Three new members have been elected to the Music for All Board of Directors: David Simmons, Denver; Marla D. Smith, Indianapolis; and Anthony M. Tang, Winston-Salem, N.C.; all with extensive experience within the music community. Music for All’s vision is to be a catalyst to ensure that every child across America has access and opportunity to participate in active music-making in his or her scholastic environment.
“We welcome three new board members to our Music for All board,” says Gayl Doster, Chairman of the Music for All Board of Directors. “These three individuals bring additional diversity and a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the areas of technology, education, and advancement to the Music for All Board of Directors. Their varying experiences and geographic locations represents the breadth of the constituency of this national organization. “Each director displays business and fiscal acumen as well as a love of music. Together they will help us expand opportunities for Music for All as we serve young musicians and their teachers, and advocate for the inclusion of music education as part of a complete education for our young people.”
David Simons is a Software Developer at Bertram Labs in Denver. Prior to serving on the technology team, Mr. Simons was a member of the investment team for Bertram Capital, targeting investments and advising in the operations and strategic management of portfolio companies in the business services, health care, technology, and consumer industries.
Mr. Simons is an alumnus of Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind., where he was an active member and performer in many ensembles of the music program, including its storied marching band. He received a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University, where he studied economics and computer science.
Marla D. Smith is the retired Executive Assistant to Indianapolis Entrepreneur Michael S. Maurer and the office manager for Maurer Rifkin & Hill. Marla has an Associate Degree in Business from Western Michigan University, and she was the featured twirler and a member of the Western Michigan University marching band. She was an active band parent at the Westfield High School Marching Band, while her daughter participated in the band. She is a supporter and consultant of the Ball State University Marching Band.
Anthony M. Tang is a native of Rocky Mount, N.C., and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Engagement Programs in the Office of Alumni Engagement at Wake Forest University; and he volunteers much of his time as the Director of Student Leadership for the “Spirit of the Old Gold and Black” Marching Band, where he was Drum Major as an undergraduate.
Anthony played a vital role in bringing the Bands of America North Carolina Regional Championship to Winston-Salem and Wake Forest University. In December 2015, Anthony and his wife Megan set up the Tang Family Scholarship Fund through Music for All, benefitting individual students who are interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium as Anthony and Megan see value in the leadership-driven environment.
