Xavier Cornell

Business Manager

Canoga Park, CA | Manhattan School of Music ‘25

To say Xavier’s excited to be back on the Cape is an understatement! Xavier is originally from Canoga Park, California, meaning he’s no stranger to a beachy atmosphere! He just graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City with a BMA in Musical Theatre.

Xavier comes from a very athletic family, but after some trials and errors in his young athletic career, his whole family was on the same page that sports were not his calling. He started singing in his church’s youth choir and has been in love with music ever since! He participated in his first ever musical (The Sound of Music, where he played a dancing marionette) the summer before his 4th grade year and hasn’t stopped doing musical theater since. He fell in love with a cappella in high school after joining his school’s competitive group, Abbe Road. Around the house, he’s most known for being the member that “was on The Voice” after competing on Season 21 of NBC’s hit singing show and making it to the Top 32 on Team Kelly Clarkson!

In his spare time, Xavier enjoys going on walks, songwriting, being a MASSIVE tennis nerd, watching Survivor, and playing basketball! 

Now in his fourth summer, Xavier is excited to meet the new guys in the group and can’t wait to sing up and down the Cape all summer long once again!

Earl McBride

Music Director

Burlington, NC | Villanova University ‘27

Earl is thrilled to return to the Cape for his third summer with Hyannis Sound, serving for the second year as music director. Originally from Burlington, NC, Earl is a 22-year-old eclectic musician and lifelong learner. In May 2024, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience—go Heels!—and will begin graduate studies in experimental psychology at Villanova University this fall.

Earl’s a cappella journey began in high school with WA Cappella at Western Alamance, where he discovered a love for making music with friends and exploring composition and arrangement. It wasn’t until arriving at UNC, however, that he realized his passion for using music to create an impact. During his time there, he served as music director of Tar Heel Voices and later as assistant music director of UNC’s award-winning Tarpeggios. The son of two pastors, Earl credits much of his musical foundation and arranging style to gospel music, which continues to shape and inspire his work today.

Reshawn Murphy

residential coordinator

Raleigh, NC | University of North Carolina, Charlotte ‘23

Reshawn is ECSTATIC for his third summer in Hyannis Sound! He is 25 years old and was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in German.

Reshawn has been into music and performing his entire life. Growing up, his mother sang around the house so often that he was able to teach himself how to sing. In elementary school, he picked up the flute and learned how to play up until his freshman year of high school. During his sophomore year of high school, he joined his step team, where he performed and competed for three years up until he graduated, and he has been coaching ever since. During his senior year of high school, he decided to join his school’s choir to strengthen his vocal abilities and to experience singing in a group setting.

In his second semester of college, Reshawn joined Codachrome A Cappella, and after three years of singing bass, he became Music Director for the group in 2022. His group competed in ICCA 2023 where he personally received an Outstanding Arrangement Award for the entire set! 

Reshawn is very thankful for his entire family and his friends who support him in all of his endeavors. He cannot wait to be back on the Cape and is excited to see you all this summer!

Roman Newhouse

alumni Relations coordinator

Naperville, IL | University of Michigan ‘26

Roman is ecstatic to be in his second summer on the cape with The Hyannis Sound! Roman is a rising senior at the University of Michigan, studying Jazz Piano Performance and Choral Music Education. Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Roman has been singing and playing piano his entire life!

Roman has a diverse range of interests, from watching soccer and football to fashion, geography, and even solving rubik’s cubes! Although he loves a wide range of activities and topics, music will always be at the center of his heart. Roman started playing piano at age 4, and ever since, he has continued his studies of the instrument at the University of Michigan, where he has had opportunities across the wider detroit area for gigs with other rising jazz stars at famous venues like Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, Cliff Bell’s, and the Blue Llama.

In high school Roman also picked up singing and beatboxing with Metea Valley High School’s Apollo Singers, where he led and arranged for the group. He now arranges and continues to sing and compete with The University of Michigan’s South Asian fusion a cappella group, Maize Mirchi. Being in The Hyannis Sound, Roman hopes to broaden his musical horizons by meeting more amazing performers and honing in on his performance skills. Roman is excited for the best summer ever on the cape!

Aiden Courtney

Social Media Manager

Brownsburg, IN | Indiana University ‘27

Aiden is BEYOND excited to be spending his first summer on Cape Cod with The Hyannis Sound! He is a rising junior at Indiana University Bloomington, studying Arts Administration with minors in Music Business, and Sports Marketing and Management. Originally from Brownsburg, Indiana, this is Aiden’s first time on Cape Cod, and he has loved every second since he has been here. Music has been a core part of his life for as long as he can remember; being a part of The Hyannis Sound is a dream opportunity, and he cannot wait to see how he grows both personally and as an entertainer.

