2024 Officer Voting

Craig Finger

Craig Finger is in his 28th year as Director of Bands for Nixa Public Schools. During his tenure he has overseen the growth of the district program from 250 students to over 800. In addition to program management, his primary teaching duties include conducting of the Crimson Corps marching band, Jazz band, Concert band, Wind Ensemble, and assisting with the 8th grade band. Ensembles under his leadership have consistently earned Exemplary ratings at State festivals, as well as high placements at local and regional events. He began his teaching career in Mtn Grove. Mr. Finger holds a BS in Education and a MS in Educational Administration from Missouri State University. He is a member of MBA, MMEA, NafME, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Finger served as band Vice President for both MMEA and SCMMEA. Craig is proud to be married for 29 years to his wife Shawn and to be the father of Lucas (20) and Levi (13). For all of his professional accomplishments he is most proud to be named a “Top 10 Dad”; by 417 magazine in 2011.

He also once received a ticket for disturbing the peace due to early morning band rehearsals.

 

Vision Statement

My vision for the Missouri Music Educators Association is based in three pillars. Quality professional development, cultivating partnerships, and promoting student and teacher wellness.

QUALITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The Missouri Music Educators Association has provided valuable resources to many educators. The typical professional development that is provided by local school districts, while important, is often not specific to our discipline, leaving the music educator to try to find the connection between the presented topic and the reality of the classroom. Through the various conference offerings, MMEA can continue to support the diverse learning environments that our members experience. Continuing this path of excellence, and exploring potential growth offerings, will be an important role for the next President of the association.

CULTIVATING PARTNERSHIPS: An important aspect of our membership is continuing our efforts towards mentorship, creating partnerships between veteran teachers, educators just starting their journey, and cross-discipline relationships. While searching out those in similar situations, it is just as important to find the commonality that we all can offer as music educators. Building positive relationships with our local administration is a vital partnership in creating a positive learning environment for our students. MMEA has the power to provide guidance to not only music teachers, but to local leaders so that music education is a district and building priority.

PROMOTING STUDENT AND TEACHER WELLNESS: Teaching music is a very rewarding and noble profession. But it is also very challenging job. The time commitment can be overwhelming and it is very easy to find either your professional or personal life out of balance. MMEA can offer insight and resources to help guide our members towards a healthy balance of providing for our students while still ensuring that we are providing for our own wellness. Additionally, it is important to remember that music education can also be a source of imbalance for our students. Through inservice and partnering dialogue, we can provide effective guidance to our students regarding their own wellness.

As we look towards the future of our organization, I am humbled to be considered to serve the members of MMEA as President.

Jason Martin

Jason is the choir director at Fort Zumwalt South High School, the director of the JH Smith Community Choir, and the Executive Director of the Choral Society of St. Charles County. He also serves as his district’s Secondary Performing Arts Curriculum Coordinator. His past appointments include positions at Sperreng Middle School, Florissant Valley Christian Church, Church of the Shepherd United Methodist, the Recruits Chorus, Choral Vice President for the Missouri Music Educators Association, and as the Church and Community Choir R&R Chair for the Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA). Jason was selected as the recipient of the MCDA Prelude Award in 2006, South High’s Teacher of the Year in 2010, and twice as the Outstanding Director of the Year for the St. Louis Metro District. In January of 2021, the Metro District recognized him as the Outstanding Educator of the Year. Jason is an active presenter, adjudicator, and clinician for Missouri’s choral community. When he’s not directing music, he loves supporting the growth of his family while forever chasing his beautiful and forgiving wife’s “honey do” list.

