Student Advisory Council

26-27 Student Advisory Council Members

Michael Gabriel:

Michael Gabriel is currently completing a Doctoral degree in Conducting and a Master’s degree in Music Theory at Michigan State University. He recently was named a finalist for the World Association of Symphonic Bands/Ensembles International Conducting Competition in Rio de Janeiro, and the American Prize in Conducting. At Michigan State, he teaches courses in conducting and aural skills, and has conducted students ranging from non-music majors in the Campus Band to graduate students in the Wind Symphony, to professional musicians in projects around campus. He has guest lectured, conducted, and taught internationally, including most recently teaching residencies at the Mid-Europe Festival and the American University in Paris, as well as a publication in the WASBE peer-reviewed journal. He has also presented sessions for the NAfME National Assembly, College Band Director’s National Association, and FMEA. A fervent support of new music permeates his research, which has included collaborations with composers Joseph Schwantner, Ricardo Lorenz, and the estate of Chick Corea. A Florida native he received a B.M.E. (Hon.) from Florida State University, where his research mentor was Clifford Madsen. He taught in BCPS for five years, most recently at Charles W. Flanagan High School, where the ensembles consistently received meritorious ratings and performance invitations, and collaborated with some of the nation’s leading composers and conductors.

Sam Farabee:

Sam Farabee (she/her) is a third year music education major with a primary instrument of percussion. This year is Sam’s third and final term on the Student Advisory Council and is honored to have been chosen as the Secretary for this academic year. In addition to being on the SAC, Sam works as a Resident Assistant in the music dorms, is the Secretary and General Music Representative for the MSU Chapter of the National Association for Music Education, and is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. For questions about SAC, contact Sam via email at farabee1@msu.edu. 

Josefina (Fina) Arnett:

Fina Arnett is a fourth-year student at Michigan State University pursuing degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She is actively involved in the College of Music in a variety of ways, including through leadership roles in student organizations such as the National Association for Music Education. Fina is also a Resident Assistant for the Music Living-Learning Community in Mary Mayo Hall. She is passionate about music education, student engagement, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community within the College of Music. Through her involvement with the Student Advisory Council, she hopes to represent student perspectives, contribute to meaningful conversations, and support initiatives that enhance the student experience. 

Piumi Kasthuri Arachchi:

Piumi Kasthuri Arachchi is a PhD student in Music Education at Michigan State University and a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She is a music educator, researcher, and mezzo-soprano with teaching experience in international settings. Her research interests include improvisation, musician wellbeing, performance anxiety, early childhood music education, and creativity. 

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, she hopes to lead initiatives within the School of Music that promote interdisciplinary research collaboration and provide professional development opportunities for graduate students. 

Kieran Venugopal:

Kieran Venugopal is an undergraduate music education major and violinist. Kieran is also pursuing a degree in psychology with a focus in education and learning through the Honors College and work as a research assistant in a psych lab. Along with the Student Advisory Council, he is the membership coordinator for MSU’s NAfME chapter and he is involved in the Spartan ASTA chapter. In his free time, Kieran likes to read and learn new board games with his friends and he is always looking to check out new restaurants. This is Kieran’s first year on the council, and he is excited to help make sure everyone in the College of Music has the best experience possible! His email is always open if you have any questions, and you can catch me in the music lobby as well.

Joshua Mithuen: 

Joshua Mithuen (he/him) is a second-year master’s student studying music theory. He currently serves as a graduate assistant for the theory area and as the student coordinator for the Music Theory Learning Center.

During his undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, Joshua served as the president of the Mu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. He also served as a board member on OU’s NAfME-C chapter and for the music student wellness initiative Breathe OUt. He is passionate about making academia a place where every student, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Joshua is thrilled about the opportunity to represent the music theory department as well as use his position and his voice to benefit the greater College of Music community. After graduating, he plans to pursue higher education administration and educational leadership in addition to continuing his studies in music theory.

Kelly Bohan:

Kelly Bohan is a master’s student pursuing degrees in piano performance and piano pedagogy. A student of Professor Deborah Moriarty, she completed her undergraduate studies in performance at MSU. In addition to piano, Kelly studies organ under Dr. Hae Won Jang. She gives annual solo recitals and serves as the Dr. Edward D. Anderson organ scholar at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. 

Kelly is the Vice President of the MSU Collegiate Chapter of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). The chapter seeks to provide opportunities for professional development, networking, and experience for pianists and music teachers. She is also part of You Can Feel the Music, a team seeking to make written music accessible to both non-sighted and sighted individuals. Along with MSU graduate Dr. Yoo Jin Noh, she was invited to present their work at the 2022 Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. Kelly has also served as a mentor for the Celebrating the Spectrum Festival since 2024. 

Annie Walton:

Annie Walton is an undergraduate student at Michigan State University studying classical trumpet performance with Justin Emerich. She currently plays in the MSU Wind Symphony and the Honors Brass Quintet. She grew up in East Lansing, MI but attended the Interlochen Arts Academy for her senior year of high school. Aside from trumpet, she enjoys taking walks in the woods, birdwatching, and exploring various fiber arts. 

The Dean’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) is seeking five new student members — including at least two graduate students — to serve beginning in the Fall 2026 semester.

The SAC works closely with the Dean to represent the interests of music students and provide feedback on issues affecting the College community. Composed of undergraduate and graduate students from across programs, the Council aims to reflect the diversity of disciplines within the College, including performance, composition, education, scholarship, and research areas.

Serving on the SAC is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations about the future of the College of Music while developing leadership, communication, and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities include:

• Participating in regular meetings with College leadership
• Representing the perspectives of fellow students
• Engaging with peers to gather feedback and concerns
• Contributing to discussions on policies, initiatives, and student life
• Students must have completed at least one semester of coursework at MSU to be eligible.

Application for Fall 2026 Student Representation

Apply for the Student Advisory Council  Apply by Friday, March 27, 5 PM

Student Advisory Council members are selected through an application and review process coordinated by the College of Music. The Council is composed of undergraduate and graduate students representing a broad range of disciplines across the College.

Serving on the SAC provides students with a direct role in College governance. Members work closely with the Dean and administrators to share student perspectives, discuss issues affecting the community, and contribute to conversations about policies, initiatives, and the overall student experience.

Council members are expected to:

• Attend regular SAC meetings
• Engage with fellow students to gather feedback and concerns
• Represent the interests of their peers to College leadership
• Contribute thoughtfully to discussions and recommendations
• Notices of application opportunities are shared with College of Music students as positions become available. Questions may be directed to the Office of the Dean or the Student Advisory Council leadership.

The Student Advisory Council is open to all eligible students and provides equal opportunity to participate.

Email the Dean’s Office to enquire