INDIANAPOLIS, July 16 – Doug Pileri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Music for All, today announced that the Board has chosen James Weaver, Ed.D., as CEO and President of Music for All, an organization celebrating 50 years of life-changing experiences through music. This appointment comes after a nationwide search led by a special committee of the Board, assisted by Lochlin Partners, a firm highly respected for identifying exceptional leaders.

Weaver is currently Director of Performing Arts and Sports for the National Federation of State High School Associations, where his vision and direction in strategic planning, initiative creation, compliance standards development, and partnership building have transformed the performing arts department into a nationally recognized model for innovative arts education programming.

During the pandemic, Weaver helped drive efforts to bring the arts back to life in schools; today, he’s a recognized leader in pioneering initiatives that elevate participation, training, and advocacy in arts education for students across the nation. He serves concurrently as the President of the Board of the National Music Council of the United States, where he has advanced advocacy efforts while strengthening its financial and governance structures.

“Music is a very large and ever-changing landscape,” Weaver says, “but I see it through the eyes of my fourth-grade self who first picked up a bass – and found it changed my life. And so, my question is: how do we ensure that we help make opportunities like that for kids at every level, in every zip code? That’s the mission of Music for All – but that’s also the story of my life; so that’s a foundation for the passion I have for this new assignment ahead.”

“As a Board, we were attracted by James’ experience and understanding of the musical ecosphere,” says Pileri. “But we were equally impressed by the respect he’s earned along the way. Those who’ve worked with him and for him, as well as those he’s worked for, applaud his leadership ability combined with his collaborative approach. He’s a pragmatic visionary who sets high expectations but involves others in getting things done.” 

Weaver’s dedication to music helped to inspire the course of his life. As a student musician, he earned recognition from multiple states, as well as scholarships to college, where in 2014, he received his doctorate from the University of South Dakota. From there, he went into teaching.

“I had a passion for creating, providing, and expanding opportunities for young people through music performance,” Weaver says. “I enjoyed instilling in them a sense of satisfaction for what they accomplished, and for the pathways music could open for them going forward.”

Eventually, Weaver found his way into administration, first in South Dakota, and then at the national level, where he’s gained recognition for starting and growing innovative programs that enable more students to participate in, and gain new enjoyment from, the arts.

“James is a quick study,” Pileri says. “In the interviews he’s had throughout the search process, he’s proven that he understands our strengths and position in the marketplace. But, as important, he’s already beginning to envision some exciting possibilities for our future. As we’ve told him clearly, we’re not hiring a CEO for where we are today; we’re hiring a CEO to take us where Music for All needs to go tomorrow. And, with our strong and capable staff, we’re confident he can help lead us there.”

“We need to create an all-inclusive narrative that says this is not just a marching band organization, this is a music for all organization,” Weaver says. “We need a sense of balance – continuing to set the standards for performance excellence in Bands of America competitions – while exploring opportunities in other areas of the musical landscape. But in everything we do, we need to make sure we’re advocating for what is beneficial for kids.”

As Music for All celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, Pileri says, “This is a perfect time for us to recognize that what took us here may not be sufficient to take us forward. As a Board and as an organization, we realized we needed a strong and visionary CEO at the helm to provide leadership into that future – and in Dr. James Weaver, we’ve found that.”

“I feel that Music for All is ready for growth and innovation,” Weaver says. “I want to spend the first month listening and learning – from the Board, from internal staff, and from our external partners. At this stage, I believe Music for All has the resources and flexibility to extend its leadership, as the landscape of music education in the United States evolves. I believe that Music for All is well prepared for the future, and I’m thrilled to be at the helm of the organization, not just for what it is, but for what I know it can become.”

The father of three children, Weaver lives with his family in Plainfield, IN. Although his appointment is effective today, he will be active in his new position at Music for All headquarters in Indianapolis beginning Monday, August 18.