Vision Statement

“Who’s gonna fill their shoes?”
In one of George Jones’ greatest songs, he sings about the chosen few who “give their heart and soul . . . to get to me and you?” But, he then laments, “Who’s gonna fill their shoes?” You’ve given your heart and soul to reach your students in the same way someone reached you. But, it begs the question, who’s gonna fill YOUR shoes?
It’s no secret the number of teachers entering the workforce is at its lowest point in a generation. The National Association of Schools of Music states there has been a 14 percent decline in music education graduates in the past decade. A survey of public school teachers by Phi Delta Kappan in 2019 found 55 percent said they would NOT like their child to become a teacher. This was attributed to the public’s perceptions of teachers, working conditions, and salary. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education lists Music Education as an area of “critical shortage”. Last school year alone, the state had 150 music classroom positions that went unfilled by a certified music teacher. Can you imagine your school without a music teacher?
We’re in a crisis.
What can we do?
We have an incredible opportunity to energize the next generation of music educators in our state. I envision all of us working with urgent intention to identify, engage, and empower Missouri’s pre-college population. The percentage of students completing their degrees has remained unchanged, but far fewer students are beginning programs. Thus, we will focus on increasing the number of students entering undergraduate music programs. I was nearly finished with my senior year of high school before I even considered doing this for a living. It took someone believing in and encouraging me to choose this as my path. I may not have thought of it otherwise. We must take action.
As the Executive Director of the Choral Society of St. Charles County, I have overseen the vast expansion of community engagement, membership, and local support of music education, as we work to provide “Singing for Everyone”. What was once an adult community choir focused on two annual concerts, our organization now provides financial and logistical support of youth choir camps in three local school districts while housing two vibrant youth choirs. Beyond engaging young singers, we staff each camp with potential and current music undergraduate students and expose them to the challenges and rewards associated with the teaching of music. We provide them with the chance to lead small lessons as well as observe master teachers at work. We’re looking toward the future.
In my role as my district’s Secondary Performing Arts Curriculum Coordinator, I direct the writing and implementation of curriculum for over 30 courses, ensuring alignment with district and state standards. I design professional development for our faculty, promoting best practices and continuous improvement. I partner with principals, content leaders, district administration, and community members to solve personnel, budgetary, and logistical issues within the district. This experience closely relates to the complexities of leading the Missouri Music Educators Association.
MMEA is among the strongest educational organizations in the country. I was honored to serve a term as Choral Vice President from 2020-2022. They have consistently provided high-quality professional development, world-class ensemble performances, a vibrant platform for the sharing of ideas, and plenty of camaraderie. On the shoulders of that giant, I will work to further the outstanding efforts of our current and past administrations who have boldly prioritized equity, inclusion, and the support of pre- and in-service teachers.
I look forward to hearing your stories, gathering your best ideas, and advocating for us, our students, and our art. I want to honor your commitment to excellence in your classrooms and on your stages. Let’s work together to continue sharing our hearts and souls to ensure we can fill your shoes.

Liz Stafford Pace

Liz Stafford Pace is currently a Band Director at Pattonville Heights Middle School in the St. Louis area. In her 12th year of teaching, she was previously the Assistant Director of Bands and Choirs at Central High School in Springfield, MO, and the 6-12 Band Director in the Cabool School District. Her students receive consistent top ratings at Large Ensemble Contests, Solo and Ensemble Festivals, and are frequently selected for Honor Bands at all levels. Two different ensembles from Central were also selected to perform at the MMEA State Music Educators Conference. Ms. Pace is an active woodwind and band clinician and adjudicator for honor bands and festivals, including the Missouri All-State Band. She received both her Bachelor’s in Music Education (2011) and Master of Music – Wind Conducting (2014) from Missouri State University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and a member of MMEA, MBA, ASBDA, and NEA. In addition to teaching band, Ms. Pace is an accomplished instrumentalist and vocalist. Her primary instrument is flute, but she also plays clarinet and saxophone. You can also find her humbly accompanying students on piano. She and her band director husband, Danny, have a performing duo called Pair of Paces.

Clif Thurmond

Clifton Thurmond is the Director of Bands at Lee’s Summit West High School, where he directs the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, and leads the Titan Pride Marching Band. In addition to his high school responsibilities, he teaches beginning clarinet and trombone at Summit Lakes Middle School and assists with the 8th Grade Concert Band..

Mr. Thurmond has taught for 26 years, all of which have been in the Lee’s Summit School District. Prior to opening Lee’s Summit West, he was the Associate Director of Bands at Lee’s Summit High School for five years, where he was blessed to work with Jim Oliver, Brady Finch, and Carlos Aguero..

Clif earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1998, where he worked with Allan McMurray and Tom Caneva. He also earned a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 2007, under the tutelage of Dr. Joe Parisi.

Sarah Cook

Sarah Cook is in her 21st year teaching vocal music at Lafayette County C-1 School District in Higginsville, Missouri, where she teaches grades 6-12. Mrs. Cook studied at the University of Central Missouri where she completed both a Bachelors in Music Education with a vocal emphasis and a Master of Arts in Music with a conducting emphasis. She serves as pianist for Central Christian Church in Higginsville. In 2017, she received the MCDA Outstanding Director Award for West Central Missouri, and in 2021, she was chosen as the Lafayette County C-1 District Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Cook serves the WCMMEA as the Secretary/Treasurer, and enjoys mentoring and speaking to new music teachers. Mrs. Cook is married to Steve Cook, teacher and head football coach at Lafayette Co. C-1 High School. They have two children, Miriam (17) and Joel (14). The Cooks reside on a small farm outside of Mayview, MO.

Dustin McKinney

Dustin McKinney is the vocal music director at Kearney High School and Kearney Junior High, where his choirs have excelled at district, regional, and state competitions, with many students earning All-District and All-State honors. Under his leadership, several ensembles have been invited to perform at MMEA: Frequency (Jazz Choir) in 2025, Kearney Chamber Choir in 2019, and the East Buchanan Chamber Choir in 2014.

