February 18, 2021
CMC is delighted to welcome Diana Jones as our Mission District Branch Registrar. She brings creativity, experience, humor, and a passion for arts access to our team. We look forward to all the ways she will help people connect with music-making and reaching their musical goals.
You’ve been with us a short time. How have you been settling in?
My first day was November 23, and it’s going well. Everyone is really kind and willing to jump in. I love that! I really like the vibe at CMC. My role as the Registrar looks different because of the pandemic; there are some of the same elements as would be present for in-person learning, but supporting the fully online experience for teachers and students presents ongoing challenges and creative opportunities. Even though it’s pretty quiet around the Mission Branch, I’ve met some of the Mission faculty in-person, and it’s been lovely. CMC has character— it feels quirky and lively— full of people with robust personalities, who are creative and fun, and who like to give of themselves and to music.
What drew you to CMC and to the Registrar role?
I’m excited to be in this role because I’m an artist and a performer. Also, I like creating structure, organizing information, and helping people connect. I love that CMC’s mission has been about making music accessible to everyone. In all my work accessibility has been at the core of what I care about. I am a brown lady, and I pride myself on building bridges and defying stereotypes, exemplifying much more than the mainstream narrative would say about me. I feel like I have the opportunity to do all those things here and help people make music by being in this role!
What are some of the things you’re most proud of so far in your career?
I’ve really enjoyed working in arts education. I am proud of the time I spent working in development with a nonprofit called Youth Alive. I am proud of the time I spent working in financial wellness. I’m proud of performing on the Globe Stage. I’m proud of finding ongoing opportunities to continue to perform in this day and age.
What are you passionate about in your work?
I am passionate about seeing people light up and do more, achieve more, be part of more than they perceived themselves to be a part of or do. I get really excited when someone doesn’t like their job and then they tap into a project or a piece of their work that makes them light up. I really enjoy bringing disparate groups together in my work. It brings me joy.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m writing a web series and taking voice lessons with Nena Aldaz. I love open water swimming, yoga, and running. During the pandemic, I took my first stand up paddle board class and I’ll probably do that some more. I have a little dog and a man I love…and we are healthy, so I am grateful and pretty content.