James Weaver to Depart NFHS Staff to Become CEO/President of Music for All

Dr. James Weaver, who has served as NFHS director of performing arts and sports at the NFHS for the past nine years, has accepted a position as CEO and president of Music for All, a nonprofit educational organization also located in Indianapolis. He begins his new position on August 18.

Weaver joined the NFHS staff in 2016 after one year as performing arts curriculum coordinator for the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Public Schools and four years as assistant executive director in charge of fine arts for the South Dakota High School Activities Association located in Pierre, South Dakota.

Weaver began his professional career in 2005 as director of orchestras for the Perham (Minnesota) Public Schools for two years, followed by a four-year stint as director of orchestras for the Aberdeen (South Dakota) Public Schools.

During his nine years with the NFHS, Weaver had significant accomplishments in advancing fine arts and performing arts through NFHS member state associations and into the nation’s schools.

During his tenure, many performing arts courses were added to the NFHS Learning Center and attendance at the NFHS Performing Arts Conference grew from 32 to more than 130 last year. Weaver also became the leader in copyright compliance with online courses, resources and speaking engagements. Perhaps his most significant contributions came during the pandemic when he was the co-leader of the National Aerosol Study. He led efforts to provide schools the information they needed to keep programs alive while protecting students. 

In addition to his duties in the performing arts area, Weaver also served as rules editor and staff liaison for boys lacrosse and spirit.

Weaver, who earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Concordia College in Minnesota and a master’s degree in education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, received his doctorate in district administration from the University of South Dakota.