Benjamin C Winn
Benjamin C Winn
Head Choral Director
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Benjamin C. Winn is a proud native of Springdale, Arkansas, and a third-generation graduate of Springdale High School, Class of 2009. He is in his twelfth year of teaching and his fourth year at Lakeside Junior High School. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) with honors in Musicology from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville and a Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.) with distinction from Eastern Washington University.
An accomplished clinician, guest lecturer, and professional vocalist, Mr. Winn was named the 2021 ArkCDA Region 6 Senior High Director of the Year and a semi-finalist for both the ArkCDA Distinguished Director of the Year and the 2025 Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year. He was also selected as a Carnegie Hall Artist-in-Residence for the 2026 season.
His choirs have consistently earned superior ratings at Arkansas Choral Performance Assessments and other adjudicated ensemble competitions, demonstrating musical excellence and artistry. His students also achieve regular placement in the Arkansas All-Region and All-State Choirs, as well as the ACDA Southwestern Division Honor Choirs. Notable performance credits include concerts with Grammy and Emmy-nominated artist John Two-Hawks, the 2017 premiere of the official choral setting of “Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me,” and featured ensemble appearances at Carnegie Hall.
In 2017, Mr. Winn co-founded The Celebration Choir of Carroll County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, alongside longtime friend and collaborator Sharon Keck Parker. Together, they launched an annual community concert series to raise funds for critical-need organizations across Northwest Arkansas. In addition to its philanthropic mission, the choir developed strong ties with area public school choral programs, serving as a vibrant community outreach initiative that promotes collaboration, mentorship, and support for music education throughout the region.
He has held leadership roles with the Carroll County Music Group and remains active in organizations such as ACDA, ArkCDA, ArkMEA, NAfME, NATS, and NFMC.
He is sustained by the everyday kindness of those who anchor him beyond the spotlight—including one very loyal dog, Harper—and holds special appreciation for the mentors who shaped his path: Miss Cara Parnell Sedberry, Mrs. Millie Peters, Miss Rhonda Hawley, Dr. Stephen Caldwell, the late Geneva Powers (d. 2015), and the late Dr. Eddie Wade Jones (d. 2014).
Melinda Williams
Melinda Williams
Assitant Director
Melinda Williams is a passionate music educator originally from Carthage, Missouri, and a proud graduate of Carthage High School (Class of 2006). Her love for music began early, with active involvement in both choir and band throughout junior high and high school, where she sang and played clarinet. Alongside her musical pursuits, she also achieved a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and holds additional experience in Krav Maga.
In 2011, Ms. Williams earned her Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. During her time at the U of A, she was actively involved in a wide range of ensembles, including the Razorback Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Hogwild Band, Clarinet Choir, Concert Choir, and the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota.
Ms. Williams began her teaching career in Fall 2013 as a middle school band director in the Blytheville School District, where she served as head director for the 7th and 8th grade bands and co-taught beginning band. In Fall 2015, she joined the Huntsville School District as assistant band director and choir director, eventually directing choir exclusively. She held this position for ten years. Under her leadership, the choral program experienced exceptional growth—tripling in size and producing the district’s first Arkansas All-State Choir members in nearly two decades.
She is thrilled to now serve as the Assistant Choir Director at Lakeside Junior High School, bringing her passion, experience, and deep commitment to student growth into a new chapter.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Williams enjoys cheering on the Razorbacks, spending time with friends and family, and doting on her five beloved pets—Grace, Angel, Clyde, Vixey, and June.
Sharon Keck Parker
Sharon Keck Parker
Lakeside Adjunct Instructor
Sharon Parker, a native of Eureka Springs, began her musical training with piano lessons and later pursued voice studies at Hendrix College in Conway, AR. She then received a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with an emphasis in Vocal Performance and Theater.
Sharon's influence in the local music community is profound. She is a founding member of the Ozarks Chorale of Eureka Springs and the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Celebration Choir of Carroll County. Her current roles include serving as the Director of Music Ministries for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Churches and as the President of Carroll County Music Group, a non-profit organization that supports music education in NW Arkansas schools.
As an educator, Ms. Parker serves two NW Arkansas school districts, most frequently at Lakeside Junior High, as an adjunct instructor in choral studies and conducts clinics to perfect choral singing techniques, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
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