«««•»»»
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Arthur Vint
President
Arthur Vint grew up in Tucson and after living in New York City for 15 years returned home to teach drum set at the University of Arizona School of Music and serves as the Managing Artistic Director of the Century Room at Hotel Congress. He is passionate about education and the the preservation & proliferation of America’s art form, jazz. As the President of SAMI, Arthur leads programming and partnerships in support of their mission.
Dan Coleman
Vice President
A native New Yorker, Dan Coleman has called Tucson home since the early 2000s. A celebrated composer and successful music publisher, Dan was a founding board member of the Tucson Jazz Festival and is currently Composer-In-Residence with the Tucson Symphony. He brings his years of experience in the music industry and knowledge of music business and law to support SAMI’s mission to support arts & music in the Southwest .
Carolyn Pope
Secretary/Treasurer
Carolyn Woodward Pope is a dedicated music lover and philanthropist who has served on the board of Vail Jazz in her native Colorado, as well as Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Beyond her love and support of music, she is a passionate social justice and human rights advocate. When not volunteering and supporting causes she believes in, she travels the world as a United Airlines flight attendant.
«««•»»»
ADVISORY BOARD
Victor Braitberg
Student Outreach
Originally from France and raised in St. Louis, Victor Braitberg has lived in Tucson since 2001. An award-winning educator and scholar, he is currently Professor of Practice in the University of Arizona’s W. A. Franke Honors College. His oldest son graduated from the Tucson Jazz Institute, giving him a deep appreciation of Jazz as an art form. Victor is committed to ensuring the continued vitality of this musical tradition in our community.
Morani Sanders
Education Coordinator
A professional trumpet player and dedicated music educator, Morani Sanders is committed to providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop their musical skills, confidence, and leadership through performance. Morani is the Director of Bands at Tucson High Magnet School, and member of the Century Jazz Orchestra. As Student Coordinator for SAMI, Morani helps to cultivate the next generation of musicians and arts leaders.
Ben Constantinides
Jazz Orchestra Manager
An accomplished performing musician, Ben Constantinides has performed with ensembles including the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra, and since 2023 has served as manager for the Century Jazz Orchestra. Ben is also an experienced music educator, having worked as a clinician, all-state instructor, private instructor, marching band instructor, and substitute teacher.