Director: Laurel Kunes

MS. Kunes is a 1979 graduate of Mentor High School and a Top 25 alumnus. After graduating from Mentor, she attended Heidelberg College, as a percussion major, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. In 1984, she began her career in Mentor. In 1991, Miss Kunes earned her Masters Degree in Science and Education from Lake Erie College, with an additional certification in Supervision. She completed her post-graduate studies and obtained her permanent teaching certification. She continues to be an active member in the Ohio Music Educator's Association (O.M.E.A.), Lake County Music Educator's Association, MENC, MTA & OEA.

"To aspire as an elememtary student to be in the Top 25: to sing and set up my drums under the Eiffel Tower at 16 years old and perform in the other states and countries for people who don't know us, yet loved us; to take my first plane trip with a group of peers and musicians that I would discover later, the vast benefits from such one-time experiences; to create a jr. high group in the image of Top 25 ("Shoreline Singer"); and today, to be directing this prestigious, community up-lifting, and quality musical group, with all it's history. It is both an honor and with deep appreciation, to direct the Mentor High School Top 25."

Email: Laurel Kunes

 

Assistant Director: Dawn Kunes-Sunagel

v is no stranger to Top 25. She spent 2 years in the group back in the 80’s. She was also a percussionist in Wind Ensemble and a Soprano in A Cappella choir. Her junior year in Top 25, she went to California, where they performed for over a thousand veterans at the L.A. VA hospital. It was the 20th Anniversary that year for the group. Her favorite memory is having the solo in “Birdland” by Manhattan Transfer her senior year. She also was a music Education major at Heidelberg College and was a member of the Singing Collegians show choir there. Now she enjoys being a Mom and getting to watch her son be a part of Top 25. Music is just part of the family tree. She’s also the co-treasurer of the choral parent organization, Cardinal Voice for Mentor Schools. Dawn is happy to help out her sister now with Top 25 and remembers fondly, the many Top 25 shows she sat through as her older sister performed with the group.
She also would like to mention what a talented great group of students we have in the group this year, and it’s been a pleasure to work with them.

 

Choreographers: Allen Yee

Allen Yee is a former member of Top 25

 

Choreographers: Lauren McNiel

Lauren McNiel is

 

Choreographers: Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez has met his dream