Meet our New 2025 Board Members!

10 Questions with Felix:

1. If your life were a song / current power song: “Stronger” by Kanye West — it’s a reminder to keep pushing forward and that setbacks can ultimately make you better.
2. One talent you wish you had: I’ve always wished I could play the piano. It’s such an expressive instrument and seems like a great way to unwind and be creative.
3. First concert / Dream concert: The first concert I ever attended was Corey Smith. If I could attend any concert in history, it would be Michael Jackson’s Wembley Stadium show in 1988 — the energy, performance, and impact of that concert are legendary.
4. Why I said “yes” to joining the board: I believe strongly in the power of music education and its ability to change lives. SOUNDS Academy is providing access and opportunity to kids who may not otherwise have it, and I want to contribute to that impact.
5. A small daily habit that makes a big difference: Starting every day with ten minutes of gratitude and intention-setting — it helps set the tone for the rest of my day.
6. Which SOUNDS Academy value resonates most: Perseverance — it’s essential not only in music, but in life. Growth often comes from continuing to show up, even when things get tough.
7. Earliest memory of music: Listening to my parents play Motown records in the living room when I was little. Those songs still feel like home to me.
8. Advice to my younger self: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Some of the best opportunities come when you step out of your comfort zone.
9. A dream for SOUNDS Academy’s future: That SOUNDS Academy becomes a national model for accessible music education and continues to grow its impact in communities everywhere.
10. Anything else: Just a thank you again for the opportunity — I’m truly looking forward to contributing and learning alongside the other board members.

10 Questions with Jenny:

1. What is your current “power song? (a song that gets you motivated)?: I love to run and have quite a few “power songs”, including “Rise” by Katy Perry—a track that’s all about resilience, strength, and pushing forward no matter the odds. It’s got that slow-build energy that feels like a quiet storm turning into a roar. Very SOUNDS Academy vibe!
2. One talent you wish you had (music-related or not): I am working on my sommelier certification, so I wish that I could more easily pick up “smells and tastes” in wine. BUT, I also wish I could moon walk, solve a Rubik’s cube, whistle with my fingers, AND play a musical instrument (the Fiddle)!
3. What was the first concert you ever went to?: New Kids on the Block in Seattle, Washington with my Dad (who still complains that it was TOO loud)!
4. Why did you say “yes” to joining this board?: I deeply believe in creating access to music education for children in our community.
5. A small daily habit that makes a big difference in your life.: I have a few:
   1. Reflecting for five minutes each day about my goals, priority projects/tasks, and things I am grateful for
   2. One intentional act of kindness
   3. A bit of movement/exercise.
6. Which SOUNDS Academy value resonates with you most (Creativity, Leadership, Perseverance, Resilience, Teamwork)?: Tough choice! But if I had to pick one that really hits home, I’d say “Resilience.” Resilience allows the organization to strategically grow, innovate, and to overcome any setbacks that come our way.
7. What’s your earliest memory of music in your life?: Singing songs at Girl Scouts camp! The “repeat me” songs, the “call and response” songs, the
   classic and quirky favorites, I loved them all. Camp songs helped us to build a community, taught
   rhythm and memory, and created lifelong memories.
8. What advice would you give your younger self?:  Where do I start?!
   1. Stay weird and never “un-horn your unicorn”
   2. Watch what you post on social media
   3. Prioritize your health (exercise regularly and meditate)
   4. Say YES to the “right” opportunities
   5. Volunteer in the community, donate money to important causes, and advocate for things you believe in
9. A dream you have for SOUNDS Academy’s future.: National Expansion (where there are SOUNDS Academy centers in every major city, each tailored to local culture but united by a shared mission) AND Global Collaborations (with exchange programs with music schools worldwide, so students in Phoenix can connect and play with peers in Nairobi, Tokyo, or Rio).
10. If you were composing the next movement in SOUNDS Academy’s journey, what would you add to the score?: The movement would be dynamic, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the Academy’s mission: to teach, mentor, and empower through music. It’s not just about playing notes—it’s about changing lives, one measure at a time. I would also add a “Community Crescendo” in the score that focused on partnering with local artists and cultural organizations to move us into our next chapter.
11. Is there anything else that you would like to mention?: It is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve on the SOUNDS Academy board. I can’t wait to get started!