Lauren (Harrison) Funk
Theta Lambda, Auburn University
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Lauren was initiated into the Theta Lambda Chapter at Auburn University in Spring of 2012 where she was a piccolo player in the Auburn University Marching Band (War Eagle!). As active member, Lauren served as chapter Corresponding Secretary and chapter President as well as Piccolo Section Leader for the AUMB. Lauren also served on the district level as Southeast District President (2015-2017). Lauren graduated with a degree in Supply Chain Management and then moved to Atlanta, GA where she is Chemical Sourcing Analyst for Georgia-Pacific.
As an alumni, Lauren is an active member of TBSAA and is the Executive Chair of SEDAA. She is a Life Member of Theta Lambda and an honorary member of the Iota Psi chapter at Kennesaw State University.
Lauren spends her free time binge-watching Netflix, exploring new restaurants in Atlanta, and visiting Disney World every chance she gets.
Nikki Lyons
Zeta Kappa, Albany State University
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Nikki Lyons is a Life Member of the Zeta Kappa chapter at the “Unsinkable” Albany State University. She was initiated on November 20, 2005. While she was an active member, she played the flute and piccolo as a member of the Marching Rams Show Band and Concert Band ensembles. Nikki was honored to serve in various leadership roles in her chapter as a committee chair, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, and chapter President.
Nikki has earned degrees in Early Childhood Education (Albany State, 2008 & 2011) and Instructional Technology (University of Northern Iowa, 2015). She currently resides in Gainesville, Florida where she works as an Instructional Designer at the University of Florida. In her role, she is responsible for creating instructional materials relating to the university’s financial and HR systems for employees, and facilitating training opportunities for professional development.
Nikki is a member of TBSAA. She spends her free time reading, listening to podcasts, Netflixing, crafting, cooking & eating, scrolling her timeline, and traveling to spend time with her loved ones and see bands in action.
Jennifer B. Ryder
Epsilon Chi, South Carolina State University
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Jennifer Ryder attended South Carolina State University, where she received a B. S. in Music Education: Instrumental. She was initiated into the Epsilon Chi Chapter at South Carolina State University (SCSU) in Spring 1999, and is a Life Member. During her time as an undergrad she served in several leadership roles including band club treasurer and assistant treasurer for the chapter. She was a clarinetist and a member of the Marching 101 and SCSU Symphonic Band.
She has a Masters of Education in Education Leadership from The Citadel and an Educational Specialist from Walden University. Upon graduation, she was a band director in Charleston County School District and Clarendon 2 School District in South Carolina. Jennifer currently is a Middle School Band Director for Clayton County Public Schools in the Atlanta, GA Metro Area with over eighteen years’ experience.
Jennifer is also an active-charter member of TBSAA. She is a member of the Atlanta Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma (AAA), where she is the current corresponding secretary and past treasurer. She has served on AAA’s Undergraduate, Fundraiser, & Golden Baton Scholarship Initiative Committees. Jennifer is also a member of the National Association for Music Education, Sigma Alpha Iota Fraternity, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jennifer enjoys spending time traveling, attending live concerts, and spending time with her husband Larry, who is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, their son Jai, and her extended family and friends.