Director - Christina Cawthon

Christina Cawthon is a central Illinois native and was a part of the Sullivan Singers during high school. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from McKendree University and her Master's degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University. Mrs. Cawthon has been teaching for the past six years, mostly recently teaching choir and theater at a private school in Nashville, TN. She is excited to return to her roots of show choir and share her passion for this performing art with the students in the Mt. Zion school district!

Assistant Director - Carly Larson

Carly, originally from St Louis, attended Lindenwood University for Vocal Music Education and Business Management. While living in St Louis she accompanied, performed and assisted with various church choirs, schools, theatre companies, individuals and ensembles. For the last 8 years Carly has accompanied Mt Zion choirs, both at the classroom and competitive levels. She’s overjoyed with the opportunity to assist Mr. Taylor with the choirs here and witness firsthand the growth and successes of each student involved. Carly is beyond thankful for her husband, Dreu, whose support is unparalleled. She’s forever proud of her own three (Mt. Zion Show Choir) children- Tryston (Swingsations Alum ‘22), Taylor (LesFemmes Sophomore) and Tyler (Sound System 8th grade).

Choreographer - Dwight Jordan

Dwight is a director/choreographer/producer out of Naperville, a Chicago suburb. Mr. Jordan is co-director of Showchoir Camps of America, Inc. He is recognized as an innovator and trendsetter in show choir staging and choreography. He has directed and choreographed numerous award-winning junior high, high school, and college show choirs from across the United States. In addition, Mr. Jordan writes, directs and choreographs stage productions for the Silver Dollar City Theme Park and the Showboat Branson Belle, in Branson, Missouri. Dwight was key in leading a team of top industry professionals, who designed the Entertainment Arts Program for the Walt Disney Company. You may have also seen him on national television as a judge for the Miss America Pageant. Mr. Jordan resides with his wife, Kari, and has three children, Greg, Ellie, and Jeff.

Choreographer - Sam Mulligan

Samual Mulligan is a Pop/R&B recording artist, songwriter, and musician based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from central Illinois, Sam was a graduate of Mt. Zion High School as well as an alumni of the Swingsations. He is also a recent graduate of Belmont University where he received his Bachelors of Music in Commercial Vocal Performance along with a minor in Music Business. Sam recently released his 10th single and his catalog of original music surpassed over half a million streams across all platforms. Currently he is traveling as a background dancer for country artist Walker Hayes’ U.S. tour. Sam is also a full-time freelance choreographer, clinician, and adjudicator working with many show choirs across the country. He’s beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with so many incredible students and music educators through his love for music.

Combo director - Zach Garrett

Zach Garrett is a singer/songwriter, producer, educator, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Mt. Zion, IL. After graduating from Mt. Zion High School and later Millikin University, Zach returned to Mt. Zion to assist in the music programs directing the Drumline, Front Ensemble, High Class (jazz combo), as well as becoming combo director for the Mt. Zion Show Choirs helping lead them to a national championship in 2014. Zach returns this year with the same passion for leading others into musical excellence. Apart from directing, he is the owner and head instructor of Musician’s Foundry in Mt. Zion where he teaches piano, bass, drums, guitar, and voice. He is also an artist releasing original music. He has written and recorded in Nashville, TN, however he still owns and operates his own studio (Studio Z) in Mt. Zion. Find out more about Zach at www.TheZachGarrett.com!