FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West proudly announces its 2026 Board officers and welcomes six members of the community to the board. This remarkable group will help grow the Music Academy’s mission to provide musicians and audiences alike with transformative music experiences through public performances and community programs. Board officers and members began their terms on January 1, 2026, and September 16, 2025, respectively.

Welcoming Returning Board Officers

We take great pride in announcing the Music Academy’s 2026 Board officers, now in their second year of service, whose guidance will help the Music Academy’s future. With their deep commitment to music education, they bring a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for the arts:

“This is a defining moment for the Music Academy of the West,” said Danner Schefler, Music Academy Board Chair. “With fresh perspectives, we are advancing bold ideas, expanding access to music education, and building for the future—especially as we expand into downtown Santa Barbara with the Academy’s Music Education Center—ensuring the Music Academy remains a vital cultural force in Santa Barbara and beyond.”

Introducing 2026 New Board Directors

We are delighted to introduce six outstanding individuals joining the Music Academy’s Board. Their varied experiences and perspectives will enrich our mission and strengthen our impact:

The full roster and complete biographies of the Music Academy’s 2026 Board of Directors is available at musicacademy.org/board.

“Our Board plays an essential role in guiding the Music Academy,” said Shauna Quill, President and CEO of the Music Academy of the West. “As we welcome new members, we are energized by the experience and vision they bring—and deeply appreciative of the leaders whose service has positioned the Music Academy for its next phase of growth.”

Celebrating Outgoing Board Members

With heartfelt appreciation, we bid a warm farewell to our retiring Board members — Dean Eric Carter, Clive Chang, and Jerry Eberhardt, who collectively served 25 years on the Board. Each of these individuals has left an enduring mark on the Music Academy through their vision and dedication to the arts. Clive Chang will continue to support the Music Academy as a member of the Music Academy’s National Advisory Council.

About the Music Academy of the West

Located in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West provides classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. As part of its annual Summer Music Festival & School, the Academy presents the Fellowship Institute, which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18–34, alongside the new High School Intensive, a two-week program for 105 gifted musicians ages 14–18. Year-round programs include Sing!, a youth choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and the Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists. Each summer, the Festival showcases more than 100 performances and events, including masterclasses, competitions, and a fully staged opera. The 2026 Summer Music Festival & School will run June 14–August 8, 2026. The Festival lineup will be unveiled in early 2026. Learn more at musicacademy.org.

High resolution photos available for download HERE

Press Contacts

Kerry Allen
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Music Academy of the West
kallen@musicacademy.org
805?895-9491

Kate Oberjat
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Music Academy of the West
koberjat@musicacademy.org
805?895-7908