Connie has been a music educator and show choir Director for over 30 years. She recently took an early retirement from teaching and left her Midwest roots to now reside in the Nashville area. Connie spent over half of her career in the Mt. Zion, IL school district where she directed many award-winning groups along with the Mount Zion, Swingsations. 

Throughout her career, she had the opportunity to serve as the director for outstanding groups like the Pekin Noteables, the Sullivan Singers, Decatur Elite Energy, and Chatham-Glenwood. Connie grew up in the Midwest and received her degree at Eastern Illinois University. During her time in Central Illinois, Connie has “worn many hats" and is grateful for the various opportunities and experiences. Some highlights include directing and choreographing for musicals/show choir productions, summer camp clinician, directing/choreographing for the Decatur Park Singers program, along with serving as the Company Manager for The Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan, IL., owning a formal wear store and serving as an adjudicator/clinician for various show choir events.

Connie is enjoying spending quality time with her family and her two sweet dogs. She is still very involved in the show choir community by serving as a clinician/consultant, adjudicator and costuming many performing groups.

Samual Mulligan is a Pop/R&B recording artist, songwriter, and musician based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from central Illinois, Sam was a graduate of Mt. Zion High School as well as an alumni of the Swingsations. He is also a recent graduate of Belmont University where he received his Bachelors of Music in Commercial Vocal Performance along with a minor in Music Business. Sam recently released his 10th single and his catalog of original music surpassed over half a million streams across all platforms. Currently Sam is traveling as a background dancer for country artist Walker Hayes’ U.S arena tour. His time is split recording and performing his own music at different venues around the country, writing songs for other artists, and traveling as a professional background dancer/vocalist. 

Sam is also a full-time freelance choreographer, clinician, and adjudicator working with many esteemed show choirs across the country. On top of being an artist, he continues to train in various styles of dance with top choreographers and dance studios in Nashville. He’s beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with so many incredible students and music educators through his love for music.

Clip from "Bones" by Imagine Dragons