About Us
Our Mission
The Southeastern Women in Music Symposium is an all-female honor band dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowerment for young women in the music community. Our mission is to combat inequality by providing a supportive environment where aspiring female musicians can flourish.
At our symposium, we offer a unique opportunity for female-identifying individuals currently in high school or pursuing undergraduate studies. Through a carefully curated program, participants are encouraged to embrace their musical talents and develop their skills while surrounded by like-minded women. The symposium consists of ensemble rehearsals, round-table discussions, and mentoring opportunities.
A highlight of our festival is the premiere of a brand-new piece of wind band literature by a female composer. This composition is commissioned using the proceeds from ticket sales at the previous year's festival. We believe in supporting emerging female composers, and the funds raised from the current festival will contribute to the commissioning of another remarkable composition. This allows us to showcase the work of a talented up-and-coming female composer at next year's symposium.
By celebrating the achievements of women in music, we pave the way for a more inclusive industry. Join us in fostering equality and empowering young women to play confidently. Together, we can create a space where diverse voices are heard, opening doors for future generations of talented musicians. The Southeastern Women in Music Symposium is your opportunity to be part of a movement that embraces and amplifies the importance of representation in music.
History of SWIMS
The Southeastern Women in Music Symposium originated as an impactful Girl Scout Gold Award project led by Mya Foley, a Middle Tennessee high school student who graduated in 2023. As a percussionist, Mya personally experienced the prevailing male-dominated landscape of the music community and recognized the need for increased female representation in both the clinicians she worked with and the composers whose music she performed. With guidance and support from her band director, Kacee Sanders, the concept for the project began to take shape. With dedicated planning and work totaling 80 hours, this project gave rise to a unique high school all-female honor band festival. In this festival, music is composed by women, the clinician is a woman, and all participants identify as women. The primary motivation behind this service project was to address the issue of inequality and provide a thriving space for young women in the band community. The symposium aims to create an environment where women can confidently showcase their musical abilities within their sections, surrounded by fellow women.
The inaugural SWIMS festival took place from December 9th to 11th, 2022, hosted at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Dr. Brittan Braddock, the Director of Bands at Mercer College in Athens, Georgia, led the event as the clinician for 28 participants. The targeted audience witnessed significant growth in their skills, knowledge, and attitudes throughout the symposium. They had the extraordinary opportunity to perform in an all-female ensemble, explore musical literature composed by women, and receive guidance from a highly accomplished female director. Through dedicated rehearsals, they honed their musical abilities and gained valuable insights to overcome the challenges that women often face in the music industry. The participants also forged meaningful friendships during the weekend, fostering a sense of community and support. One of the notable highlights of the event was an empowering and educational round table discussion centered around the experiences of women in music. College participants generously shared invaluable advice with their younger peers, providing a rare and invaluable experience not commonly found in traditional band settings. The symposium culminated in a concert on December 11th at 5 pm, raising nearly $1000 to commission a wind band piece by Ashley Knox, an aspiring composer seeking her first commission.
Mya Foley
Dr. Brittan Braddock
Kacee Sanders
Mya Foley founded the Southeastern Women in Music Symposium as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Following its success and her acceptance of her Gold Award, Mya decided to turn this project into an annual event.
Mya discovered her passion for celebrating women in music as a female percussionist in middle school and high school. Always de
Mya Foley founded the Southeastern Women in Music Symposium as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Following its success and her acceptance of her Gold Award, Mya decided to turn this project into an annual event.
Mya discovered her passion for celebrating women in music as a female percussionist in middle school and high school. Always determined to dismantle gender norms and eliminate stereotypes, Mya took this passion and fostered it into something productive. Throughout high school, Mya stood out amongst her peers as a determined, hard-working, leader. In high school she was a leader in the Marching Band, Winter Drumline, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and more. Outside of the band room, she was an officer within the Tennessee Center for Civic Engagement’s Model United Nations and Youth in Government programs. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Collegiate Academy. She received numerous accolades throughout high school, including being an All-State percussionist, a Governor's School for the Arts attendee, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She frequently donated her time to her community by not only organizing Southeastern Women in Music Symposium, but also by managing Her Drive, an organization that provides feminine products for women in need. Mya graduated from Green Hill High School in May of 2023 as valedictorian of her class. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Distinction, and as a TN Scholar. She is continuing her education at Middle Tennessee State University as a Buchanan Fellow and Audio Production and Music Business double major. Her college education is funded by numerous scholarships, including a full ride to MTSU, the Ned McWherter Scholarship, the Mount Juliet Chamber of Commerce Leading Women Scholarship, and the Wilson County Pepsi-Cola Scholarship. She plans to pursue music with the intention of being a positive force for change in the music industry throughout her career.
