Jason Jerald

Jason Jerald, an Atlanta native, has taught in Hillsborough County Schools for 15 years. He is currently the Director of Orchestral Studies at Howard W. Blake High School, Arts Magnet in Tampa, FL. Under his direction, Blake’s orchestras have consistently earned superior ratings for outstanding performances in both local and national assessments.

Mr. Jerald is a graduate of Florida State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Cum Laude. During his studies at FSU, he served as a violist in the University Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He received his Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of South Florida.

Mr. Jerald has served as a chairperson and guest clinician for several All-County Festivals in Florida. As an approved adjudicator, he has assisted with Music Performance Assessments and Solo & Ensemble festivals throughout Florida. Mr. Jerald served on the Florida Orchestra Association (FOA) executive board as the 11/12 All-State Chair and Ethics Chair. As Past President of (FOA). Mr. Jerald is a strong advocate for excellence in music education and performance.

He is an Individual Artist Grant recipient from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, which enabled him to participate in the 2015 International Conducting Institute for Conductors in Bacau, Romania. This presented him with the opportunity to work with the Bacau Symphony Orchestra under the tutelage of Maestro Robert Gutter, Charles Gambetta, and Ovidiu Balan. Mr. Jerald maintains an active performing career in surrounding ensembles throughout Tampa Bay. His most rewarding performing experiences have come from his association with Via Musica Productions. Such performances include the Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Mary J. Bligh, David Foster, Kristyn Getty, Idina Menzel, and Ricky Scaggs. These experiences have fostered his zeal for excellence in performance. He also conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra for the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestras and directs the Bible-Based Fellowship Church Orchestra-Carrollwood.