead singer for the national touring Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute Band, where he wrote the vocal arrangements and also coached the group. For the past 15 years Rich has been the Vocal Director and Worship Leader at the University Carillon Church in Oviedo, Florida, where he utilized his skills as a performer to help train singers to lead worship and provide harmonies for services. When not performing or vocal coaching, Rich enjoys arranging music for contemporary worship singers, vocal groups, and other ensembles.
In addition to teaching voice at Sing Sing Sing!, Rich is also the Director of SSS’s adult performance groups, the YOLOS and Dudes That Sing (DTS).
Megan pennington
guitar & songwriting
Megan Pennington has lived a life submerged in the world of music. She graduated from Shaler Area High School and earned her Associate's Degree in music at the Community College of Allegheny County. During her time in school, Megan participated in marching band, various choirs, theater and live performance. College also allowed Megan to obtain knowledge on music production. In addition to an education in music, Megan has spent the last 10 years performing live music in bands and as a solo artist. She has released 4 singles and a 6-track LP. Her singles "Free" and "Big Ball of Crazy" hit #1 in Indie Nashville, and songs "Whole Lotta Trouble" "Nowhere, Ohio" and "Let's Make a Date" have hit various independent charts from around the world. In her current life, Megan is the frontman of Bluesy Folk band, Moonshine Jasmine. She also owns and runs ScarFire Radio, and works with Shady Lady Productions. Megan takes pride in her musical experience, and she hopes to be able to share her wealth of knowledge with her own children, and those around our beautiful community.
Nora Helen Gavaghan
GUITAR & UKULELE
Nora Helen Gavaghan is originally from Cranberry Twp. She earned BAs in Music and Environmental Studies from Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where she received training in voice as well as other instruments, before returning to the Pittsburgh area. During her time in Florida, Nora participated in many ensembles and directed several including choral and a cappella. She is now producing and releasing her own original music. She looks forward to helping her students find their own musical passions and build confidence that persists throughout their lives.
Christopher Mesko
PIANO
Christopher Mesko is a graduate from Slippery Rock University with a BM in Music Performance and a BA in Modern Languages and Cultures with a minor in Professional Japanese and a concentration in Cultural Area Studies. He studied piano, accompanying, composition, clarinet, and French horn during his time at SRU. His love of music first started when he was 6 years old while his older sister was playing the video game, "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time." Since then, he has been interested in video game music composition and has a love for playing and teaching all varieties of music. He also loves learning about other cultures' music. Chris had the opportunity to play in many of the ensembles at SRU on various instruments including piano, clarinet, voice, French horn, violin, flute, and alto saxophone. Chris's number one goal in life is to help others, and what better way to do so than through a shared love for music!
Nicole uram
VOICE & PERFORMANCE GROUPS
Nicole Uram was born and raised in the Butler area. Nicole started dancing at Lee’s School of Dance at the age of 3 and performing in musicals at the age of 7. From a very young age, Nicole knew that her passion was teaching and working with others to help them find their love of this amazing craft. Nicole started studying and performing with Pittsburgh Musical Theater when she was 10 years old. For the next 8 years, she was blessed to work alongside countless professionals who helped to guide her and educate her more about the business. She was also, given the chance to attend Carnegie Mellon and Broadway Theater Project for their summer programs.
Nicole attended Elon University where she received her BFA in Music Theatre in 2015. During her time at Elon, she was lucky enough to assistant choreograph, swing, and perform in many shows. This is where she truly started to hone her skills as a choreographer and teacher. During her senior year, she was asked to be a part of the pre-production team for The Little Mermaid for the Fredericia Theater in Denmark.
Upon graduation, Nicole moved back to PA to teach for the Propel Charter schools as a contracted artist. Nicole also taught, choreographed, stage managed, and performed with Pittsburgh Musical Theater for 4 years. Additionally, she has been choreographing for both Peters Township High School and Little Lake Theater Company, as well as teaching private voice lessons.
Nicole has taught children from ages 3-18 in different facets of dance, acrobatics, acting, singing, and musical theater. She is so excited to start this journey with Sing Sing Sing! and to continue to share her love and knowledge of the craft with the students.
