Voctave

Voctave is an 11-piece a cappella group hailing from Central Florida. Established in the winter of 2015 by producer and arranger Jamie Ray, the ensemble's members boast a rich tapestry of backgrounds and musical influences. Drawing from their experiences in musical theater, contemporary Christian music, barbershop, pop, and choral music, Voctave delivers artful arrangements that captivate audiences worldwide.

Having shared the stage with Grammy, Dove, and American Music Award winners, Voctave has achieved numerous milestones, including multiple #1 songs and albums on platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. Their success extends to the Billboard charts, where they have charted in the Top 25. With over 150 million video views, their performances have garnered widespread acclaim. Voctave's albums are readily available digitally across all major platforms, ensuring their music reaches a global audience.

KATE LOTT

Kate's singing prowess has transported her across the globe, gracing stages in various regional theaters before settling in Orlando over a decade ago. Following her graduation from Shenandoah University with a BA in Musical Theatre, Kate's talents caught the attention of Walt Disney Entertainment, leading to her relocation to Orlando, Florida. For more than a decade, she lent her First Soprano voice to the acclaimed ensemble Voice of Liberty.

Beyond her ensemble work, Kate's solo performances have been equally remarkable. Notably, she has delivered the National Anthem for prestigious events such as the Atlanta Braves games, RunDisney races, and even for President Barack Obama. Her distinctive high notes have left an indelible mark on numerous studio recordings.

Outside of her musical endeavors, Kate shares her life with her husband, Rob, in Windermere, Florida, alongside their beloved canine companion, CJ Clegg.

TIFFANY COBURN

Kate's journey as a vocalist has taken her across continents, gracing stages in various regional theaters before making Orlando her home over a decade ago. Following her graduation from Shenandoah University with a BA in Musical Theatre, Kate's exceptional talents captured the attention of Walt Disney Entertainment, prompting her move to Orlando, Florida. For more than ten years, she lent her First Soprano voice to the esteemed ensemble, Voice of Liberty.

In addition to her ensemble work, Kate's solo performances have been equally impressive. Notably, she has delivered stirring renditions of the National Anthem at prestigious events such as Atlanta Braves games, RunDisney races, and even for President Barack Obama. Her distinctive high notes have left an indelible mark on numerous studio recordings.

Outside of her musical pursuits, Kate shares her life with her husband, Rob, in Windermere, Florida, where they cherish the companionship of their beloved canine, CJ Clegg.

ASHLEY ESPINOZA

Ashley Espinoza resides in Florida alongside her husband Christian and their son. A talented singer, Ashley is a member of the renowned Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World.

Her musical journey began with a Bachelor of Music degree, specializing in Vocal Performance, from Vanguard University of Southern California. It was during this time that Ashley discovered her passion for barbershop harmony. She has since been a part of several notable ensembles, including Harbor Lights Chorus, Hypnotic, Vogue (which clinched the 2010 Rising Star Championship), Charmed, and Toast of Tampa Show Chorus. Presently, Ashley leads Windsor, the esteemed quartet that currently holds the third-place position in Sweet Adeline's International.

Outside of her musical pursuits, Ashley finds joy in reading, proudly embracing her identity as a cat enthusiast (affectionately known as the Crazy Cat Lady), and striving to excel in her roles as a wife and mother.

SARAH WHITTEMORE

Originally hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Sarah cultivated her love for performance from an early age, honing her vocal skills in various professional touring ensembles. For over a decade now, she has found her home in Central Florida, where she has solidified her reputation as a vocalist with a commanding presence both on stage and in the recording studio.

Sarah's velvety smooth voice captivates audiences daily at EPCOT's American Adventure, where she joins the ranks of the world-renowned a cappella ensemble, Voices of Liberty.

In November of this year, Sarah will take center stage as a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, showcasing her exceptional talent on one of the world's most prestigious platforms.

CHRYSTAL JOHNSON

Crystal Johnson is a seasoned singer and actress, boasting a remarkable 13-year tenure as a member of the esteemed "Voices of Liberty" at Disney World's Epcot. Additionally, she shines as a lead performer in Disney's Festival of the Lion King, captivating audiences across various venues in the Orlando, Florida area.

Her musical journey began amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, where she embarked on her singing career. Crystal furthered her education at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, graduating with a degree in Public Relations and Religion. During her time at Lee, she distinguished herself as a top vocalist in "The Voices of Lee" and collaborated with numerous artists. Crystal's talents also took her around the globe as a member of the renowned gospel group, "The Gaithers."

Presently, Crystal resides in Florida with her husband and four children, continuing to inspire audiences with her remarkable vocal prowess and theatrical finesse.

DREW OCHOA

Originally hailing from Ohio, Drew ventured to Orlando, Florida, driven by his passion for entertainment and a desire to pursue a career at Walt Disney World. He is a dedicated full-time member of The Voices of Liberty and occasionally lends his talents to The Dapper Dans.

Drew's musical journey is anchored by his academic achievements. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and furthered his education with a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Roosevelt University.

An ardent enthusiast of barbershop-style a cappella, Drew's talents extend beyond the stage. In 2018, he achieved a remarkable feat by winning the International Barbershop Quartet Competition with his quartet, The After Hours.

E.J. CARDONA

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, EJ has graced stages around the world, showcasing his talents in a variety of ensembles and productions. His impressive stage credits include notable roles such as Marius in Musical Theatre West's Les Miserables, Chino in West Side Story, and Piraguero in In the Heights.

