ALEXANDRIA CITY HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS
Veronica Jackson,
Orchestra Director
Educator, Conductor, Violinist
After teaching three years in NC, Ms. Jackson taught middle and high school orchestras in Henrico County Public Schools for 17 years. August 2012, she brought her energetic style of teaching to Hammond Middle School in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). The number of students participating in strings more than doubled under her guidance, receiving superior and excellent ratings. Ms. Jackson coordinated innovative and collaborative programming that increased participation in strings throughout ACPS She was named Hammond Middle School Teacher of The Year 2017 and nominated in 2018 and 2019. Ms. Jackson is highly sought after to conduct full and string orchestras throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland. For eight years, she proudly served as director of Arlington Concert Orchestra, a full symphonic orchestra for adults who have returned to playing their instruments. June 2020, Ms. Jackson accepted the position of orchestra director at Alexandria City High School, where the orchestra program continues to reach new heights of excellence. Ms. Jackson is most proud of the five levels of orchestra, giving all interested students of all playing abilities an opportunity to be a part of the orchestra program. She also serves as advisor for ACHS Tri-M Music Honors Society, which has received national recognition for their community service. Ms. Jackson was named the 2024 Orchestra Director of the Year by the Virginia Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.
Ms. Jackson is a proud member of IAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, where she serves as Vice President. Some of her greatest inspirations are her two children, her daughter-in-law, and her two grandsons, Caden and PJ.
Kevin Pace
Bassist, Music Educator, Composer
Jazz bassist and educator, Kevin Pace has been pushing the field of jazz education to a new level, leading his students to become some of the best players in the area. As a faculty member of Shepherd University and Northern Virginia Community College, he has fostered the knowledge and love of music in hundreds of students.
Pace is known for his solid, earthy style of bass playing that you can hear live on over 30 recordings. A founding member of the DC Jazz Composers Collective, Pace has composed numerous award-winning compositions for jazz ensembles, orchestras, film, and artist collaborations. He has performed throughout the world at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, and the Smithsonian, as well as jazz clubs all over the East Coast. Pace has performed with jazz greats including Gretchen Parlato, Freddie Redd, and David “Fathead” Newman. He holds degrees in music from Elon University and University of Maryland, College Park.
