Inaugural Conference - January 12-15, 2023
Meet Our Board and Staff
Jacqueline Pickett
Founder / President
Bassist Jacqueline Pickett is an accomplished artist in a variety of styles. She has performed with musicians ranging from country singer Allison Krauss to avant-garde composers Terry Riley and Pauline Oliveros.
Laura Payne
Treasurer
Laura Payne was born with a great love for music from the start, always listening to songs on the radio as a child. She began her musical journey at the age of 9 through 5 years of classical guitar training.
Estrella Miressa Santos
Board Member
Estrella Miressa Santos, double bassist, works at the Conservatory of Tegucigalpa.
Sibongile Buda
Vice-President
Sibongile Buda, known as Ms Buda Bass, is a Mamelodi born, South African performing artist. She is a bassist, composer, music teacher, band conductor, founder and programme Director.
Emily Davies
Board Member
Hailing from Kansas City with Nashville as her adopted home for over two decades, New York City-based Epifani artist Emily Davies' style has been fueled by KC's jazzy BBQ, Nashville's hot pickin' chicken, and the deep roots of NYC's Harlem Renaissance jazz scene.
Susan Hagen
Board Member
For the past 14 seasons Susan has spent most of her time performing as an extra player with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, including touring with them through the US and Canada. She also spends much time performing with the Boston Pops Orchestra and is on many Boston Symphony and Boston Pops recordings.
Lindsay Lam
Secretary
Lindsay Lam, from Denver, Colorado, started playing Double Bass at the age of 7. She graduated from Denver School of the Arts, where she earned her Arts Endorsed Diploma.
CJ Johnson
IT and Website
CJ, a lifelong native of Atlanta, graduated with a BFA in graphic design.