Click on your favorite Accidental to learn more about them.
Name: Ren Redding
Year in Group: 2nd
Year in School: Senior
Section: Tenor 1
Major: Spanish and Criminal Justice
Hometown: Cordele, GA
Born and raised, in the Watermelon Capital of the World, Ren was destined to be great. Given the birth-name, La'Rentavius D'Marcus Rashaud Redding, Ren has always had something big to live up to. At a very young age, he began singing around the house and at church. He knew music was something that could touch everyone, and it became his passion. Ren was given Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard soundtrack when he was around 8 yrs old, and he learned the entire album. From that point on, Whitney has been his favorite artist--and obsession. Ren sang all the way from elementary school and in high school, where he won four talent shows. In 9th grade, he formed an a capella group that remained nameless for the four years he was there. After being accepting into UGA, Ren thought that he would give music a rest and focus on something else. But, that didn't last long. He auditioned for and was accepted into The UGA Accidentals in the fall of 2009. From that moment on, he has been happier than ever with music and with an everlasting brotherhood. Ren is looking forward to great things with the 'Dentals is currently serving as Assistant Business Manager, alongside being an awesome husband to Whitney Houston!
Name: Marcus Hines
Year in Group: 3rd
Year in School: Senior
Section: Tenor 1
Major: Cellular Biology, Statistics (minor)
Hometown: Albany, GA
Marcus Hines was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to his magnificently amazing parents. However, the family soon realized that Marcus’s greatness could never be fully realized in Pennsylvania. So after only a month, they moved to Albany, Georgia. Always the little entertainer, Marcus began singing around the age of four – ultimately getting a taste of many genres and styles by joining school choruses and church choirs. However, his music life was changed forever when, at the age of 10, he received “The Writing’s on the Wall” by Destiny’s Child. It was then that little Marcus fell in love with the voice of a siren named Beyoncé – and her looks were not too bad either. Marcus joined the Accidentals spring semester of his freshman year and has been a part of the illustrious and prestigious Tenor 1 vocal part ever since. A famous quote of his is “I don’t float…that’s not what Marcus does.” On a final note, in response to Danny Y’s ludicrous comment, we ALL know who is the best looking!
Name: Taylor Greer
Year in Group: 2nd
Year in School: Sophomore
Section: Tenor
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Hampton, GA
Taylor Greer is currently a sophomore and Music Education major at the University of Georgia. He has been involved in music as long as he can remember: singing in church, marching band, musical theatre, and now a cappella. When he was little, his mother sang "You Are My Sunshine" to him (his all-time favorite song) and when he was old enough to sing along, she added the harmony. This was the beginning of his musical wandering. At Luella Middle School, Taylor developed his interest in music originally through band playing percussion. A few years later, after performing in his first "High School Musical" (Haha), he knew singing was his real passion. During his senior year, Taylor went to Athens to audition for the UGA Accidentals and started his A Cappella journey. And what a start it was! In only one year, Taylor competed in Sojam and ICCAs, earning ICCA 2010 South Champions and 2nd Runner-up at ICCA Finals. After experiencing the motivation and vigor of his first a cappella group, so his fire was lit. Taylor is looking forward to his next three years in the UGA Accidentals and all his musical endeavors to come.
Name: Andy Moon
Year in Group: 1st
Year in School: Junior
Section: Tenor
Major: Advertising
Hometown: Commerce, GA
One of the newbies to the group, Andy was born not too far from Athens, GA. in the small town of Commerce. Not having any other members of his family who sing, Andy can't really trace where he got his knack for singing. He started performing when he was in middle school, his first time being at the 4-H Talent Show. It was all downhill after that. After being hooked by singing at the talent show, Andy continued on to be a member of his high school's chorus and a regular at karaoke. After years of laying low on the radar, Andy auditioned for the Accidentals right after school started in the Fall of 2010 serving as noob. He looks forward to growing as a group and continuing to get to know the guys!
Name: Tyler Reed
Year in Group: 4th
Year in School: Senior
Section: Tenor
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
Tyler grew up loving four things: sports, family, singing, and girls. Not much has changed since then- he still plays ultimate "on the reg" and enjoys rock climbing. He lives with his three brothers- of whom only one is actually legally his brother. He sings with the Accidentals and the African American Choral Ensemble (clearly, you don't have to be African American to join). Lastly, he is also in love with the most beautiful Noteworthy to ever grace the stage, the stunning Miss Haley Godwin. Some things change, but Tyler Reed isn't one of those things. The last thing about him that won't change is his unyielding desire to put on a great show for you every time you see the Accidentals live. Peace, Love, Accidentals!
Name: Michael Finnerty
Year in Group: 4th
Year in School: Super Senior
Section: Baritone
Major: Health Promotion
Hometown: Watkinsville, GA
Raised a small town boy between the rural edge of Watkinsville, GA and the humble fields of Tifton, GA at his grandparents’ house, Mike grew up learning how to fish and providing the inspiration for the now popular “Naked cowboy” in a quite infamous picture that’s still floating around his parents’ house somewhere. Mike never had much experience with singing before joining the group except for his break-out role as the soloist for the Battle Hymn of the Republic in his 5th grade play…Uhmerica. While the solo went well, his focus went to the darker, instrumental side of music for the duration of middle school and high school. Just joking about instruments being dark, learning to play the trumpet was a special experience between Mike and his Grandpa – and he contributes his involvement with music, singing, and A Cappella to his time playing trumpet and euphonium in middle and high school.
Mike got the notion to audition for the group from two of his best friends and then members of the Accidentals, Cooper ‘Coopdy Shmoopdy Poop’ Kitching and Matt ‘Hubba Hubba’ Matheny. Fortunately for him, Mike agreed to audition and joined the group in the fall of his sophomore year. During his time in the group, Mike has served as Assistant Business Manager and now Business Manager among trying to contribute passion, brotherly love, and a devoted work ethic to the group. All in all, Mike is a living conundrum at its finest…with a truck way too big for his own good (and the good of his wallet) that most would label “redneck”, Mike has a deep appreciation for Jazz and classical music while occasionally liking to…how do they say…“get crunk” to the latest hip hop jamz…that’s right, with a z. Mike has also worked in a local youth cotillion and etiquette program for the past 9 years as a social ballroom dance instructor. So for all of you wondering...yes, he can teach you how to Dougie. But his rates aren’t cheap.
Name: Sunny Renukuntla
Year in Group: 1st
Year in School: Sophomore
Section: Tenor
Major: Biochemical Engineering
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Sunny’s birth name is Santosh but not many people call him by his this name. Sunny is originally from India and moved to Atlanta before freshman year of high school. He went to Lakeside High School all four years and moved to Sandy Springs after he graduated. He has sung for as long as he can remember. His mom has been a great influence on his musical career. It’s the most he has sung in the past 5 years and he’s loving it. He has always practiced music in some form or the other, and even though he didn’t sing all throughout high school, he joined drum line to keep the rhythm in his life. He has always been fond of performing on stage and is looking forward to the good and memorable times in the group. Sunny was planning on joining an a capella group at UGA but missed the audition in the fall of 2009, so he auditioned in late spring 2010 and was fortunate enough to be part of the brotherhood and the Accidentals family. He has never been a part of a choral group or a choir so the whole aspect of performing with such good singers is a whole new experience. His favorite music is pretty much anything he can sing along and groove to… “and yes, I can groove” he says.“I was almost brain washed to go to tech all of high school but then decided to go to UGA instead which ended up being one of the best decisions ever (even though tech would have been a great bonding experience with ‘my people’). So far, going to UGA has been a blast and being in the group has only made it better.” When asked to describe himself in a sentence, he replied “I’m just a cute little Indian boy at UGA living free and partying hard…”
Name: Daniel Youmans
Year in Group: 1st
Year in School: Junior
Section: Tenor 2
Major: Public Relations
Hometown: Cartersville, GA
Daniel Youmans was born on a pleasant Wednesday afternoon, the tenth of May, 1989. He quickly grew in intellect and brawn alongside his twin brother, David, who was unlike him in both appearance and
personality. His early feats included rescuing a stray cat, mastering a back flip, and being voted most likely to become President by his kindergarten class. In the fourth grade, Daniel discovered his talent for singing when he successfully auditioned for his elementary school’s chorus, singing a superlative rendition of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” Since then, Daniel has cultivated his voice through talent shows, choirs, and the church youth band. However, his greatest achievement thus far has been his induction into the cult known as the “UGA Accidentals.” Yes, he has drunk the Kool-Aid, and he is sold out. Daniel is a public relations/psychology major at UGA and is a freshman small group leader for the Wesley Foundation. On a more personal note, Daniel enjoys prank calls, typing tests, zombie movies, music videos, and Mama’s cooking. And while the title of best singer in the group is still up in the air, it is undeniable that Daniel is by far the most handsome (wink, wink).
Name: Dean Byrd
Year in Group: 4th
Year in School: Senior
Section: Bass
Major: Animal Science/Agro-Security
Hometown: Fayetteville, GA
Dean Byrd is a second-time University of Georgia student, coming back for a degree in Animal Science and Agro-Security, formerly a Vocal Performance major. He is now a senior. This is his fourth year in the Accidentals, singing some LOW bass. He is without a doubt the oldest member of the group at nice young 35. He still hasn’t lost his touch however, because he is also the award-winning choreographer for the group. So any movement on-stage is come up with and directed by this guy. In addition to choreography he is also responsible for the sales for the group’s CDs…and he’s really good at it… TOO good at it… On a couple occasions he’s also had grandmothers give their granddaughter’s phone numbers to him in addition to the purchase of a CD. That is completely acceptable, however, hilarious. Phone numbers will be dispensed among the single members of the group accordingly. Dean was also part of the group that went to New York City to represent the South in the ICCA’s. It was some of the most memorable times in his life! Dean feels blessed to have 14 other brothers he can count on any time of day, and blessed to be a part of a great group. Please insert your own random “mom” joke here. Thank you all for your support.
Name: Greg Windle
Year in the group: 3rd
Year in school: Junior
Section: Tenor 2
Major: Environmental Health and Health Promotion
Hometown: Marietta, GA
Greg has a classical music background, beginning with classical guitar, piano, and youth choirs as a boy soprano. Soon, he became interested in the musical worlds of rock, pop, and musical theater. When he entered university, Greg auditioned for the UGA Accidentals thinking it would be a similar experience to other choirs. What a wrong idea! In the past two years, he has experienced road trips, competitions, workshops, dancing, and pillow fights. Greg feels very happy to be singing with the UGA Accidentals. Also, Greg’s love for both the UGA Bulldogs and Hello Kitty have been at odds with one another since he first arrived, fresh out of the minivan, in Athens.
Name: Connor Crank
Year in Group: 1st
Year in School: Freshman
Section: Baritone
Major: Undecided...Possibly Art
Hometown: Marietta, GA
Connor feels eternally grateful to be part of such a fine group of male strip… uh, singers. Getting to know the members of The Accidentals has been a lot of fun. As a first year at UGA, it has been great to quickly meet knew people, and become friends with the welcoming members of the group. In middle school, Connor began auditioning for school musicals, and found his interest in singing. He later joined his high school chorus, and gained a greater appreciation for music. Now, he enjoys every second of singing, and performing with The Accidentals.
Outside of rehearsing, and performing with the a cappella group, Connor doesn’t do anything. If he were forced to choose something though, he’d probably say playing soccer, performing, and drawing. Playing soccer with his friends is always fun whenever he gets the chance. Performing in plays near his home in Marietta has been something he has enjoyed since the age of twelve when he was still a soprano. Although currently undecided, Connor is considering becoming an art major due to his love for drawing. But he could also consider becoming an English major because he can read good. Sleeping is nice too though. Now with three more years ahead of him, Connor is excited for his future with The Accidentals.
Name: Alex Sigmund
Year in Group: 2nd
Year in School: Junior
Section: Bass
Major: Biological Sciences and Avian Biology (Pre-Vet)
Hometown: Columbus, GA
Alex first began singing at the ripe old age of 4 years old in Sunday school. From there he never stopped. He’s sung in church choirs his entire life and even joined school chorus for 2 years. When Alex wasn’t singing he was playing other instruments besides his vocal cords. He started with the piano, migrated to the flute, bassoon, saxophone, and pit instruments before he was through. He’s even thrown in a little English Horn for fun. Besides music, Alex’s family is a very important aspect of his life. Family gatherings are never a chore, but an all out party!
Alex joined the Accidentals during his sophomore year and has loved it ever since. The brotherhood the group offers provides an amazing atmosphere he never experienced growing up with 3 women. His favorite thing about the Accidentals is performing with them onstage. Nothing can compare to the energy and passion this group exhibits when it’s together performing for a crowd.
Some random facts about Alex are that many Disney movie scripts are committed to his memory, he will fix any crooked picture or out of line figurine he sees, and that food is one of the most crucial things to his happiness. He loves baking, broiling, frying, and microwaving himself to an ultimate state of bliss.
Name: Schafer Gray
Year in Group: 3rd
Year in School: Junior
Section: Bass/Vocal Percussionist
Major: Recreation and Leisure Studies
Hometown: Smyrna, GA
A native Georgian through and through, Schafer’s musical career started at the ripe age of 3 with Disney sing-a-long tapes. He promptly joined the Atlanta Boy Choir at the age of 8 and played the lead in his first opera when he was 12. Singing throughout middle school and high school, churches and weddings, he went on to the University of Georgia where he continued his vocal training with both private study as well as with the help of 13 other men, otherwise known as the UGA Accidentals, a nationally recognized and multiple award winning a cappella group. With the Accidentals’ latest release, ‘Imprint,’ Schafer was fortunate enough to win a CARA award for Best Male Collegiate solo. Currently living it up in Atlanta, Schafer can be found singing with a new a cappella group called The Atlanta Graduates. While a cappella bouncing and the occasional high-kicks are entertaining, Schafer is anxiously awaiting the next exciting adventure to come along.
Name: Stephen Hutchings
Year in Group: 2nd
Year in School: Super Senior
Section: Bass
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Sandersville, GA
Stephen was born and raised in the town of Sandersville smack dab in the middle of rural Georgia. Amongst the hills and dales of this quiet town he learned about flannel shirts, cow tipping, and mudbogging, as well as how to spend an entire Friday night hanging out around Wal-Mart. Finally, at a theatre camp before 9th grade, Stephen realized that not only was he not tone-deaf, but could actually sing slightly better than OK. He quickly became a star in the local theatre/chorus scene with his dashing good looks, angelic voice, and flannels.
After a modestly successful career as a high school student/rock star, Stephen decided to grace Athens, GA with his presence and quickly found out that being a music major takes up more time than he would have liked. Blowing off all classwork, Stephen joined the local a cappella scene and spent two years with the co-ed a cappella group, With Someone Else's Money. His time with WSEM was highlighted by getting to record with Ben Folds in his studio and being featured on his University A Cappella Album (You Don't Know Me). In 2009 Stephen joined the UGA Accidentals and was a member during their ICCA 2010 run where they won the South region and placed 3rd in Internationals in NYC. As current music director Stephen now spends most of his time trying not to suck at directing....and arranging music. When he and the other Accidentals are not out saving the world or dating girls with their singing voices, he can be found on Wikipedia, looking at his empty bank account longingly, or sleeping. Probably sleeping.