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 HereIf 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.
Bob Morris - Board ChairBob Morris has a diverse background in Business, Engineering, and as a Professional Jazz Musician. With Music being the "international language" that is understood and shared globally, the importance of its continuance must be kept alive and well. Kids are our future and allowing them to participate in the wonderful world of music is something they will always remember and cherish. Ear Candy has the vehicle in which to provide the instruments and music programs to support what budget cuts in education have minimized or eliminated. Bob may be the managing member of RSM Consultants, LLC, Vice-President of Velocity Solutions (SaaS - web-based applications) Cloud computing software but his heart is still emotionally drawn to supporting Instruments and Music Programs for children period!
Maria Brunner - Board Vice 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 an 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."
Neal Bookspan - Board Secretary 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.
Gannon Burleigh, CPA - Board Treasurer
Gannon is an Audit Manager in the Phoenix office of Grant Thornton LLP, with a wide variety of accounting experience from middle-market to Fortune 500 companies. He is one of the many drummers on the Ear Candy Board (there must be something in the water in Arizona), and plays gigs professionally on a regular basis. Gannon also enjoys supporting the arts (concerts, film, theater, museums, etc.) with friends and family.
Kimber LanningKimber is an entrepreneur, arts advocate and community activist who works to cultivate strong, vibrant communities and inspire a higher quality of life in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Lanning is actively involved in fostering cultural diversity, economic self-reliance and responsible growth for Arizona. In 2003, Lanning founded Local First Arizona, a non-profit organization working to establish vibrant, unique businesses at the forefront of the valley’s identity, as well as creating a sustainable and healthy region through the implementation of diverse local economies.
She also owns Stinkweeds and Modified Arts, founded SilverPlatter.info, and serves on the boards for Alliance for Audience and Metropolitan Arts High School. Oh, and she plays the drums.
Greg White
Greg, a Phoenix native, owes a lot of his music prowess to his grade school music teacher who let him take a bass guitar home in the 8th grade to learn it. Never looking back, Greg now anchors the rhythm section of indie rock band, Random Karma, with fellow Ear Candy Board member, Louie Moses.
By day, Greg is a pediatric orthopedic and spinal deformity surgeon at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and has been voted a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” the last five years.
Michael Bucci
Michael is the managing partner of Bucci Entertainment Group, L.L.C. Bucci Entertainment Group is focused in film and television production, artist management and facilitates many varied business-to-business endeavors within the film, television and music industries. Michael is the proud father of three children, David, Dan and Carina and in addition to his passions of film and music; he enjoys many sports including baseball (Red Sox!), football (Patriots!) and ice hockey (Bruins!). Probably easy to tell he was raised in New England, eh? Before Ear Candy, he has served on many business and charity boards including the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro-Phoenix.
Eddie GaonaEddie is currently the director of bands at Valley View School and team leader of the music department for the Roosevelt School District. He graduated with a Bachelor and Master Degree in Instrumental Music Education. Eddie was a professional trumpet and piano player for 30 years and currently writes and arranges music for middle school concert and Latin Jazz band. He was nominated three times to Who’s Who in Americas Teachers and his school bands consistently receive Superior and Excellent ratings in state and national festivals. The Heritage Music Organization awarded Outstanding Band Director to Eddie in 2009. He has served on boards of Rosie’s House, Vesta Club, Azahares and the Superintendents support team. Eddie and his wife Hilda are proud new grandparents to Anthony.
Angela DiMaggioLongtime Valley Art educator, advocate and consultant of 40 years. Known to over 30,000 students and their families as Mama D. She is a multi-talented individual with a vast knowledge of a great number of life experiences. A world traveler, who was known as the teacher who always opened up the windows of the world to students. Nominated for Arizona Teacher of the Year in 2004. Studied at Oxford, Christ Church, Univ. of Madrid, and got her MA from ASU. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, yes she is a cheese head! Currently a unique combination of educator, entrepreneur, inventor, and business woman. Known for her fundraising, and being a public relations spokesperson for Red Cross and United Way. Motivational public speaker and guidance counselor for students and adults. Illustrated a coloring book on child abuse for Mesa's Child Crisis Nursery. Writes books for children and adults.
Has first hand knowledge of dealing with budget cuts for the arts for 38 years. Knows what it was like not being able to afford the luxury of music lessons as a child. Proud of being able to finally do something about this now for Arizona children.
Nate Anderson
Nate is the authentically over-flowing Founder and President of Ear Candy. His passion to share music is uncanny, unstoppable and contagious. He is a dreamer, a visionary and a man of action. Nate is perpetually inspired by children, dedicated emerging artists, and Dave Matthews Band. He's currently learning bass guitar and lives in the Phoenix area with his giant puppy Isha, the Ear Candy mascot. When he's not giving music to children, he's typically exploding at a live music concert or festival somewhere in the world!!!