NFHS Performing Arts Team (Photos and Bios)

Here you will find headshots and bios from the NFHS Performing Arts Team. Please feel free to use them as speaking engagements and conference opportunities arise.

Dr. James Weaver

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Home State: South Dakota

Title: Director of Performing Arts & Sports

Longform Bio: Dr. James Weaver is the Director of Performing Arts and Sports at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). A native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, he graduated from Aberdeen Central High School and has built an impressive career in education as both a teacher and administrator at district, state, and national levels.

Weaver's journey in education began in 2005 when he served as the director of orchestras for Perham Public Schools in Minnesota. He returned to South Dakota, leading the orchestras for Aberdeen Public Schools. During his tenure, the orchestra program saw unprecedented growth, earning high marks in regional and local competitions under his leadership. Weaver’s ability to nurture student talent and expand program offerings earned him recognition as a rising leader in music education.

In 2016, Weaver took on the role of Director of Performing Arts and Sports at the NFHS, where he has been instrumental in elevating performing arts participation in high schools nationwide. His work focuses on professional development, advocacy, and increasing awareness of the importance of performing arts education. Under his leadership, NFHS has partnered with prominent national arts organizations to create a robust advocacy network, supporting performing arts teachers, adjudicators, and contest managers.

One of his most notable accomplishments is the establishment of professional development courses for various performing arts educators and the creation of safety programs for marching bands and theatre groups. Additionally, Weaver was at the helm of the NFHS’s groundbreaking efforts to develop copyright education and compliance standards, launching the NFHS Copyright and Compliance Learn Course and Copyright Compliance Database.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Weaver played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe return of performing arts activities. As co-chair of the International Coalition for Performing Arts Aerosol Study, Weaver helped lead a coalition of 125 organizations worldwide to provide guidelines for safely conducting music, theatre, and other performing arts activities. His work was essential in shaping policies for schools, state associations, and national performing arts organizations during an unprecedented time.

Dr. Weaver’s influence extends beyond NFHS. He currently serves as president of the National Music Council and holds positions on several other national music boards and policy committees, further contributing to his role as an advocate for the performing arts at the highest levels.

Before his national leadership roles, Weaver made a significant impact in South Dakota’s education system. As the district administrator of fine and performing arts programs for the Sioux Falls School District, he oversaw music, visual arts, speech, debate, theatre, journalism, and adaptive arts for special education across 37 schools. Managing a staff of 140 and a multi-million-dollar budget, Weaver also led the redesign of the K-12 fine arts curriculum.

Weaver’s earlier roles include serving as assistant executive director in charge of fine arts for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA), where he launched new programs, including a visual arts component and transitioned music adjudication processes to a more efficient digital platform. Throughout his career, Dr. Weaver has continuously championed the importance of arts education.

Shortform Bio: As the Director of Performing Arts and Sports for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Dr. James Weaver is a driving force in high school arts education. Since 2016, he has pioneered initiatives that have elevated participation, training, and advocacy across the nation. During the pandemic, his leadership in the International Coalition for Performing Arts Aerosol Study helped bring the arts back to life in schools. Dr. Weaver also spearheaded the creation of NFHS's essential copyright education programs. He currently serves as president of the National Music Council, continuing his unwavering commitment to advancing arts education nationwide.

Mr. Chris Paulson

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Home State: Indiana

Title: Manager of Performing Arts & Sports

Bio: Chris Paulson joined the NFHS Performing Arts team as the Manager of Performing Arts and Sports in September of 2024. Prior to joining the NFHS staff, he served as a band director in Indiana for 18 years.

Chris grew up in Fishers, IN, where he attended Hamilton Southeastern Schools and fell in love with playing music and the idea of serving others in public education. After high school, Chris attended Ball State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in2006. In August of 2013, Chris completed his Master of Music Degree in Instrumental Conducting from the American Band College, through Sam Houston State University.

Paulson began his teaching career in 2006 as the middle school band director and general music teacher at Grissom Middle School in the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in Mishawaka, Indiana. After five years at Grissom MS (2006-2011), Paulson moved to Penn High School, where he served as Assistant Director of Bands and as the Instructional Coach for the Fine Arts and Communications Academy. After six years at Penn HS (2011-2017), Paulson transitioned to Lafayette, Indiana, where he served for five years as Director of Bands and Music Department Chair (2017-2022).  From 2022-2024, Paulson served as Co-Director of Bands at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Paulson serves as a regular adjudicator for the Indiana State School Music Association and was the guest conductor for the Indiana Bandmasters Association's All-Region Honor Band sites at Kankakee Valley High School(2013), DeKalb Middle School (2014), and Jasper Middle School (2015).  He has held memberships in the Indiana Music Educators Association, Indiana Bandmasters Association, National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Currently, Mr. Paulson resides in Avon, IN with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Brandon and Alayna.