Jazz Outreach Initiative Exec. Dir., Donny Thompson, was invited to participate in a panel discussion for the 2022 Arts Schools Network Conference hosted at Myron's Jazz Cabaret at The Smith Center.
Attending were leaders from arts schools from across the nation, college deans, and others. The panel represented a wide cross section of arts disciplines and nonprofits in Southern Nevada. Topics included programs designed and adjusted to meet needs of students (culturally, socially, emotionally, artistically, etc.), prioritization in the creation, partnership, and delivery of arts programs for students, and how funding drives decision making among other topics.
The panel discussion was led by Melanie Jupp Soehnlen, Dir. of Education & Outreach for The Smith Center. Joining Donny on stage were fellow panelists
Terané Comito - Dir. Education, Nevada Ballet Theater
Rocio Gonzalez - Ballet Folklorico, KO Knudson Academy of the Arts
Jennifer Hemme - High School Theater Dir. and Education Project Facilitator at The Smith Center
Dr. Marcia Robinson - Cultural Supervisor, West Las Vegas Arts Center, City of Las Vegas
Jeff Williams - Coordinator, Secondary Music, Dance, and Theater, CCSD