Allison Semmes enjoys singing classical, jazz, R&B, pop, gospel, and any repertoire in between. Although Allison takes pleasure in singing all genres of music, she firmly believes that a singer must have solid classical voice training foundation to maintain a healthy singing career. Allison is currently persuing a master's degree with Michael Ricciardone at NYU, where she also serves as adjunct faculty. She has been a member of the U of I Black Chorus, Women's Glee Club, and Concert Choir, served as the music coordinator for the African American Academy for the Arts, and is president and musical director of SoulEssence Acappella. She has performed in Sweeney Todd, Suor Angelica, Candide, and L'incoronazione di Poppea, as well as with the Champaign-based jazz trio Panache, and will be appearing in the NYU production of The Gondoliers this spring. Allison is a founding member of Yes is a World. Allison is a founding member of Yes is a World’s Siyakhumbala and vocal sextet The Current, and she a featured soloist in Ted Hearne's Katrina Ballads.