Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band & Guard is incredibly excited to announce Jessica as our new Associate Artistic Director! We are thrilled to welcome her into this leadership role as we continue growing, making music, and building community together.
Jessica is en route to be a “Double Hatter,” earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Stetson University in 2017 and now pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources.
With five years of experience as a middle school Band Director in Seminole County, Jessica brings a strong background in music education, conducting, leadership, and—most importantly—a genuine passion for using the arts to educate, connect, and inspire.
That combination of musical and organizational experience makes Jessica uniquely suited for her new role with CFSOF. Her background in music education provides a strong foundation in musicianship, pedagogy, conducting, and ensemble leadership, while her ongoing graduate studies in business administration and human resources are expanding her experience in organizational leadership and people-focused management.
A Leader from Within Our Own Community
Jessica’s appointment is particularly meaningful because she is not new to CFSOF. She has been a member of the organization for the past few years, giving her firsthand experience with the musicians, community, and mission that she will now help lead as part of the artistic team.
For Artistic Director Dr. Lindsey Williams, that familiarity was an important part of seeing Jessica as the right person for the position.
“It was easy for me to envision Jessica in this role. It helps that I was already familiar with her work as a former middle school band director.”
Williams believes the Associate Artistic Director position requires both pedagogical knowledge and musicianship—two areas where Jessica has considerable experience.
“This position, in my opinion, needs to have a foundation of both pedagogical knowledge and musicianship.”
But Williams also sees something beyond Jessica’s professional qualifications: her ability to lead with empathy.
“She’s a natural leader who comes from a place of empathy and grace, which makes it easier to develop trust with the ensemble members.”
For Williams, Jessica’s appointment is a reminder that sometimes the person best suited to help lead an organization is already part of its community.
“Sometimes, the right fit for a position is already there.”
Continuing a Journey of Music, Leadership, and Service
Jessica credits Dr. Douglas Phillips, Mr. Joshua Langston, and our very own Artistic Director, Dr. Lindsey Williams, for their incredible influence on her development as a musician, conductor, and leader.
Those experiences have helped shape Jessica’s approach to music and leadership—and her desire to continue serving the CFSOF community in a new capacity.
When asked about her initial reaction to joining the artistic team, Jessica described feeling “tremendous joy, honor, determination, and gratitude.”
“Being a member of this organization for the past few years has inspired such a great sense of purpose. I am thankful that, together, we get to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community through the performing arts!”
That sense of purpose is central to what Jessica hopes to bring to the Associate Artistic Director role.
She is excited to bring forward “new perspectives, ideas, and service” to the Band & Guard while building upon the work already being done by the organization’s artistic leadership, Board, and performers.
“Dr. Williams, our Board members, and our performers have dedicated themselves to help the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom achieve our mission, and I can’t wait to take my own contributions to the next level!”
A Fresh Perspective, Rooted in the Heart of CFSOF
CFSOF President Chris Martin is equally excited about Jessica joining the artistic leadership team—and especially proud that the organization was able to find its next leader from within its own community.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Jessica Rice as our new Associate Artistic Director. Jessica brings so much more than talent and ability to this role—she is patient, kind, thoughtful, and someone who truly understands the heart of CFSOF.”
Throughout her time as a member of the band, Jessica has consistently demonstrated leadership, something Martin believes will serve her well in her new position.
“Throughout her time as a member of our band, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, and I’m especially proud that we were able to find our next leader from within our own band and community.”
As CFSOF continues to grow, Martin believes Jessica will help the organization move forward while preserving the qualities that make the Band & Guard special.
“I know Jessica will bring a fresh perspective while continuing to strengthen the welcoming, inclusive culture that makes CFSOF so special.”
And, in true CFSOF fashion, Martin couldn’t resist adding one more personal observation:
“Plus, she has great hair… but I may be a little biased since I happen to be her hairstylist!”
The Journey Continues
We could not be more excited to have Jessica joining Dr. Williams and the CFSOF artistic team as we continue our Season 16: JOURNEYS, together! 🌈🎵
This season is about the journeys that shape us—the places we have been, the paths we take, the moments that challenge us, and the people who become part of our story.
Jessica’s journey with CFSOF is continuing in a new and exciting direction. From member to artistic leader, she now has the opportunity to help shape the musical and community journey of an organization she already knows and loves.
Please help us give Jessica a HUGE CFSOF welcome!
We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us! 🌈🎵
Don’t miss seeing CFSOF’s next event “Into the Shadows”, October 4th at St. Luke’s Orlando – Click here for tickets & info!