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.
Dr. Chandler L. Wilson is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Stetson University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, directs the Hatter Band and Pep Band, teaches conducting, and oversees band operations within the School of Music. Prior to Stetson, he served as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University (2020–2024).
A native of Miami, Florida, Dr. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he served as University Band President, saxophone section leader, and student arranger and conductor for both the marching and symphonic bands. He later earned a Master of Arts in Wind Band Conducting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis in Wind Band Conducting from Florida State University.
An accomplished composer and arranger, his works have been performed by All-County, District, and All-State honor bands and featured at events such as the Music for All National Festival and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. His composition Legends of the Galaxy (A Cosmic Fanfare) was named to the American Band College/Band World Magazine Top 100 Band Compositions list in 2016.
Before Florida State, Dr. Wilson served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Eastern Michigan University and previously taught high school in Florida.
Dr. Wilson lives in the Sanford/Lake Mary area with his wife, Ashley, and their two children, Addisyn (Addi) and Chandler Jr. (CJ).