Cameron Johnson serves as the Music Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Choral Music Education from Samford University and a Master’s in Choral Music Education from Troy University.

Now in her fifteenth year of teaching, Cameron has dedicated her career to advancing choral music education. Before joining Wallace, she spent a decade as a secondary choral director in Enterprise, Alabama, where she directed two competitive show choirs, two concert choirs, and a vocal jazz ensemble. Under her leadership, students consistently earned Superior Ratings and achieved state and national recognition for both vocal and visual performance.

Cameron currently serves as the All-State Show Choir Coordinator for the Alabama Vocal Association. In addition to her work as an educator, she is an active clinician, adjudicator, professional singer, and accompanist, contributing her expertise throughout the region.

Outside of her professional life, Cameron enjoys time with her family and her beloved dog, Lucy.

John Burlace is currently a freelance educator and arranger/show designer based in Chicago, where he lives with his beautiful wife Ana and their two dogs, Fidi and Hubert Humphrey Hoover. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Millikin University and his Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University. Prior to his freelance career, John spent 15 years as a public school teacher, serving the performing arts department of Carmel High School (IN) from 2014 to 2017, where he directed “The Ambassadors” and assisted with “The Accents” along with producing/directing the school musical and teaching many other courses in a comprehensive program that featured 11 performing ensembles. Before his tenure at Carmel, John spent 12 years at Wheaton Warrenville South High School (IL), where he was the proud director of “The Classics” and “Esprit” show choirs in addition to teaching many curricular ensembles and non-performance arts courses.  His ensembles were consistently recognized for excellence in musicianship, vocal production, choreography, instrumental performance, and show design. As an active arranger, adjudicator, and guest conductor, he has worked with choirs and music educators from coast to coast and maintains a busy schedule presenting workshops across the country. John is also on faculty at Millikin University, supervising student teachers and making the occasional appearance on campus to play keyboard for a show or guest-teach a class or two. He is a proud former Show Choir Repertoire & Standards Co-chair for the Illinois ACDA. 

Ellie Jordan is a highly regarded freelance choreographer based in Chicago, Illinois, and a standout figure in the world of dance and performing arts. Ellie laid the foundation for her career at Western Michigan University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Her mastery includes a wide variety of dance disciplines, encompassing Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Hip-Hop, blending her technical skills and artistic finesse.

Beyond show choir, Ellie's choreography has been seen at Six Flags Great America and numerous theatrical productions, including Singin' in the Rain, The Little Mermaid, Phantom of the Opera, Godspell, and West Side Story. Ellie was a member and part of the creative team for the Hip-Hop ConneXion-Michigan Dance Company. Her versatility shines through in these various artistic ventures.

Ellie's contribution to the show choir art form has been honored with the FAME Aspire award. She further shares her expertise as a clinician and executive adviser at Showchoir Camps of America during the summer, where she loves to inspire the next generation of performers, directors, and choreographers. Ellie maintains a busy schedule choreographing for multiple award-winning high school and middle school show choirs nationwide. She is grateful for her roles as an adjudicator and clinician at various show choir competitions and All State Festivals throughout the year.

Jeff Jordan is a working Equity actor, singer, dancer, writer, and choreographer across the U.S. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre. There, he received intensive training in acting and voice, along with furthering his extensive study in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop. He has also trained in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago with top Broadway and music industry choreographers such as Susan Stroman, Warren Carlisle, Ricky Hinds, Marty Kuldek, Skot and Brian Nicholson, and Dominique Kelly. He has worked professionally in regional equity theaters across the country; featured in such shows as West Side Story, Singin’ In The Rain, Meet Me in St. Louis at The Muny, and the regional premier of Heathers the Musical. Jeff choreographs and works with award-winning show choirs from coast to coast and is so excited to be here!

Ryan Caloud was first introduced to the show choir community when he was fortunate to serve as the director of the Craig HS Spotlighters show band in Janesville WI. He has adjudicated in the show choir circuit at such events as Milton’s “Rock the Rock”, Janesville’s “Spotlight Spectacular”, DePere’s “Let’s Jam!”, Monona Grove’s “Silverstage Invitational”, and Sauk Prairie’s “Executive Session Invitational”. Ryan Caloud currently works at Waunakee High School in Waunakee WI (home of the Wisconsin School Music Association). Ensembles under his direction have completed performances and tours to the Wisconsin State Capitol, Milwaukee Bucks games, Orlando, FL, New Orleans, LA, and Boston, MA. He previously served as Director of Bands at Janesville Craig High School in Janesville, WI.  

Originally from Sun Prairie, WI, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education (2012). He is active in the marching arts/drum corps community, where he has served on staff with the Spirit of Atlanta (GA), Phantom Regiment (IL), and Oregon Crusaders (OR). Outside of show choir, he professionally adjudicates through WSMA annually and has worked with competitive marching bands/competitions in Illinois and Wisconsin. His professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha (alumnus), ASBDA (American School Band Directors Association), International Trumpet Guild, NAFME (National Association for Music Education), WMEA (Wisconsin Music Educators Association), NBA (National Band Association), WCBA (WI Concert Band Assoc.), SOMAA (UW - Madison School of Music Alumni Assoc.), and the WAA (Wisconsin Alumni Association). 

Other interests include spending time with his wife Megan, their two orange tabbies, golfing, bowling in his teachers league, vinyl record collecting, and following Wisconsin professional sports teams including his alma mater - the Wisconsin Badgers. 

