MUNCIE, Ind.(NewsLink) -- Aaron Paige, assistant professor of music at Ball State University, was one of 35 people chosen for a fellowship program designed to elevate and engage Black and Latinx music educators.

Paige is part of the inaugural class of Cleveland Institute of Music’s Future of Music Faculty Fellowship Program.

“I am honored to be selected,” Dr. Paige said. “None of this would be possible without (retired) professor of Music Meryl Mantione and associate teaching professor of Music Performance Yoko Shimazaki-Kilburn. As Ball State faculty mentors, these scholars are pristine examples of this University's commitment to shaping young talent. Their relentless encouragement—even when I sometimes don't deserve it—nudges me every day to be a better teacher, leader, and Cardinal.”

Paige is a former member of the Singing Sergeant of the United States Air Force Band, where he held the tenor section leader position. His time in the Air Force Band included 12 national tours, two Super Bowls and performances of the national anthem at 47 sporting events. He also performed for a few U.S. presidents.

Paige has presented lectures and recitals on African American music in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute at the National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of African Art.

The inaugural Future of Music Faculty Fellowship class was unveiled in late June. Selection for this program involved a competitive process that drew 160 applicants from 30 states and seven countries. The applicants were considered based on the strength of their music background, education and application materials, as well as their dedication, skill and drive to succeed within the complex world of academia.

Members of this inaugural fellowship class come from 20 states across America. Their areas of study include instrumental, jazz and vocal performance; music education; composition; conducting; and ethnomusicology, musicology and music theory.

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