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About the Event

Join NAfME Collegiate members and advisors from around the country during NAfME Collegiate Kickoff Week for an exciting back-to-school virtual rally! Get to know your Collegiate Advisory Council representatives, hear from your national leadership, and enjoy a special message from keynote speaker Dr. Benny Bolden.

Invite your chapter and prepare for the most inspiring back-to-school event yet! Continue to prepare for this year’s NAfME Collegiate Kickoff Week and follow NAfME Collegiate on Instagram (@nafmecollegiateofficial) and Facebook (@cnafme.)

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Benny L. Bolden, Jr.Dr. Benny L. Bolden, Jr. is a nationally acclaimed educational leader, award-winning music educator, and equity-driven changemaker. A Miami native and Florida A&M alumnus, Dr. Bolden’s leadership journey spans award-winning band programs and transformative school turnarounds. As Principal of R. Frank Nims Middle School, he led the campus from near-failing to a historic “B” rating, doubling enrollment and spearheading $12 million in improvements.

His musical ensembles have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Super Bowl, and for President Barack Obama. As the first African American President of the Florida School Music Association, he continues championing arts equity statewide. Now Director of Interdivisional Support Services and Secondary Schools, he oversees all middle/high schools, athletics, and arts programs in Leon County.

A 2025 Florida TaxWatch Principal of the Year and AASA National Aspiring Superintendent, Dr. Bolden mentors emerging leaders and uplifts student success. He is a proud husband, father of three, and ordained elder devoted to faith, family, and service.

Featured Guest Speakers:

Deb Confredo Portrait
Deb Confredo, NAfME President

Cecil Adderley headshot
Cecil Adderley, NAfME President-Elect

Scott Sheehan Portrait updated
Scott Sheehan, NAfME Immediate Past President

Cayley Tull, Let Music Fill My World (2025 NAfME Collegiate Kickoff Week Featured Sponsor)

Cayley Tull is a problem-solver and mission-driven leader with a decade of experience in operational and strategic roles across the Federal Government. Her expertise in Iran and related geopolitical issues, including U.S. sanctions and the JCPOA, has informed her work both domestically and abroad.

In 2022, Cayley transitioned to the private sector to lead her family’s philanthropic work as President of the Tullman Family Office (TFO), overseeing investments across social impact, politics, and business. In 2023, she co-founded Let Music Fill My World with Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik to advance equitable access to K–12 music education nationwide.

 

George N. Parks Leadership in Music Education Award. Nominate a band director. Deadline August 14.

Start Date

September 24, 2025

End Date

September 24, 2025

Start and End Time

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (ET)

Categories

  • Advocacy
  • Collegiate

Event Category

  • Live Virtual
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

Specialities

  • Music Teacher Education


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