Jessica Ballweg found her passion for dance at the age of four in her hometown of Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin. Her love for choreography and teaching started at a young age when she was asked to choreograph for Sauk Prairie’s Executive Session Show Choir’s European Tour upon graduating high school. Jessica continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. There, she had the privilege to perform works by professional companies as well as showcase her choreography in both the university’s dance and musical theater productions. Jessica was the dance captain and performed in professional dinner theater productions throughout her college education. After college, Jessica began her teaching experience at Midwest Performing Arts (MPA) in Waunakee, WI. Jessica is now the School Director, Resident Choreographer, and Instructor at MPA, where she is in her 14th year of teaching. She has had the privilege of working with the Sauk Prairie High School on their musicals for the past five years and has also worked with their Executive Session Show Choir, where she has been recognized for Outstanding Choreography. Jessica was awarded Outstanding Choreography in the Wisconsin Jerry Awards for her choreography in Mean Girls (2024), Mamma Mia (2021), and The Little Mermaid (2019). Jessica is so proud to call Sauk Prairie her home and is honored to be sharing her passion and expertise of choreography once again this year!

Liam Flynn is a performer, choreographer, and clinician originally from Wheaton, Illinois, and currently based in Chicago. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Lyric Theatre Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. A proud alum of Wheaton North High School, Liam spent four years as a member of Flight and has remained closely connected to the program, assisting with Wheaton North Flight since 2023. His recent choreography work includes Green Bay Southwest High School’s Spotlight Singers. Liam continues to stay active as a performer, including shows at Six Flags Great America, and values performances that emphasize storytelling, expressiveness, and ensemble connection.

John Pohland currently serves as the Director of Bands at New Prague High School, directing 3 concert bands, 2 jazz bands, pep band, and marching band. Mr. Pohland is an active promoter of the arts in the community and schools and strives to create impactful and positive musical experiences for his students. Before New Prague, he spent 15 years at Waconia High School. Mr. Pohland has experience teaching high school students at all levels, including in small group settings like musical pit band and show choir band. He has also taught courses in music theory, music appreciation, and individual private lessons. In 2018, John was named Waconia Public Schools' “Teacher of the Year,” and was then nominated for the State of Minnesota Teacher of the Year. In 2019, John was nominated for a Grammy for Music Education and was a quarterfinalist for this honor.

John received his Master of Music in Music Education degree from Michigan State University and his undergraduate degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Trumpet Performance at the University of St. Thomas. Pohland has studied with trumpet professors Chris Volpe (St. Thomas) and Richard Illman (Michigan State University). As an advocate for music education and arts whenever possible, Mr. Pohland actively furthers his own education through professional associations such as the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association (active Board member), the National Association for Music Educators, the Minnesota Band Directors Association, and the International Trumpet Guild. He has also been selected as a presenter multiple times at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic and has published articles in the Collegiate MENC (now NAfME) online journal. John stays active as a judge and clinician around the state of Minnesota, and has been a guest conductor in various honor band and band camp settings. 

As an example to his students, Mr. Pohland remains committed to his own musicianship as an active trumpet player in Grand Symphonic Winds (St. Paul) and other various groups in the Twin Cities. He has performed at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and on various international music tours. Outside of music, Mr. Pohland is an avid golfer and runner. He resides in Elko New Market, MN, with his wife, Mary Kate.

Mr. Nathan J.W. Pierce is currently the Director of Bands at Cumberland High School, where he presides over all aspects of the instrumental music program, including the 15-time state champion

marching band. Before his appointment at Cumberland, Mr. Pierce taught at Milton High School for twelve years, DeForest High School for three years, Baldwin-Woodville High School for five years, and in the Weston School District for two years. During his twelve years at Milton High School, his show choir bands received numerous “Best Band” awards in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Mr. Pierce keeps active in the competitive high school marching band venue with his own school as well as having been on the staff of numerous high school marching bands throughout Wisconsin, including Sauk Prairie High School, Columbus High School, and Stoughton High School. He has been selected for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers three times and named “Most influential band director in Wisconsin” by School Band and Orchestra Magazine. He was a member of the “Band Director’s Marching Band,” which marched in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1 st, 2022, and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November of 2023.

He earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December of 1998. While at the university he studied trumpet with John Aley,

studied conducting with James Smith, and played in numerous ensembles, including the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, University Band, Brass Choir, and the Trumpet Ensemble. In addition, Mr. Pierce was a four-year member of the UW Marching Band and was a regular sub with the Wisconsin Singers Band.

Mr. Pierce keeps active as a performing musician as a member of the Northwinds Brass Band based in Rice Lake, WI. Prior to moving to Cumberland, he was an active musician in the Madison area as a member of the Madison Brass Band where he served as Assistant Music Director and played Eb Soprano Cornet, Bb Cornet, Flugelhorn, BBb Bass, and Percussion. He has also written several musical arrangements for the ensemble. Mr. Pierce performed with the Madison Wind Ensemble, where he played Trumpet, Tuba, Percussion, and Baritone Saxophone.  He previously played both Tenor Horn and Bb Cornet with the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band in Red Wing, MN. Mr. Pierce currently serves on the board of directors of the University of Wisconsin School of Music Alumni Association. He also serves on the Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Committee. He lives in Cumberland, WI with his wife Amy and their dog Ali.