Elective classes are a great way to learn something new about music!
You may choose one of these electives:
- Wind, String, or Percussion Chamber Ensembles
- Jazz Band (audition required; read more on the “Jazz Band Auditions” page)
- Music Theory I
- Conducting
- Composition
- Leadership
2025 Elective Faculty
Lissa May, Jazz Band
Kevin Watson, Jazz Band
Jen Bollero-Erickson, Percussion Ensemble
Katelyn Helms, Music Theory
Nick Hinman, Conducting
Suzanne Charney, Leadership
Alex Tedrow, Composition
Lissa May is associate dean at the IU Jacobs School of Music. She served as Jazz Band director at Oakland University (MI) and fine arts supervisor for the Waterford School District. She was a faculty member in jazz studies at Purdue University and directed the Purdue Jazz Band.
Kevin Watson is an Associate Professor of Music Education at Western University, where he directs the Western University Jazz Ensemble and Young Winds program. He regularly serves as a music festival adjudicator and clinician. Dr. Watson is an IU Jacobs School of Music graduate and the Berklee College of Music.
Jennifer Bollero Erickson is a percussionist and proud IU graduate. She holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting. Mrs. Erickson has taught for nine years in Indiana schools and currently serves as the Director of Bands at South Knox Middle/High School.
Katelyn Helms is the band director and co-elementary music teacher for Bloomfield Schools in Bloomfield, IN. She earned her bachelors of music education from Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music in 2016 and her masters in music education from Ball State University in 2022.