McKinney’s teaching experience spans large and small school districts, having taught K-12 music for the Polo School District and 6-12 vocal music at East Buchanan. His students frequently achieved superior ratings at contests, and his students were regularly selected for district and state honors.

He has served in various organizational leadership roles, including Northwest District Representative for MCDA, District Choir Coordinator for Northwest MCDA, Choral Treasurer for Northwest MMEA, and Choral Vice President for Northwest MMEA. Known for his organizational skills, McKinney is a respected mentor to both students and educators.

He holds degrees from Central Methodist, Missouri State, and William Woods and is an active clinician for honor choirs. McKinney is committed to advancing choral music education and fostering student achievement. He lives in Kearney with his wife, Veronica, and daughters, Adryan and Kaylin.

Jon Logan

Jon Logan is in his tenth year or teaching and has been with the School District of Washington since 2020. At SDOW, he teaches K-6 General and Vocal Music at Marthasville and Augusta Elementary and directs the fall musical at Washington High School. Jon holds a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance form Northwest Missouri State University. He is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout Missouri and holds professional memberships in NAfMe, MMEA, ACDA, and MCDA.

Krystal Rasmussen

Krystal Rasmussen is a Music Teacher at Kellybrook Elementary in the Liberty Public Schools District, where I implement elementary music curriculum and direct a before school choir of 76 students. Several students attended honor choir events all over the state of Missouri, and performed at venues within Kansas City. Daily, I strive to strengthen not only the students at Kellybrook Elementary, but the entire staff and school community by sharing my positive energy, wealth of knowledge, and successful collaboration.

Previously, I taught at Westview Elementary in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. Here, I also organized school-wide spirit weeks, arranged assemblies and edited videos, promoted positive culture with our Kindness and Social Committee, and worked with teachers towards successful performances within our community.

As the Vocal Director in Savannah School District starting in 2012, I expanded the music program significantly, introducing musical theater and increasing student participation from 30 to over 100. I earned multiple awards, including Excellence in Education Awards and MCDA Northwest Choir Director of the Year.

My career began as a K-12 Vocal Teacher at Adrian R-III School District, where I integrated vocal music into the curriculum, resulting in a successful choir of 48 men.

Eliza Bock

An accomplished music educator with 24 years of experience, Eliza Bock has taught general music, band, and choir across elementary, junior high, and high school levels. A graduate of Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor of Music in Church Music, Eliza Bock has also pursued advanced studies in education at Quincy University. Currently serving as Music Teacher, Band Director, and Choir Director at Heartland Christian Academy, Eliza has developed innovative curriculum incorporating Orff instruments, Feierabend, Kodály, and other methodologies to foster student engagement and musical growth with elementary students, equipping them to grow into independent and accomplished musicians as they pursue music in their later years.
In addition to directing school band and choir programs, Eliza composes and arranges music for performances in church services and community events. Recently, Eliza directed a multi-school musical production as the 2024 Shelby County R-IV Musical Director. Known for mentoring aspiring music educators, Eliza instills a lifelong appreciation for music in students, encouraging them to embrace it in any setting. With a dedication to hands-on, meaningful learning, Eliza continues to inspire students to achieve both musical excellence and personal growth.

Shawn Harrel

Shawn Harrel is a secondary music and CTE educator and media technology specialist with expertise in music education, instructional design, research, and media production. He teaches at Summit Technology Academy in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and holds an EdD in Instructional Design and Performance Technology from Baker University, where his research focused on fostering creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking in student-centered learning environments. Shawn has received numerous awards, including Learning for Life, Excellence in Teaching, and Teacher of Distinction. In addition to his teaching, he is the co-founder of the Lee’s Summit Jazz Orchestra and a founding board member of Lee’s Summit Creates, an arts advocacy organization. Shawn is also an active contributor to statewide music education, serving on the Missouri Music Educators Association Executive Board. His passion for music extends beyond the classroom, and he is committed to advancing music education through leadership and collaboration. In his free time, he enjoys journaling, writing music, sharpening pencils, and spinning vinyl records.

Darrell Boyer

Darrell Boyer is an experienced music educator and dedicated advocate for jazz education with over a decade of leadership in Missouri’s music programs. As Director of Bands for De Soto School District #73, he oversees a thriving 6–12 band program, including multiple concert bands, jazz ensembles, and beginning instrumental classes.

Darrell has founded and organized impactful programs such as the Fountain City Jazz Festival, connecting students with professional musicians and clinicians, and the Fountain City Music Composition Contest, fostering creativity and mentorship for young composers. He also directs the De Soto MS Band Festival, providing non-competitive performance opportunities and expert feedback for middle school ensembles.

