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.
Past appointments include:
- 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
- Church and Community Choir R&R Chair for the Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA)
Selected honors include:
- MCDA Prelude Award (2006)
- South High’s Teacher of the Year (2010)
- Outstanding Director of the Year (St. Louis Metro District) — twice
- Outstanding Educator of the Year (Metro District) (January 2021)
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.