John Stafford II, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Music Department Coordinator at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where he has earned honors for teaching and leadership, including 2020 Henry Louis Award for Teaching Excellence. Previous appointments in composition, theory, orchestration, history, and vocal jazz at Millikin University, Eastern Illinois University, and Danville Area Community College. John serves as the American Choral Directors Association’s National Chair for Vocal Jazz and contributes to publications on vocal jazz rehearsal and pedagogy. A sought-after clinician and conductor, he has led all-state jazz choirs in nine states and conducted at Carnegie Hall in 2022. At KCKCC, he directs The Standard, an award-winning vocal jazz ensemble featured at national ACDA, JEN, and NAfME conferences and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The ensemble has earned 16 DownBeat Student Music Awards, released two albums, and performed with leading vocal artists.

Kate Duncan - Director of Loyola University New Orleans' School of Music and Theatre Professions, Conrad Hilton Endowed Chair in Music Industry Studies, and Associate Professor of Popular and Commercial Music. Overseeing 20+ internationally recognized creative and performing arts degree programs with a student-centered curriculum that blends artistic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurial experience. 

Kate directs Loyola’s vocal jazz ensemble, Crescent Collective, and teaches courses in commercial music, applied voice, professional development, and artist wellness. A professional member of the Recording Academy, she serves on the Louisiana Music Commission and is a founding board member of Louisiana Music Partners. An advocate for gender equity in the arts, Kate develops university programs supporting women and gender-nonconforming artists and is an active musician, maintaining composing/arranging activities, and regular performances.