Emily Shinn has had a rough couple of years.  Born in Compton, she had to become tough early in life.  She was a difficult child, and her parents couldn't keep a strong enough hold on her.  By 2005, 17-year-old Emily had already been arrested 7 times.  Among other things, she had quickly become a drug addict and an alcoholic.  She needed help.  However, Emily does have one major talent: she is a fantastic singer.  A California judge suggested that sending her to James Madison University to perform with The Overtones may change Emily's ways.  In the Fall of 2007, Emily joined the group and never looked back.  She's been clean and sober ever since.  Now that's a success story!

When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Great Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.

Tanner "The Ghost Man" Smith was born in sunny Orange County California to a family of smurfs. Not wanting Tanner to go through life as a tiny blue man, his parents sent him to the closest nuclear testing facility, receiving a sum of $384.23 for their contribution to science. After growing several feet and losing his blueish complexion, Tanner embraced the OC lifestyle, spending his time surfing, tanning, and babe-watching. On an impromptu cross-country longboard expedition, Tanner rolled into room 204 of the JMU Music Building where the Overtones were holding auditions. Behind his charming smile, Tanner remains a man of mystery. His frequent absence in the early days of Fall semester 2009 led the Overtones to question his whereabouts. CIA involvement is still suspected. In his spare time, Tanner practices the art of impressions, his favorite target being our very own Bobby Creedon.

Katie Morrison was born on a full moon "not twenty-two" years ago to a family of dolphins off the Ivory Coast. Being raised a firm believer in the gods of the sea and taking their motto to heart ("Katie Morrison should spread her fins and make her way to JMU."), she spread her fins and made her way to JMU. Known officially as the Sexual Guru of the Overtones, her ability to speak candidly on faux pas subjects harken back to her early days as a safari tour guide in the Congolese mountains where she had to wrestle a witch doctor for her daily food rations. Katie's favorite moments in life are the beautiful times when friends, family, men and women, black and white, Latino and Jewish, infants and old people all come together, joining in a cathartic moment of music, love, and food.  And her favorite color is brown.

Jon Stafford’s early childhood life remains unknown, because he in fact never was a child. Jon Stafford always has been and always will be all that is man. Prior to adding exceptional talent to the Overtones, Jon was affiliated with high ranking mafia members, where he learned his love for leather and gold chains, as well as the subtle art of persuading unassuming newbies. Once affectionately called “Big Poppa Pimpin” in the mafia, Jon now takes pride in his given name, notably without the “h”, because while other people may need it, Jon is too good for it. His rugged good looks, chiseled smile, and soulful butter voice once qualified him for a competition of taste with KFC biscuits. He won. Jon's life aspirations include never working at Lowe’s again and landing himself a sizzling Orange County housewife.

David John Little. He was raised by a pack of wolves, and is indeed the Prince Wolf Boy. He was thrown into civilization and socialization when he entered JMU, and further humanized by A Cappella. We have taught him the ways of the human world. He quickly learned to walk upright, and has recently discovered indoor plumbing. We are so very proud of our young wolf boy.

Me fail english? That's umpossible!

Meghan Verducci is the love child of Usher, Jennifer Lopez, and Mini Me. Growing up in the NoVa projects, Verducky (as she's known on the streets) had to pop, lock, and riff her way out of a rumble or two. After a brief stint as a middle school football coach, Meghan informed The Overtones that she would be joining their group in the Fall of 2008.  Meghan is the staple 'smiley face' of the Overtones, and is the queen of 'turning that frown upside down'. Her interests include weaves, restoring vintage automobiles, and 'I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant'. Look out for her on The Real World 2020: Six Flags New Jersey

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

When I was kidnapped, my parents snapped into action. They rented out my room.

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

David Rea is a man of many talents. Many may see him as the ‘hunk’ of the group, but there is so much more to the brown-eyed heart throb. David made his start as a child star. He was in many random shows through the late 80s and 90s, but his big break was as an extra in Growing Pains. (which is ironic seeing as David is still and will always be seen as an infant). Life got complicated when David turned teenager and pulled a Drew Barrymore with narcotics, but all is well in the world today. David got it together and graced Overtones with his presence and talent in the Fall of 2008. Keep an eye out for this wild child; if you can’t find him at a performance….. he is taking a shower.

I think animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers.