LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — The Saucon Valley Alumni Association recently honored two graduates who went on to become successful musicians, working alongside famous singers such as Michael Bublé and Carrie Underwood.
Ryan O’Connell and Scott Sheriff were inducted into the Wall of Fame at Saucon Valley High School last Thursday.
The Wall of Fame recognition started in 2015, and there are now 22 alumni who are recognized on a plaque at Saucon Valley High School, including O’Connell and Sheriff.
Both spoke with middle and high school students about their career journeys last week.
“They didn’t give up. They just kept going.”Brandon Shaffer, Saucon Valley senior
Senior Brandon Shaffer said he was inspired by the musicians’ persistence in what is a difficult industry.
“They didn’t give up,” he said. “They just kept going.”
Shaffer also said it was exciting to hear from fellow Panthers who once walked the same high school halls as he does now.
“They’re off and doing stuff all over the country for all these artists and companies – it’s really cool,” he said.
Ryan O’Connell
O’Connell, who graduated in 2007, now lives in Los Angeles and works as the music director at Disneyland Resort in California.
He also wrote music for the “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” live show sections of Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.
“I’ve been to Disney lots of times and every time we walk through the parks, I don’t even think about the music, but now I know to look for it,” said Saucon Valley senior Gabby Silva. “Next time, I’ll be like, ‘I know that guy.’”
O’Connell has composed and orchestrated for Cartoon Network, CBS, Fox, Netflix and Nickelodeon. He assisted with the orchestration for the “Michael Bublé’s Christmas in Hollywood” special that aired on NBC in 2015.
“I can honestly draw a line from every single skill, every single gig back to my arts education at Saucon."Ryan O'Connell, Saucon Valley Class of 2007 and music director and Disneyland Resort in California
Most recently, his arrangements and orchestrations appeared in “Haunting of the Queen Mary,” a 2023 psychological thriller on Hulu. He also makes an on-screen appearance in the movie as the ship’s band leader.
O’Connell spoke with Saucon Valley students via video call about his career.
“I can honestly draw a line from every single skill, every single gig back to my arts education at Saucon,” he said.
In high school, O’Connell participated in musicals, marching band, show choir and more. He played the French horn and piano.
O’Connell said Saucon Valley’s small student body allowed him individualized mentorship from teachers, who he said “poured into me in a meaningful way.” Additionally, his father is a former band director at the high school.
Scott Sheriff
Sheriff, who graduated in 1985 and now lives in Nashville, returned to the high school on Thursday to speak with students.
Sheriff is a keyboardist and vocalist in country star Carrie Underwood’s band.
Underwood, who won the singing competition show “American Idol” in 2005, is best known for hits, including “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
Underwood recorded a video message that was played for students Thursday. In it, she praised Sheriff’s work.
“We are all so lucky to be blessed with his amazing talents, and on top of that, he’s a great human,” Underwood said.
Sheriff also has played in the band for Kenny Loggins, a singer and guitarist known for songs such as “Footloose” from the 1984 movie of the same name, and “Danger Zone” from the 1986 film “Top Gun.”
Sheriff said being a traveling sideman — someone who plays in the band for a famous artist — has its perks.
“At the end of the concert, I can walk straight through the crowd,” he said. “Nobody knows who I am because I’m basically incognito and that’s the life I enjoy leading.”
“Nobody knows who I am because I’m basically incognito and that’s the life I enjoy leading.”Scott Sheriff, Saucon Valley Class of 1985 and keyboardist in country star Carrie Underwood's band
Sheriff also highlighted his musical experiences at Saucon Valley, such as joining a rock cover band with friends.
He also participated in the high school’s band, playing trumpet and baritone horn. He was in the jazz and show choirs, as well as school musicals, too.
His high school career culminated in him being named as his class’ “most musical” student in the yearbook.
After listening to Sheriff share his journey, Saucon Valley senior Agostino Randazzo, who is in multiple bands and choirs at Saucon Valley, said he was inspired to pursue more music opportunities. Randazzo wants to be a music teacher one day, he said.
“I just want to do as many music activities as I can just to broaden my knowledge and experiences,” he said.