Outside of music, he has a huge passion for sports, both as a fan and participant. He loves watching Basketball and Football; he played lacrosse for 10 years and never passes up a chance to play a game of pickleball. He also deeply values quality time with friends and family, whether that is hanging out at home, going on late-night drives, or exploring new places. Those connections and experiences are what keep him grounded and inspired in everything that he does.

At IU, Aiden has embraced every chance to grow, whether that’s through musical organizations, leadership roles, or diving into new creative projects. He is eager to challenge himself musically, connect with new audiences, and make lifelong memories with an incredible group of guys this summer. He’s ready to make this summer one to remember!

Samari Johnson

Social media Manager

Jackson, MS | Missouri State ‘25

Samari is beyond thrilled to be making his a cappella debut with Hyannis Sound this year!

Born in North Carolina, Samari was primarily raised in Jackson, MS, before moving to Texas for high school. He recently graduated with his BFA in Musical Theatre from Missouri State University. So, if you’ve ever wondered why it’s hard for him to answer the question “Where are you from?” — now you know!

As mentioned, this is Samari’s first a cappella group experience ever, but music has always been a part of his life. From church and school choir to show choir and theater, he’s always found himself surrounded by music and performance.

When he’s not singing, you can usually find Samari binging a new show or anime, gaming, taking a walk with his headphones on, or learning random facts that will definitely come in handy in future conversations!

Jerick Rose

Public Relations manager

Spanish Fork, UT | Utah Valley University ‘26

Jerick is excited to embark on his journey with The Hyannis Sound for his second summer! He is currently a senior at Utah Valley University, where he studies Commercial Music and is the music director for Bloom, the 2024 ICCA winning group. Jerick co-founded Bloom with his best friend in 2021 and has been arranging and directing music for the group since day 1.

Originally from Spanish Fork, Utah, Jerick attended American Leadership Academy and was part of its competitive show choir, which ignited his passion for music. After graduating from UVU, Jerick aims to pursue a full-time career in arranging, producing, and workshopping in the a cappella community.

In his spare time and aside from music, Jerick loves cooking, volleyball, archery, and spending time with friends!

Jack Eyles

Co-Merchandise Coordinator and social chair

Haddonfield, NJ | College of William and Mary ‘26

Jack is excited to join the Hyannis Sound for his second summer on the Cape! He’s looking forward to making lifelong friends and memories with the rest of the group.

Jack was born and raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey, the first of his east coast destinations.

Currently, he is 21 years old and attends the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. At W&M, Jack sings with his two different co-ed a cappella groups, the Cleftomaniacs and No Ceiling, where he serves as Music Director and beatboxer for both. This is Jack’s first time singing in a lower voice group, and he is thrilled to arrange and sing with a different kind of group.

Jack has loved to sing since he was 5 years old in a production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Since then, he has picked up drums and guitar and loves to compose and produce his own music in his free time.

When he's not singing, Jack loves to draw, play guitar, and hang out with friends outside. He can’t wait for everyone he knows to visit him on the Cape and is eager to kick off a summer full of music and new memories with Hyannis Sound 2025!

Jaylan Garcia

Merchandise Coordinator

Richmond, VA | James Madison University ‘27

Jaylan is a so excited to be joining the Hyannis Sound this summer! Having never been to the cape before, he can’t wait to spend time connecting with the people and places of Cape Cod, Massachusetts!

Jaylan is currently 20 years old and a proud Virginian, having been born in Richmond, VA, and currently attending James Madison University, located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. At JMU, Jaylan is a rising junior, studying biotechnology with the intent to get his PhD! Additionally, he is involved in campus life through many different organizations, including 2 different a cappella groups! He joined the JMU Overtones during his freshman year, later becoming the Music Director, and has recently co-founded Purple Reign, a competitive mixed voices a cappella group, where he now serves as a co-Music Director. This summer will be Jaylan’s first time singing with a lower-voices a cappella group!

Jaylan’s first memory of a cappella was watching Pitch Perfect. (duh!) This lead to him joining his middle school’s a cappella club, and later, helping start his high schools first barbershop quartet: Noteworthy!

Outside of music, Jaylan is passionate about research, EMS, reading, and Dr. Pepper :)