Jennifer Sager is a dedicated Director of Bands with a passion for music education. With 24 years of teaching experience, she has spent 21 years with Carthage R9 where she currently teaches. Jennifer is responsible for overseeing various ensembles, including the High School Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Brass Band, as well as assisting with the Junior High 7th and 8th Grade Bands and the beginning 6th grade band. Jennifer serves as the Festival Director for the Maple Leaf Marching Festival, the longest running Marching Festival in the state of Missouri. She is a member of professional organizations including Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA), Missouri Association for Jazz Education (MOAJE), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Missouri Bandmasters Association (MBA), and Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA). Jennifer currently serves as co-treasurer for the SWMMEA District. She’s also a staff member of the Missouri Ambassadors of Music, which tours Europe, fostering a lifelong love for music and travel for students across the state of Missouri. Jennifer’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s of Music Education Degree and a Master’s of Music Degree, with an emphasis in wind conducting, from Pittsburg State University. As a trumpet player, she is an active member of the Four State Symphonic Winds, and occasionally performs with the Southwest District Director’s Big Band. Jennifer has shared 29 years of marriage with her husband Rob. They are proud parents of two children, Kimberly, who attends the UMKC Dance Conservatory, and Robbie, who is currently pursuing a communication studies major with an emphasis in social influence and media at the University of Central Missouri, where he is also a member of the Mules Men’s Golf team. Both graduate from college in May of 2024.