Jelani Watkins
BASS
Jelani Watkins is the Division Head of Hawken Middle School. He is an experienced music educator, formerly serving as the Department Chair for Performing Arts for Grades Preschool through 12 at Hawken School, the Director of Middle School Choral Activities at Hawken and Haynes Bridge Middle School, Interim Director of The Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Choruses, and the Founding Board President for the Creative Spaces Cultural Arts non-profit arts organization.
Jelani received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Morehouse College under the direction of Dr. David Morrow, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Georgia State University under the direction of Dr. Deanna Joseph, and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Music Education at Cleveland State under the direction of Dr. Heather Russell. He has performed as a music conductor, bass vocalist, and piano accompanist internationally with the Cleveland Chamber Choir, Georgia State University Singers, and the Morehouse College Glee Club.
When Jelani is not working as an administrator or performing on stage, he enjoys spending time with his wife Taylor and newborn daughter Nora. In partnership with several organizations including the Lake Erie Swimming Board of Directors, Jelani remains dedicated to furthering his educational capabilities, combining skills in athletic training, administration, and music performance to structure an innovative style of teaching and learning in Ohio.
