S.H.O.P. Talk: More Than Music: Building Community Through Collaborative Performance Projects
Clinic Synopsis:
This session explores how collaboration can transform a concert into a meaningful, community-centered experience. By partnering with mental health advocates, city leaders, and local schools, we’ve created programs that reach new audiences and build lasting connections. We’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how to start your own partnerships to make concerts more relevant, inclusive, and impactful for both your audience and your students.
Jack Eaddy
- Biographical Information
Jack A. Eaddy, Jr., a native of Orangeburg, SC, is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Georgia, where he conducts the Wind Symphony and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Dr. Eaddy holds degrees from the University of North Texas, the University of Georgia, and the Florida State University. Dr. Eaddy taught for 12 years in Orlando, FL, where he developed a program that was recognized throughout the state for maintaining high standards despite the challenges his students experienced. Dr. Eaddy received the FMEA Tom Bishop Award, recognizing a director who turned a program around, making a positive difference. Dr. Eaddy has presented at several conferences, including the Midwest Clinic and the CBDNA National and Athletic Band Conferences. As a conductor, some of his honors include winning the 2025 American Prize in Conducting—band/wind ensemble (university division), and being a selected participant in the U.S. Pershing’s Own Army Band’s conducting workshop. Dr. Eaddy has earned a national reputation mentoring music directors and convenes two professional development seminars: Listen Up!!! score study sessions, and the Conductors’ reToolbox, as well as hosts a national podcast, Tales from the Band Room, that focuses on strengthening music education programs in urban communities to have a life-long impact on students. Dr. Eaddy is a 2022 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year finalist. Dr. Eaddy and his lovely wife Dr. LaShonda L. Eaddy, a public relations professor, have two beautiful daughters, Jillian and Jordyn.
Chandler Wilson - Biographical Information
Dr. Chandler L. Wilson is Assistant Professor of Music and
Director of Bands at Stetson University, where he conducts the University
Symphonic Band, directs the Hatter Marching and Pep Bands, teaches conducting,
and coordinates the Stetson University Conducting Symposium. Previously, he
served as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of
Athletic Bands at Florida State University and held a faculty appointment at
Eastern Michigan University. Before entering higher education, Dr. Wilson
taught public school band in Broward County, Florida, serving as Director of
Bands at Hollywood Hills and Cooper City High Schools.
An active conductor, clinician, composer, and arranger, Dr.
Wilson has presented at the Midwest Clinic, CBDNA Athletic Bands Conference,
and numerous state music education conferences. His concert band compositions
are published by C.L. Barnhouse, Murphy Music Press, Wingert-Jones Publications,
Randall Standridge Music, Bravo Music, and BRS Music, and his marching band
arrangements have been commissioned by more than 50 secondary schools and 25
collegiate programs nationwide.
Dr. Wilson earned the Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida
State University, the M.A. in Wind Conducting from Indiana University of
Pennsylvania, and the B.S. in Music Education from Florida A&M University.
He and his wife, Ashley, live in the Sanford–Lake Mary area with their two
children, Addisyn ("Addi") and Chandler Jr. ("CJ").
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