Meet Your
2026 State Executive Board
The State Executive Board consists of members elected by the NAfME Collegiate in attendance of the FMEA Conference Collegiate meeting each year.
Chapter Advisor: Dr. Mark Belfast
Email: mbelfast@fsu.edu
Dr. Mark A. Belfast, Jr. is an assistant professor of music education at Florida State University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the FSU Summer Music Camps. Previously, he served as chair of the School of Music and coordinator of music education at Southeastern University. Dr. Belfast earned a PhD in music education from Florida State University, and he holds MEd in music education and BME degrees from Auburn University.
Dr. Belfast’s teaching experience includes undergraduate and graduate music education courses, as well as directing public school instrumental music programs in Alabama and Georgia. His research interests include teacher effectiveness, music teacher education, jazz pedagogy and performance, and music for special populations. Dr. Belfast has presented research and educational clinics in regional, national, and international venues, including the International Society for Music Education (ISME) Special Music Education and Music Therapy Pre-Conference Seminar, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference, NAfME Biennial Northwest Division Conference, Desert Skies Symposium for Research in Music Learning and Teaching, the Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium on Music Teacher Education, and the Florida Music Education Association Professional Development Conference. The results of his research have appeared in a variety of professional publications, including the Proceedings of the 24th International Seminar of the Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy, the Missouri Journal of Research in Music Education, the NBA Journal, The Journal of the Desert Skies Symposium on Research in Music Education, and the Florida Music Director. In addition to his research and teaching, Dr. Belfast serves on the advisory board for the Desert Skies Symposium for Research in Music Learning and Teaching, the editorial board for the Research Perspectives in Music Education journal, he is co-chair of the ISME Special Music Education and Music Therapy commission, the NAfME Collegiate advisor for the state of Florida, and he maintains an active agenda as a speaker, clinician and adjudicator.
Grace is a junior studying Vocal Music Education at Stetson University. Their primary instrument is voice and they have performed with the Stetson University Concert Choir, Opera Theater, Chorale, Choral Union, Hatter Band and percussion ensemble. Currently, Grace serves as the historian in the ASTA chapter at Stetson and is the secretary for Resonati Stetsons’s opera affinity group. While they are unsure of what level they want to teach after graduation they are excited to help students find their passion in music. Grace plans to graduate with their music education undergraduate degree in the spring of 2027.
Emma Brock is a sophomore Music Education major at Florida State University (FSU). She is fluent in the oboe, saxophone, and singing soprano in choir. At FSU, she is a sister of the Beta Alpha chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. She also participates in the Board of Advisors program through FSU’s College of Music. Additionally, she serves as FSU’s NAfME president elect. Emma aspires to teach high school band and theatre, conduct private lessons, perform with the United States Army Band and eventually open a repair shop. She currently performs with FSU's University Concert Band and Levana.
Calliope DeChant is a sophomore at Florida State University (FSU) with a primary instrument in voice. Originally from Atlanta, GA Calliope is well involved with multiple organizations at FSU including NAfME collegiate, Sigma Alpha Iota, Gospel Choir, Levana, and the Board of Advisors. Calliope plans to graduate in the Spring of 2028 with plans of becoming an elementary general music teacher.
Ella Pelligra is a junior at the University of Miami's (UM) Frost School of Music studying Music Education with a primary instrument in classical voice. She is an avid lover of choral music and has sung with Bella Voce, Frost's Premier Treble Ensemble and Jazz Vocal II . Within Frost, she serves as NAfME Chapter President and on Frost Student Council. In the greater UM, she serves as President of the American Sign Language Club and a tour guide with the President's 100. When not practicing, Ella works at Westminster Christian School as the choral adjunct helping students learn parts and develop their individual voices. She plans to graduate in the Spring of 2027 with plans of becoming an elementary general music teacher with the goal of creating a community in the classroom and incorporating sign language into music education. Finally, she hopes to continue singing with a professional level ensemble.
Leonardo Lipson is a sophomore at Florida Atlantic University, where he is an active member of the Marching Owls and the FAU Wind Ensemble as a tuba player. He currently serves as FAU’s NAfME President, advocating for and supporting future music educators at the university. He is a Brother of the Sigma Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, where he serves as chapter Warden. Leonardo plans to pursue a career as a high school or collegiate band director, with the goal of inspiring and shaping the next generation of musicians. He is honored to serve as the new Florida NAfME State Parliamentarian and looks forward to supporting music education across the state.
Christina Beaver is a fourth year student at the University of North Florida. She is double majoring in music education and performance and is also enrolled in the undergraduate conducting certificate program. She plays the saxophone in the UNF Wind Symphony and the Presidential Saxophone Quartet. Christina is the President-Elect of her NAfME collegiate chapter and previously served as UNF’s first Advocacy Chair. She previously attended the State College of Florida in Bradenton, where she earned her associates degree. Her expected graduation date is May of 2027; she will then continue her studies at UNF, pursuing a masters degree in music education.