An active leader within the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA), Darrell currently serves as President of the East Central District 7. His prior roles include MS Jazz Vice President and Webmaster. He regularly presents clinics at state and national conferences, sharing his expertise in student leadership, jazz pedagogy, and composition.

Darrell holds degrees in Music Education, Educational Technology, and Educational Leadership, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. He is passionate about advancing music education and inspiring students and educators alike.

Christian Pierce

Christian Pierce is the Director of Bands at Marquette High School and Assistant Director at Crestview Middle School in Chesterfield, MO. Under his leadership, the Jazz Ensemble was named Outstanding Ensemble at the Kansas City Jazz Summit, the Marching Band excels at local, state, and regional competitions, and the Wind Ensemble performed at the 2023 Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. His ensembles consistently earn “superior” ratings, and many students have been selected for all-state ensembles or secured professional music opportunities.

Christian and his students have worked with The Hornheads, Matt Wilson, Joel Vanderheyden, Tyler S. Grant, Carol Brittin Chambers, Alex Shapiro, Wayne Oquin, and Richard Saucedo. In addition to his work at Marquette and Crestview, he organizes a summer middle school band and jazz camp that attracts over 100 students. He also coordinated the Rockwood School District Honor Band, an ensemble of over 85 students from across the district. In 2019, Christian was elected Middle School Jazz VP for the Kansas City Metro District #3.

Christian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a Master of Arts in Music, and a Master of Arts in Education from Truman State University. He lives in O’Fallon with his wife, Alycia, and their lab, Louie.

Chris Livesay

Chris Livesay is the Director of Orchestras at Lafayette High School in St. Louis where he teaches 4 orchestra classes and Music Production courses. Chris began playing Bass in 5th grade and has been hooked on music (classical and otherwise) ever since. He earned degrees in Music Ed from the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois and has taught orchestra from 3rd grade beginners through college methods courses. In addition to his work as an orchestra teacher, Chris enjoys playing a variety of instruments in various genres including guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and most recently keyboards in a Beatles Cover Band.
Outside of school, Chris enjoys running and spending time with his wife, Laura, daughter, Ellie, and dog Teddy.

Sarah Klevorn Dane

Sarah Dane is in her eighth year of teaching orchestra for grades 4-12 in the Kirkwood School District. She currently teaches beginning violin and viola classes and serves as Director of the Kirkwood High School Concert Orchestra and the North Kirkwood Middle School Orchestra. Mrs. Dane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Certificate in Violin Performance from Florida State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Influential teachers include Corinne Stillwell (FSU), Juliana Athayde (Eastman) and Dr. Kent Perry (SIUE). Her students have earned the Gold Rating and Adjudicator’s Award at the Orlando and San Antonio Heritage Festivals (2020 and 2024), Superior ratings at local performance festivals, and seats in local and state level honors orchestras.

Mrs. Dane has conducted the Young People’s Concert Orchestra (YPCO) at Webster University Community Music School for four years. Prior to her return to St. Louis, she was the Associate Orchestra Director at Winter Park High School in Orlando, FL, where she was the recipient of the 2016 WildCat Spirit Award.

John McDonald

Dr. John McDonald is the Director of Choirs and Vocal Studies at Washington University in St. Louis; conductor of Cantus, the St. Louis Children’s Choirs tenor-bass ensemble; and artistic director and founder of Continuum Vocal Ensemble, a professional choir based in St. Louis. A sought-after guest conductor and clinician, he has led workshops and conducted honor choirs across the United States and in Europe.

John currently serves as the chair of the Communication and Education Committee for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and is a member of the National Board for the National Collegiate Choral Organization. In 2023, he was selected as one of six conductors to represent ACDA in the International Conductors Exchange Program with Germany.

John holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, a Master of Music from East Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Jackson C. Thomas

Originally from Carrollton, MO, composer/conductor/tenor Dr. Jackson Thomas has been the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Missouri since 2021. Previously the Associate Director of Choral Activities/Opera Director at UCM, Jackson has held primary and secondary teaching positions in both Missouri and Kansas, and is the Founder/Artistic Director of KC VITAs (kcvitas.org) which has brought nearly 100 world premiere performances to Kansas City audiences since 2015. He also serves as Director of Choral Music at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Lenexa, KS, Artistic Director of the Northland Community Choir, is an active soloist, and maintains a private voice studio.

Dr. Thomas holds degrees in Vocal Performance (B.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and Choral Conducting (M.M., D.M.A. University of Kansas.) His research centers around composer-conductor collaboration, inclusivity, and the pedagogy of minimalist and extended vocal techniques. His compositions can be found at MusicSpoke.com, or through his website (www.jacksoncthomas.com.)