Kacee Sanders
Dr. Brittan Braddock
Kacee Sanders
Ms. Kacee Sanders, a Tennessee native, earned her Masters of Music in Instrumental Conducting and a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Her professional success has earned recognition for impacting middle and high school ensembles throughout West and Middle Tennessee.
Kacee S
Ms. Kacee Sanders, a Tennessee native, earned her Masters of Music in Instrumental Conducting and a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Her professional success has earned recognition for impacting middle and high school ensembles throughout West and Middle Tennessee.
Kacee Sanders is an innovative, inclusive, and impactful music educator whose classroom is a testament to her passion for music and commitment to her students. Previous students describe Sanders as impactful, collaborative, and caring. Her students have stated that she makes them feel loved, supported, and seen; not just as musicians but as human beings. She fosters a collaborative culture within her band program, inspiring students to reach their full potential and encouraging their peers to do the same. Her teaching methods emphasize the importance of individual student responsibility, enabling them to grow as independent musicians, future leaders, and responsible humans.
Sanders has earned the prestigious honor of being a CMA Music Teacher of Excellence recipient, an award given to only 30 music educators nationwide who demonstrate excellence in bringing high-quality music education to their students and positively impacting their school and community through music. Additionally, Sanders has been recognized as a 2024 Yamaha MUsic Educators "40 Under 40" recipient.
Sanders is an active member of the music community and holds professional affiliations with organizations including Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Women Band Directors International, Percussive Arts Society, Tennessee Bandmasters Association, Middle Tennessee State Band and Orchestra Association, Metro Nashville Educators Association, and Tennessee Education Association. Sanders remains connected to her alma mater and serves as the Alumni Band President of the Governors Own Marching Band at Austin Peay State University. Additionally, she is a co-founder of the Southeastern Women in Music Symposium.
When she is not in the classroom, Sanders indulges in her love of gardening by taking care of her collection of houseplants and patio garden. Additionally, she is an avid video game enthusiast and enjoys spending quality time playing Nintendo Switch games with her seven-year-old son.
Dr. Brittan Braddock
Dr. Brittan Braddock
Dr. Brittan Braddock
Dr. Brittan Braddock is assistant professor of music, director of bands, and coordinator of music education at Mercer University. She conducts the Mercer University Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in instrumental music education, wind band literature, and conducting. Prior to her appointment at Mercer University, she was the director of
Dr. Brittan Braddock is assistant professor of music, director of bands, and coordinator of music education at Mercer University. She conducts the Mercer University Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in instrumental music education, wind band literature, and conducting. Prior to her appointment at Mercer University, she was the director of bands at the University of West Florida.
Braddock is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and presenter. Her research into the wind ensemble repertoire of Ruth Gipps and the Portia Wind Ensemble is gaining momentum in national and international presentations and performances. In March of 2021, she was a guest panelist for Ruth Gipps: a Centennial Symposium, a presentation hosted by Kingston University in London.
Braddock completed her doctoral studies at the University of Colorado Boulder where she conducted and assisted in all aspects of the band program. She was featured as a guest conductor with the CU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. Her innovative use of technology in the assessment of young conductors has positively impacted the conducting curriculum at CU. In June of 2018, she traveled to London, England as a J.D. Ogilvy Travel Fellow through the British and Irish Studies department.
Braddock was formerly a graduate teaching assistant at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and guest conducted the IUP Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band and the Indiana Symphonic Winds. She served as principal clarinet of the IUP Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. She also assisted with the teaching of Instrumental Music Education Methods, Fundamentals of Conducting, Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Conducting Seminar. Prior to her graduate studies at IUP and CU, Braddock was the director of bands for Custer County School District in Westcliffe, Colorado where she was responsible for 5th-12th grade instrumental music. While in Westcliffe, she founded and conducted the Sangre de Cristo Community Band, an ensemble that performs five times a year with tremendous community support and pride.
She also held teaching positions in Cotopaxi’s Unified School District in Cotopaxi, Colorado, and Austin Business and Entrepreneurship Academy in Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Concordia University of Chicago. Her primary conducting mentors include, Dr. Donald J. McKinney, Dr. Timothy Paul, Dr. Jack Stamp, Dr. Richard Fischer, and Dr. Maurice Boyer.
