Ear Candy is dedicated to providing every child access to music education and these individuals are committed to perpetuating the organization’s growth and fulfilling our mission. We are committed to building a sustainable, community drive model that will be replicated to impact thousands in other communities across the country. The need for music education has never been greater and the country needs
Ear Candy more than ever!!
Some of our greatest needs as growing and impactful organization are:
- Strong Board Leadership with Non-Profit Experience
- Establish Relationships with Community Supporters and Corporations
- Volunteer Coordination & Program Visit Leaders
- Special Event Planning and Implementation
- Professional Service Support (Legal, Accounting, etc)
- Board Development including Meeting / Retreat Planning
Serving on the Governing Board is no small undertaking and requires a great deal of commitment! If you are interested in applying for a position on the Ear Candy Governing Board please fill out the
Online Application Here
If you are interested in helping the EAR CANDY mission but cannot commit to serving on the Governing Board please entertain joining our
Advisory Board or becoming an
EAR CANDY Advocate.
Maria Brunner - Board Chair / Marketing Committee Chair
Maria owns an entertainment marketing company called Insight Mgt. Clients range from the sublime classic rockers to the fabulous Burn The Floor dancers, to our favorite animal guru, Cesar! Her passion for music is equal to Nate’s, which further supports his contagious and unstoppable energy to help make music education in schools happen on a broad basis. Maria teaches at various universities including, The University of Montana in Missoula, California State University at Channel Islands and occasionally at universities in the state of Tennessee. Maria teaches entertainment business programs at these universities.
Hobbies include hiking, going to hear new music groups and fostering dogs, which the total is now up to three. "I am very excited to be part of the board for Ear Candy, as we continue to reach out of the box to help children and their passion and drive for music education."
Frank Thompson - Vice Board Chair / Mission Development Committee Chair
Frank has been involved with Rhythm his entire life. Frank was born into a musical family and raised his children to appreciate the aspects of all musical genres. Frank's initial foray into music was as a singer during his youth. Although he was singing, his eyes were always on the drummers and percussion players in the school band who kept the beat. His participation as a singer in school choirs truly enhanced his appreciation for the funding of musical programs in schools.
Frank founded AZ Rhythm Connection (AZRC) in 1997, but has been facilitating rhythm for over 25 years. Frank is a Health Rhythms Endorsed Facilitator, a "REMO U.S. Drum Circle Facilitator" and a member of the of the Drum Circle Facilitator's Guild. Frank is also recognized as a Continuing Education Provider for the Certification Board of Music Therapists and the National Board of Certified Counselors. During a corporate career of the same length, Frank has held regional and national marketing, training and management positions with several Fortune 100 Firms. Frank completed graduate and undergraduate programs at the University of Redlands and is six-sigma certified.
Neal Bookspan - Secretary / Board Development Committee Chair
Neal is an attorney at Jaburg/Wilk. He helps businesses and their owners manage their legal risks, whether through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or litigation. Neal has lived in the Phoenix area for most of his life and it is where his love of music started, including music lessons. Though he won't go out on a limb and say he is a musician, he plays instruments and is continually instilling his love of music in his children, two of whom are young musicians, as well as his friends and family. When not working Neal can be found with having fun with his family or seeing live music. The Ear Candy message is important to Neal, who believes in exposing children to music and instruments early on as part of a well rounded education.
Martin Davis - Treasurer
Martin has been passionate about music all of his life. He listens to a wide variety of genres but is particularly obsessed with music performed on the guitar. Over the years he has collected, played and worked on guitars including a stint in a local Tempe guitar shop, a major manufacturer and culminating with his role with Ear Candy.
For the past 8 years he has been working in the supply chain field in a variety of roles and industries for companies as diverse as Fender Musical Instrument Corporation and Honeywell International. He knew he found his calling after donating a couple of instruments to Ear Candy and participating in delivering instruments to a local school.
When not working he can be found working out or walking his dog, Logan.
“The joy of giving is what drives me to be a part of Ear Candy. Music can deliver us to new worlds and children deserve the opportunity to discover their gift.”
Nate Anderson
Nate is the authentically over-flowing engine of Ear Candy. He is not a musician, a teacher, or a parent, yet his passion to share music with the youth of the world is uncanny, unstoppable and contagious. In a short amount of time Nate has created a sustainable community driven model to address the need for music education in a Arizona which is dead last in per person educational funding. In 2010 Ear Candy will impact well over 10,000 youth in the Phoenix area while they expand their model to other markets in need across the country.
In 2009, Nate has been named the
Best Sales Person of a Good Cause by the Phoenix New Times, and won a
Pyro Award saluting inspiring agents of positive change in the community. In 2010, he was named in the
Business Journal’s 40 under 40, was a
Hon Kachina Honoree and was an official nominee for the Individual
Governor’s Art Award.
Nate Anderson is a dreamer, a visionary and the very definition of a progressive Social Entrepreneur.
Frank Kuhns - Fundraising Committee Chair
Music his passion, hospitality his career!!!
Frank’s passions for music started at an early age were he fell in love with all things acoustic. To this day he loves uncovering rare acoustic performance from a list of his favorite artists. When Frank isn’t listening to music, he can be found at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel as the Director of Sales and Marketing, proudly serving in the position since September 2009.
Frank holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and distinction of Certified Tourism Ambassador, Frank was a member of the first group of certified facilitators in Phoenix for the CTA program.
In his personal time, Frank loves to spend time with his wife Misty and their two children Toby and Mackenzie. Frank is avid singer/ songwriter, and can be found performing on the open mic circuit a few nights a week.