WATCH: CCM students' cover of Radiohead's 'Creep' is a viral hit

Erin Morton stands in front of a small crowd and belts the lyrics of Radiohead's iconic song "Creep" — backed by a student ensemble as part of the annual Jam Band event at the UC College-Conservatory of Music. Days later, the TikTok video of the very special performance has millions of views. 

Morton, a BFA Musical Theatre student, sang the cover of "Creep" with music arrangement and direction by Professor Sarah Folsom and student Jacob Priddy, a MM Orchestral Conducting major. Priddy performed on piano with fellow students Sophia Troyer, a BM Jazz Studies major on bass; Micheal Dorst, a BM Jazz Studies major on guitar; and Aaron Coffenberry, a BM Jazz Studies major, on drums. Sound production for the performance was by BFA Sound Design and Technology student Reagan Warvel. BFA Musical Theatre student Syndey Short captured video of the performance. 

The original video was shared via CCM Musical Theatre's TikTok account, and has amassed more than 11 million views. It was shared by celebrites like Natasha Rothwell, who plays Belinda on HBO's "The White Lotus" and it was featured in coverage by the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

"This moment honestly feels surreal," Morton said. "I’m incredibly grateful for all the kindness, support and encouragement I’ve received over the past few weeks — it’s been overwhelming in the best way possible. So many amazing opportunities have come from this, and I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead. It’s a time I’ll never forget, and I’m truly, deeply thankful for each person who has been part of this journey."

The powerful performance has obviously made an impact with a large number of viewers, showcasing the talents of the CCM student band. The annual CCM Jam Band event is not open to the public (only a small crowd of friends, faculty, students and family are invited). It is part of a class/recital that features sophomore, junior and senior Musical Theatre majors performing popular music hits backed by a band of CCM student intrumentalists and a sound engineer. 

Students work with CCM faculty and a music directing student all year to prepare covers and mashups of hit songs from the worlds of rock, RnB, pop and more. The CCM Jam Band was started by CCM Musical Theatre Professor Sarah Folsom and the late Professor Keyona Willis to help students develop commercial music skills that will help them succeed in the professional world.  

"When we think of musical theatre, we think of performers portraying a character on stage — wearing costumes, conveying predetermined lines and lyrics, being amplified by a headset or lavalier mic," Folsom said. "But more and more in today's industry, musical theatre performers are also expected to be fluent in a number of skills from the wide world of commercial music."

Through Jam Band, CCM Musical Theatre students have the opportunity to explore many facets of commercial music performance, such as handheld mic technique, creating covers and mashups, using lead sheets, working with instrumentalists, interacting with an audience directly, and performing a wide range of vocal styles. This year 21 students performed as part of the CCM Jam Band — with selections from Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Heart, Led Zeppelin, a Chappell Roan/ 4 Non Blondes mashup and more. 

"Not only does Jam Band provide our Musical Theatre students with an opportunity for skill expansion, but also for collaboration between disciplines and community building within CCM and beyond," Folsom adds.

Local audiences can see some of them — including Morton — on stage in HAIR, presented at CCM on April 24-27 as the finale show in the college's 2024-25 Musical Theatre Series. 

Featured image at the top: Erin Morton performs on stage during CCM's production of "Once on This Island." Photo by Mark Lyons.