For over a decade, EJ was a prominent member of Walt Disney World Entertainment, enchanting audiences in productions like Finding Nemo: The Musical and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, as well as numerous special events.

EJ's vocal prowess extends beyond the stage as a sought-after session vocalist, lending his voice to recordings for esteemed labels such as Capitol Records, Imagination House, Roy O. Disney Studios, and Jim Henson Studios.

He has also made his mark in television, appearing as a contestant on the premiere season of The X Factor and emerging as the inaugural winner of Orlando Idol. Most recently, EJ graced screens in a holiday commercial for GAP (USA).

His talents as a backing vocalist have been sought after by renowned artists including Superfruit, Jordan Fisher, Shoshana Bean, Jackie Evancho, and Chris Daughtry.

EJ's passion for a cappella music is evident in his collaborations with esteemed groups such as Pentatonix, The Voices of Liberty at Disney, The American Music Machine, Off-Broadway's Toxic Audio (now VOXAudio), Return2Zero, The Edge Effect (from "The Sing Off" tour), ECHO, Sing It (Universal), and most recently, VOCTAVE.

JAMEY RAY

Also recognized as a choral arranger and composer, Jamie is the visionary behind the inception of Voctave, having founded the group in late 2015. He assumes the pivotal roles of producer and arranger within the ensemble, shaping their distinctive sound and artistic direction.

In addition to his contributions to Voctave, Jamie holds the esteemed position of Choral Editor at Excelcia Music Publishing. In this role, he meticulously curates and edits the annual choral catalogue, ensuring the highest quality of musical selections for performers and educators alike.

Jamie's expertise extends beyond his work with Voctave and Excelcia Music Publishing. He boasts an extensive portfolio as a producer, having helmed the creation of hundreds of recordings and numerous full-length albums. His collaborations span across Broadway and Disney performers and groups, including the Winter Park's Bach Festival Society and Liberty Voices, among others. Jamie's dedication to excellence in music production and arrangement continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

KURT VON SCHMITTOU

Originally hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Kurt was immersed in a rich musical environment from an early age, thanks to his musically inclined family. His father's leadership in their church's music ministry and his mother's proficiency in piano and organ laid the foundation for Kurt's own musical journey. He began playing piano at the age of 10 and later expanded his repertoire to include trumpet and tuba.

During his time at Middle Tennessee State University, Kurt's passion for singing transcended genres, encompassing everything from classical to country music. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree, specializing in Recording Industry Management and Music Industry.

Kurt's career flourished in the vibrant music scene of Nashville. He gained invaluable experience performing in shows at Opryland theme park, gracing the stage as a solo artist at the Grand Ole Opry, and embarking on international tours as the lead vocalist for the Chippendales. His impressive roster of collaborators includes esteemed recording artists such as Conway Twitty, Wynonna Judd, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Jessica Simpson, and Yanni.

On Broadway, Kurt made his mark with notable credits including his roles in the closing cast of the original run of Cats and the original Broadway cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

His versatility as a vocalist and performer extends beyond the stage to voice-over work for prominent entertainment venues and brands. Kurt's voice can be heard in various capacities at Disney, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, Legoland, Gaylord Resorts, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruise Lines, NASCAR, and more.

At Walt Disney World, Kurt has been a fixture in numerous shows for over 25 years. He has lent his talents to productions such as "Beauty & the Beast" and "The Voices of Liberty." Additionally, he was part of the original cast of "Finding Nemo: The Musical" at Disney's Animal Kingdom, portraying the character "Bruce the Shark," and performed in "Journey into Jungle Book" as "Baloo." His contributions also extend to Walt Disney World productions such as "THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE" and "FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration."

Kurt currently resides in Central Florida with his husband Zach and their two cats, Thunder and Pride. He continues to make waves in the music industry through his work in studio recording, encompassing voiceovers, songs, and audiobook narrations, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.

AARON STRATTON

A native of West Virginia, Aaron moved to Orlando in 1996 to pursue a career at Walt Disneys Disney World, including appearances in Dapper Dans, Finding Nemo: The Musical, Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Voice of Liberty.

KARL HUDSON

Carl Hudson is a distinguished bass singer whose musical journey has taken him across the globe, driven by his passion for uplifting humanity through the power of song. His impressive roster of collaborations includes recording sessions with acclaimed artists such as Capitol Records' Grammy Award winner David Benoist, Shoshana Bean, Pentatonix, Marc Broussard, Mindi Abair, and David Foster.

As the bass singer for MTV's top pop group, Edge Effect, Carl has shared the stage with renowned acts like Robin Thicke and LMFAO's Sky Blue. Additionally, he showcased his vocal talents as a member of Disney's a cappella ensemble, Voices of Liberty, for a decade. Carl's contributions to the entertainment world extend beyond vocal performances, as he has portrayed the role of Chiume in Disney's Festival of the Lion King and participated in numerous special events for the Walt Disney Company.

Carl's musical education began at the Hartt Conservatory, where he was introduced to the world of a cappella through barbershop music. His talents flourished, leading him to win an international collegiate gold medal with the group Men in Black, which later achieved international acclaim as a top 10 quartet. Following his graduation with a bachelor's degree in musical theater, Carl embarked on a career that encompassed both New York and regional theater. His theatrical credits span a wide range of roles, from Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime to Balthazar in Much Ado About Nothing alongside Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba, and Joe in Show Boat.

In addition to his stage performances, Carl has found success in the realm of voiceover work, with his early triumph being a commercial for Centrum Vitamins. Through it all, Carl remains grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion and share his love for music with the world.