2024 MMEA NAfME-C: Mentors & Presenters
10th annual mmea mentoring conference
september 15-16, 2024 * Tan-tar-a conference center
2024 NAfME-C Workshop
Mentors & Presenters
Dr. Debbie Brown
As a native Kansas Citian, Brown has taught prek-12 general and choral music in three states, plus collegiate music education and general music education classes in Kansas, Indiana, and Missouri at four different higher-ed institutions. With a bachelor’s degree from Baker University, a master’s from U.M.K.C., and a Ph.D. in music education (emphasis curriculum) from the University of Kansas, her interests include general music curriculum innovation, music listening, Orff-Schulwerk, and educational psychology. Since 2017, she has been teaching at Northwest Missouri State University and is currently Associate Professor of Music Education and Associate Chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.
Chris Church
Chris Church is currently in his 5th year teaching at Missouri State University, after spending 32 years as Director of Bands in Willard, Missouri, and 6 years in the Springdale Har-Ber Band Program in Arkansas. He has just over 26 years working within Drum Corps International, as an instructor and drill writer with the World Champion Phantom Regiment and is currently a Visual Judge for DCI. He has provided clinics and adjudicated marching bands in 27 States, and judges Indoor Pageantry as well as concert bands, jazz ensembles, and solo & ensembles.
Dr. Luke Johnson
Luke D. Johnson currently serves as the Department Chair, Director of Bands and Music Education and Tenured Professor of Music at MidAmerica Nazarene University. A frequent guest conductor and clinician, Dr. Johnson is also a freelance trumpet player in the Kansas City area. He is a proponent of new music, having been involved in commissions and premieres of several new pieces including composers Peter Meechan, Jack Stamp, James Mobberly, Daniel McIntosh, Nick Omiccioli, Aaron Perrine, Kevin Walczyk, and Joni Greene. Through his leadership, the MNU Concert Band has performed at the state KMEA conference and commissioned several original works. Past experience includes teaching ten years in the public schools of Kansas, working with young music educators as a mentor and teacher, and performing and teaching trumpet in the Kansas City metro area. Dr. Johnson completed the Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2003, the Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Band Conducting from Kansas State University in 2008, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Kansas in 2015 where he studied conducting with Dr. Paul W. Popiel.
Bethany Main
Bethany Main is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance, where she received her Master and Bachelor of Music Education. She teaches general music in Kansas City. She also directs the 6th-9th grade choir, Intermezzo, with the Youth Chorus of Kansas City. In addition to teaching, Bethany is a composer and author. She has written her first children’s book titled, “Our First Day of Music,” featuring an original song. Her piece, “Becoming You,” was selected for the JW Pepper’s Editor’s Choice distinction, as was her piece, “Be Who You Are,” written in collaboration with Ryan Main.
Jazz Rucker
Jazz Rucker is the Director of Choirs at Staley High School and previously served in various music roles, including as Director of Vocal Arts at Murial Williams Battle High School. He was awarded the Missouri Choral Directors Association “Prelude Award” and expresses gratitude to his wife, Tara, and their children, Brynlynn and Berkley, for their support.
Dr. Dorothy Glick Maglione
Dorothy Glick Maglioneis an Assistant Professor of Musicology and Music Education at William Jewell College where she teaches in the music history and music education sequences. Maglione is the advisor for both the Jewell Chapter of NAfME-C and the State Advisor for Missouri NAfME-C.
Aaron Money
Mr. Aaron Money is in his 15th year of being the Director of Fine Arts for Liberty Public School District. Prior to his work in Liberty, he was a vocal music director in Blue Springs, Odessa and Waukegan (IL) school districts.