Benjamin C Winn

Head Choral Director

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, his fifth year at Lakeside Junior High School, and his third year as Head Choir Director. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) with honors in Musicology from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.) with distinction from Eastern Washington University.

An award-winning conductor, clinician, guest lecturer, and professional vocalist, Mr. Winn made his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall in May 2026, conducting the original concert Hope for Resolution: The Light We Carry, The Hope We Become, which he co-designed in collaboration with MidAmerica Productions. He was named the 2021 ArkCDA Region 6 Senior High Director of the Year and was a semifinalist for both the ArkCDA Distinguished Director of the Year and the 2025 Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year.

Under his direction, ensembles have consistently earned Superior ratings at the Arkansas Choral Performance Assessment and other adjudicated festivals, reflecting a sustained commitment to musical excellence. His students are regularly selected for the Arkansas All-Region and All-State Choirs, as well as the ACDA Southwestern Division Honor Choirs. Additional performance highlights include collaborations with Grammy and Emmy-nominated artist John Two-Hawks and participation in the 2017 premiere of the official choral setting of Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me.

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 established an annual community concert series benefiting critical-need organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas. Beyond its philanthropic mission, the organization fostered meaningful partnerships with area public school choral programs, promoting collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy for music education across the region.

Mr. Winn has served in leadership roles with the Carroll County Music Group and remains active in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Arkansas Choral Directors Association (ArkCDA), Arkansas Music Educators Association (ArkMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC).

Beyond the concert stage, Mr. Winn is sustained by the everyday kindness of those who anchor him—including one exceptionally loyal dog, Harper—and remains deeply grateful for the mentors who shaped his life and career: Cara Parnell Sedberry, Millie Peters, Rhonda Hawley, Dr. Stephen Caldwell, the late Geneva Powers (d. 2015), and the late Dr. Eddie Wade Jones (d. 2014).

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

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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