Executive Director

Erik L. Jacobson

erikjacobson@msvma.org

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 Executive Director for The VOCES8 Foundation, working with Paul Smith and two British choral ensembles, VOCES8 and Apollo5. He is also the Creative Director of the new VOCES8 Foundation professional women's ensemble, Lyyra. Erik 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.
 
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 also the Artistic Director for the Kalamazoo Male Chorus. He spent years as the adjunct jazz voice professor at Kalamazoo College and previously taught choir at Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Upon leaving everyday classroom instruction, Erik moved to Milwaukee as the Director of In-School Education for the Milwaukee Children’s Choir and worked as their 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 & Office Coordinator

Janet K Romanowski-Newberry

janet@msvma.org

Janet has successfully completed a 33 year career in financial aid and student billing; which began in Grand Rapids and recently ended in Big Rapids.  As a semi-retired professional, she has decided to share her love of numbers and organizational skills with MSVMA.  When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jerry and several fur babies.  She also loves baking and working in the yard.