Meet our New 2024 Board Members!

Justin Hockemeyer: 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to become a board member?

I’m originally from rural Indiana. I did my undergrad at Butler University where I majored in Math, Computer Science and Spanish. I had the fortunate opportunity to study abroad in Salamanca, Spain for my junior year which was especially impactful in the trajectory of my life. After working for a few years in Indiana post-undergrad, I moved to Michigan where completed my MBA at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Eventually I made my way to Arizona where I’ve lived for the last 10 years (and plan to retire here!).  I started my own music timeline at 8 years old when I began piano lessons, I added to the repertoire when I joined our middle school band class and played the French Horn which I carried with me all the way into my first year of college. While I’m certainly not a concert pianist, I still get the chance to play for my own enjoyment and relaxation!

My “why” for joining the board of SOUNDS Academy is that I’ve spent many years on non-profit boards for small music organizations. I’ve seen the impact that music makes for those performing and for those who have the privilege to hear the performances. While some people do indeed take up music later in life, the majority have had some exposure to music at an earlier age. I had a chance several years ago to become acquainted with SOUNDS Academy at a fundraising event facilitated by an employee resource group at my company. That experience, the impact of music on our youth, as well as the leadership skills that SOUNDS promotes encouraged me to get involved and help to keep the organization growing!

2. How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

It’s a funny story actually. I’m friends with two of the current board members, both of whom have said at sometime that it’d be great to get me involved with SOUNDS Academy. I didn’t think too much of it until I recently concluded my responsibilities with another organization and had my employer recommend me for the board of SOUNDS Academy.  Sometimes the universe works to put us in the right place at the right time!

3. What do you think about the current state of music education?

I think it’s unfortunately very easy to underfund the arts in school systems when there are many items competing for resources. It can disproportionately affect areas already impacted by less resources, and therefore becomes necessary for organizations like SOUNDS Academy to help fill the gap for students who are willing to put in the effort to learn music.

4. Why are music education and programs like SOUNDS Academy important for children?

Music has been researched and it well known to provide a solid foundation for success in life. Providing ways to learn about other cultures, experience the joy of solo and ensemble performance, and to help students understand that there are countless avenues open to them as they look to their futures. I think SOUNDS Academy does an admirable job of also equipping their students with additional leadership skills which will serve them well beyond the scope of music education.

5. If you were to tour with a musician or band, which one would it be?

Great question – I’d probably have to say Manheim Steamroller, the Canadian Brass, or even a vocal ensemble such as Chanticleer as they all have something special in their music that moves me.

6. What would the title of your autobiography be?

“The Infinite Explorer: A Life of Languages, Learning, and Adventure”

Mary Larson: 

Hector Ramirez: 

Liz Thompson:

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to become a board member?

I am the Branch Manager for National Bank of Arizona, at the Scottsdale 101 branch.  NBAZ /Zions encourages us to be involved in our Community and give back.   I love music and learning it as a child / teenager was like therapy for me!   I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of Sounds Academy and every child should learn at least 1 instrument in their lives!

2. How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

Sounds Academy banks with NBAZ, so I met Kirk during one of his visits to the Central branch.  My banker, Christian and I met with him for lunch and he told us about the opportunity to get involved.

3. What do you think about the current state of music education?

As a single parent of my son (now 15)  I hoped it was a required class in every school, but was sad to learn that it Is optional, and sometimes not even offered. There also doesn’t seem to be a standard for what is offered.   Because of this, it isn’t easy to inspire our kids to leave the video games since it’s not promoted/cool/popular.   I was able to scrape together funds to buy him a guitar, but paying for and getting him to/from lessons was logistically impossible.

These are the issues that need to be solved, and I feel that Sounds Academy is making significant headway!

4. Why are music education and programs like SOUNDS Academy important for children?

It is medium that we use/hear every single day of our lives.  Understanding how it is made is like knowing the alphabet when we read – fundamental!   I feel it is also therapeutic and since joining Sounds Academy am learning that it actually helps develop the neural pathways for our brains.

5. Between the SOUNDS Academy Character Values of creativity, leadership, resilience, perseverance, and teamwork, which one speaks to you the most and why?

Perseverance – because when I was younger and hated practicing, but was convinced to keep going and keep practicing, eventually I became better which gave me confidence in my ability to do hard things and the benefit of being able to play the piano was so rewarding!  But if I had given up because it was hard, I would never have been able to see how valuable persistence and resilience are.  This has had a significant impact on my life since my personality tends to give up easily and balk when things get difficult.  But since learning this, I have overcome many challenges and used my experiences to be in a position of leadership today.

I also learned that it didn’t have to be so boring/hard and blossomed under less strict teaching styles.

6. If you were to tour with a musician or band, which one would it be?

John Legend or Lauren Diagle

7. What would the title of your autobiography be?

Words Matter – I Am Love