Staunton Music Guild names new board member

Local musician Jason Clarke was recently appointed to the Staunton Music Guild’s (SMG) Board of Directors.

He replaced Board member Danny Morris who served a two year term and was instrumental in the organization’s early development.   The new member was welcomed by SMG President Karen Lawrence, who voiced her appreciation for his willingness to lend his abilities to the newly approved 501(c) (3) organization.

“We are thrilled to have Jason onboard.  His long-standing personal experience in the area’s music scene and connections within the community are valuable additions to the Staunton Music Guild leadership as we move forward in our mission to support local music,” Lawrence said.

Jason Clarke has been a Staunton musician for almost 20 years, playing drums and percussion in a variety of groups, from sweet eclectic brunch music to tractor gospel and alien psychadelifolk. Jason is dedicated to promoting and supporting the great diversity and depth of Staunton’s music community and looks forward to serving the members of the Music Guild.

The SMG Board includes a diverse mixture of musicians, music-related business owners, educators and individuals committed to advancing the Guild’s mission to foster the growth and performance of music in Staunton by providing educational, promotional and community-based support for the local music scene.  Other Board members include Lisa Miller, Randall Hamblet, John Huggins,Valerie McQueen and Paul Kazarov.  The organization also has two standing committees charged with developing and administering programs to meet the Guild’s goals.

Formed in September 2009, SMG has partnered with many local businesses and organizations to raise money for charity, support local arts and culture activities and sponsor networking and educational events.  The Staunton Music Guild website, www.stauntonmusicguild.org provides a one-stop location for finding music events, musicians and music training in the Staunton area.