Graduate Teaching Assistants
Aubrey Chapin is in her 2nd year of the Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance program at OU, having also completed her Master’s of Music in Voice Performance degree at the university. A current student of Valerie Bernhardt, Aubrey has recently performed a lecture recital on “The Feminine and Masculine Perspectives of Francis Poulenc” as a Texoma NATS Artist Series presenter. She was also a finalist for the OU 3-Minute Thesis competition.
Aubrey is currently the Instructor of Record for multiple sections of Experiencing Music, where she teaches 80-120 students per semester. She has served as both a Voice and Theory and Aural Skills Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Oklahoma. Additionally, Aubrey has been the Instructor of Record for Voice Studio and Group Voice classes at Oklahoma Baptist University.
A native Oklahoman, Aubrey enjoyed performing with the Tulsa Opera company for a decade. Favorite operatic roles have included Cleopatra (Giulio Cesare), Leïla (Les Pêcheurs de perles), and Marguerite (Faust). She has appeared a soloist with Canterbury Voices, Wichita Grand Opera, and Cimarron Circuit, among others.
Diego J. Fuentez is a current Music Education PhD student and Graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma. A native Oklahoman, Mr. Fuentez received his Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Nevada, Reno (2021) and his Masters of Education-Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2024). Prior to attending OU, Mr. Fuentez taught High School Band, AP Music Theory, and Mariachi in the Clark County School District for four years.
Kenzie Heaney is a Ph.D candidate in Choral Music Education. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Susquehanna University as well as two Master of Music degrees in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance, both from Bowling Green State University. Kenzie has held appointments as choral director and musical theater director at both Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School in Macon, GA, and Holly Grove Middle School in Raleigh, NC. Her educational efforts have resulted in a classroom technology grant from the Peyton Anderson Foundation, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Community Impact Award, and nomination to the NC School Heroes roster.
Kenzie has performed regularly with the Toledo Opera and Symphony Chorus as well as BGSU’s main stage operas and MicroOperas. In 2023 Kenzie was named as a semi-finalist in Michigan’s William C. Byrd Vocal Competition and a finalist in the Detroit Opera MODO Aria Competition.
Asher Shoopman is pursuing dual Master of Music degrees in Music Education and Trombone Performance at the University of Oklahoma, where he serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. A student of Dr. Justin Cook, Asher is a member of the OU Trombone Choir and Octet, the Graduate Brass Quintet, and other School of Music ensembles.
Raised in Altus, Oklahoma, Asher earned his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2022. Following graduation, he served as Assistant Director of Bands at Catoosa Public Schools, where he directed and assisted with concert ensembles, marching band, and jazz band.
During his first year of graduate study at the University of Central Arkansas, Asher worked as the manager of the UCA Recording Studio before returning to OU to continue his work in both performance and music education.
Outside of music, Asher enjoys spending time with his cat, Miss Edwin, and watching Sooner football.
Shelby Swanson is a third year Instrumental Music Education PhD graduate assistant at OU, with an interest in developing, expanding, and sustaining Community Music Organizations. Bringing 5 years as a public school band director, and a wide array of teaching experiences in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Shelby earned a masters degree in instrumental conducting at the University of Arkansas. In addition to her time teaching wind band, Shelby has coached Colorguard and cymbals in Winter Guard and Percussion ensembles in Oklahoma, and worked with and inspired inexperienced musicians from sixth grade through undergraduate studies in Music Appreciation courses. As an oboist, Shelby is an active lessons instructor and most recently enjoyed performing with the Oklahoma City Winds at the Oklahoma Bandmasters' Association Summer Conference. Shelby strives to program music which comes from and speaks to people from all kinds of experiences and backgrounds, and that is enjoyable and engaging to practice, perform, and perceive.
When not doing musical and/or teaching things, Shelby spends as much time as possible outdoors gardening, playing with their dogs (and cat), and spending time with family.
