The Music for All Summer Symposium is fortunate to have Arris Golden as one of the conductors for the Middle School Concert Band Division. Arris Golden recently accepted the Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of the Spartan Marching Band positions at Michigan State University. She is the first woman to hold that position. All of us at Music for All are inspired by her achievements, which remind of of the importance of the connections we make along the way.

Dr. Golden served as a middle school band director for 18 years before deciding to focus on conducting. She connected with many people in her journey to help her reach her goals by attending workshops and symposiums during her tenure. Most importantly the connection she made with Kevin Sedatole resulted in her attending Michigan State University in 2014 for her Doctor of Music Arts in Wind Conducting. From there she accepted a position at UNC as Interim Assistant Director of University Bands and was then appointed the full time position for the following school year. Her new appointment as the Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of the Spartan Marching Band at Michigan State University is a crowning achievement and we are excited to have her on campus this week.

We know that the middle school students with us this week at the Symposium will have a wonderful experience with Dr. Golden and the new friends they will make this week. I encourage our campers to reach out to your faculty and peers. Dr. Golden had a goal and she attained it by networking and making connections with those around her in gatherings similar to this camp experience. Be inspired by her success story. I can’t wait to hear yours!