Julia Gaines, Class of 2018, has announced that after nine years as the Director of the University of Missouri (MU) School of Music that she is stepping down from the position. 

After completing her third three-year term, she feels it is the right time to transition to something new. In 2024, Julia plans to take a research leave to write a new marimba book and film lesson videos to go with it. Prior to her role as Director, Julia directed the MU percussion program for 18 years. 

During her time as Director of the School of Music, Julia led the school through difficult times, including the Covid-19 pandemic and budget cuts. She also led them to important accomplishments such as opening the Sinquefield Music Center and Marching Mizzou’s performance at the 2022 Macy’s Day Parade.

In addition to this big career shift, Julia is getting married May 29th. We hope to share pics soon! She is also an active member of our Board of Directors and co-chairs our Board Sustainability and Management Committee. She and her family have been hosting a foreign exchange student from Thailand this semester who has been attending Rock Bridge High School. Diamond returns home at the end of May.

Read more about her MU tenure in this Columbian Missourian article.