Theme: Keynote

The event highlights the theme of music and the role it plays in our daily lives. Join us as we showcase three speakers who describe how music has transformed their personal and professional lives.

Virtual
1739 N High St
Columbus, Ohio, 43210
United States

Gavin Heiserman

Business Finance Student

Gavin Heiserman is a fourth year business finance student at Ohio State University. Ever since he was young, music has been infused into his life. His passion for music really expanded in his middle and high school years, as he learned more instruments, became more involved, and learned musical theory. Music is an essential part within Gavin’s life, and without it, he said he absolutely would not be the same.

Henry Neff

Music Director and Beatboxing

Henry is a fourth year undergraduate economics student at The Ohio State University. During his time at the university, he has had the chance to perform with several groups including Statesmen, Men's Glee Club, and Buck That A Cappella. He is currently the music director and beatboxer for Buck That. Henry has been beatboxing for 5 years and was recently awarded best vocal percussionist with Buck That at the ICCA quarterfinal in Case Western. He is very excited to explore the culture and history of beatboxing with the audience while also presenting what beatboxing truly is for a solo performer.

Laurel Hurst

Ethnomusicologist and Registered Nurse

Laurel Myers Hurst explores the musical meanings and neurological potential of drumming together for physical, mental and social health. Hurst has studied the philosophical foundations and practical applications of groove-based music for fifteen years, and she leads drumming for people of all ages and abilities. Hurst became so convinced of the therapeutic benefits of drumming that she left ten years of teaching university music appreciation and diversity courses to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Hurst has been named an Albert Schweitzer Fellow for innovation in healthcare among underserved populations working with clients at the Wexner Medical Center’s addiction recovery programs. Hurst also works with the Family Caregiver Community Research Study at The Ohio State University. Her scholarly and programming activities have been acknowledged through grants from the GRAMMY® Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council.