Executive Director

Erik L. Jacobson

erikjacobson@msvma.org

Erik is entering his fifth year as Executive Director of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. Erik is a dynamic music educator, clinician, arranger, performer, and administrator focused on engaging singers, musicians, and audiences to advocate for inclusion in music and spread a knowledge and joy for all types of music with as many learners as possible. Growing up in West Michigan, Erik has had an exciting musical journey through a variety of genres and musical paths including classical voice, musical theater, solo and group jazz singing, recording, and popular music performing.

Along with working with MSVMA, Erik is the Managing Director for The VOCES8 Foundation, working with Paul Smith and two British choral ensembles, VOCES8 and Apollo5. He leads the VOCES8 US Scholar program, takes part in clinics throughout the country, and is working to bring the VOCES8 Method to US students and educators. He is also a lead figure in The VOCES8 Foundation's creation of a new, professional US ensemble.
 
As a performer, Erik has recorded and performed with the Miami ensemble Seraphic Fire on their Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, a nationally featured project that took him on a tour of Florida and Mexico. Other notable performances include featured concerts at the ACDA convention in Cincinnati, Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2011 and 2012, the World Choir Games in 2012, the national tour of Star Wars in Concert, and as a background singer on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He regularly appears as a guest vocalist with the Brass Band of Battle Creek. Over the years he has performed with names such as Janis Seigel, Mark Murphy, Kurt Elling, Bob Mintzer, Charise, Roger Treece, Bobby McFerrin, Peter Eldridge, Matt Giraud, and The Velvelettes.
 
Erik is in his sixth season directing the Kalamazoo Male Chorus. He also spent time as the adjunct jazz voice professor at Kalamazoo College. Previously, he spent five years as a teacher at Kalamazoo Christian Schools. He directed multiple high school ensembles as well as taught classes in recording arts and chapel worship music. Erik also led the expansion of their theater program, producing and directing many shows. Upon leaving classroom instruction, Erik moved to Milwaukee as the Director of In-School Education for the Milwaukee Children’s Choir. Two months into his tenure, the organization restructured and Erik assumed the role of Interim Executive Artistic Director for a year.

Director of Operations

Debra Jacks

debrajacks@msvma.org

Debra worked with the Spectrum Health Foundation and Ferris State University before joining MSVMA in 2015 to become the organization's first director of operations. She earned bachelor and masters degrees in education from Ferris State University. Debra’s achievements have been honored with a Chronicle of Philanthropy recognition, a Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Gold Award for Major Events, a Distinguished Staff Award from Ferris State University, an Ambassador Award from Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce and a Northern Lights Award from the Mecosta County Community Foundation.

Membership and Office Coordinator

Emileigh Hartung

emileigh@msvma.org

Emileigh joined MSVMA in November 2022. She is a musician and has been involved in the arts her entire life. She has always been drawn to non-profits and the arts, so MSVMA holds a special place in her heart! She grew up in the small town of Adrian, in southeast Michigan. She graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor's in Advertising/ Integrated Marketing Communications. While attending Ferris State, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary band fraternity. At FSU she was an active member of the Athletic Pep Band. As part of the band she met the love of her life, Andrew, and they were able to travel the country together, and perform at various championship games. 

Outside of MSVMA, you will catch her playing with her son. And enjoying various forms of media, and painting. She also enjoys golfing, and spending ample amounts of time with her family and her pets.