A Milestone at the MMEA Midwinter Convention

Reflecting on the recent MMEA Midwinter Convention, I’m reminded of the profound impact that innovative leadership can have on educational experiences. As the Jazz Vice President, I led an initiative to enhance our All State Jazz event, held at the esteemed Dakota Jazz Club. The event was not just expanded—it sold out two shows, providing an unprecedented platform for our students to showcase their talent on a significant stage.

The opportunity to share this stage was generously extended by my friend and mentor, Grammy-winning Scotty Barnhart. Under his guidance, these extraordinary students—symbols of young jazz talent in our state—performed with a level of excellence that highlighted the vibrant future and rich legacy of jazz.

The success of this event was made possible through the collective efforts of dedicated colleagues and educators, whose commitment to our vision was instrumental. This collaboration not only achieved a landmark success but also reinforced my dedication to fostering environments where young musicians can thrive.

As I continue to seek roles that challenge and utilize my capacity for leadership, I am encouraged by the lessons learned from such experiences—where leadership is not just about directing but inspiring and enabling others to achieve greatness.