2020 Summer Interns
SYO interns have successfully completed criminal background checks and several hours of training including CPR/ First Aid, neurodiversity training, suicide prevention and mental health training with a licensed psychologist, creating an inclusive and safe space training, teacher education training, and more.
Adia Mimms is a sophomore biology major at Butler University. She plays violin and piano. This is Adia's sixth year in SYO, first year as an intern. She is an active member in Butler ensembles. After completing her bachelors degree, Adia plans to continue her education in medical school.
Caleb Goins is a junior psychology and violin performance double major at Taylor University. This is his sixth season with SYO, second as an intern, and he is excited for all of the opportunities, growth, and fun that will happen! In his free time, Caleb loves to ballroom dance, teach dance and music lessons, watch tv shows, hang out with friends, and drink lots and lots of coffee.
Kourtney Christensen is a senior music education major at the University of Indianapolis. She plays flute and piccolo. This is Kourtney’s second year as a college intern for SYO. Kourtney is a huge Harry Potter and superhero fan and has built most of the Lego sets in these franchises. After graduation, she plans to teach in a middle school band/music program and possibly pursue a doctorate degree to teach at the collegiate level.
Mackenzie West is a senior music education major at Marian University in Indianapolis. She is an alto saxophone player but dabbles in oboe, clarinet, and percussion. This is her first year in SYO and she is very excited to be involved! Mackenzie enjoys
reading, playing music, and watching musicals and has been to Disney World at least 10 times! After graduation, Mackenzie plans to be an elementary music teacher.
Braxton Phillips is a junior biomedical engineering major at IUPUI. Braxton plays woodwind instruments. This is his second year as an SYO
intern. He enjoys hanging out with his kids, teaching woodwinds, music production, watching/playing for musicals, and computer programming. After graduation he plans to work in prosthetics.
Zaneon "Zane" Meinhart is a junior vocal music education major at Marian University in Indianapolis. As well as singing, Zane plays saxophone and bass guitar. This is his second year involved in SYO. In his free time, Zane composes original music for a variety of ensemble and solo arrangements.
Elise Houk is a sophomore music therapy major at the University of Indianapolis. She plays violin,
piano, guitar, and ukulele. This is her second year in SYO, first year as an intern. Elise enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, and journaling. After graduation, Elise plans to work as a music therapist and pursue research.
Connie Salvini Thompson is an environmental science major at Ivy Tech Bloomington and plays the trombone. This is her fifth year in SYO, first year as an intern. Connie is a proud transgender woman and activist and is a political organizer in Act Now to Stop War and End Racism and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Alex Board is a junior music education major at Ball State University. Alex plays violin and piano. This is his first year with the SYO. He has been involved with many different ensembles and musical endeavors such as orchestras, jazz bands, musicals, an opera, and small projects with various bands.
Who trains the interns?
Shawn Royer provides the teacher education training. Breann Royer provides the neurodiversity training and SYO policy training. CPR training is provided by Lt. Kelly Key, Firefighter/Paramedic/certified instructor. Dr. Neolany Pelc provides the suicide prevention and mental health training.
