About
The purpose of SCMEA Collegiate is to afford future music educators an opportunity for professional orientation and development while still in school and to enable them to gain an understanding of:
- the basic truths and principles that underlie the role of music in human life;
- the philosophy and function of the music education profession;
- the professional interests of members involved in the local and state levels;
- the knowledge and practices of the professional music educator as facilitated through the chapter, collegiate membership, and SCMEA activities.
Collegiate Membership Advisor – Dr. Jonathan Hall, Newberry College
Dr. Jonathan Hall is the Assistant Dean of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Newberry College. He also serves as Chair of the Department of Music and choral director. Dr. Hall teaches courses in Conducting, Music Education methods, and Ear Training. Prior to coming to higher education, Dr. Hall taught choral music in South Carolina public schools for fifteen years and is a National Board Certified Teacher. He holds a B.M.E. and M.M. from Winthrop University and a D.M.A. from the University of South Carolina.
Previously, Dr. Hall served as the President of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association in addition to serving SCMEA as the High School All State Chorus Weekend Coordinator. Dr. Hall received the Deborah Smith Hoffman Mentor Award in 2024 and the SC ACDA Leadership and Service to the Profession award in 2023.
President – Patrick Reindl, University of South Carolina
Patrick Reindl is a rising senior music education major pursuing a performance certificate in saxophone at the University of South Carolina. At USC, Patrick is involved in a wide variety of ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, Left Bank Big Band, Carolina Band, Carolina Sound, Basketball Band, Jazz combo and numerous saxophone chamber groups. This summer, he will be on tour with the Left Bank Big Band in the Summer of 2025, playing lead alto as they perform in the Vienne Jazz festival in France, and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, among numerous other venues.
As a drum major for the Carolina Band, he represented the group in their first ever performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Along with continuing in the role as drum major for the 2025 season, he was the student leader of an auditioned pep band group called Carolina Sound, which performed at various university events and community functions.
Patrick was elected to the SCMEA Collegiate Executive board as President-Elect in 2023, and is currently serving as the president of this organization. In this capacity, he helps select sessions for the annual professional development conference, has helped to boost overall collegiate membership, and has grown overall communication and involvement. Patrick holds membership within NAfME, SCMEA, Pi Kappa Lambda (a national honorary music society), and SLAM, Servant Leadership Association for Music.
President-Elect – Jaden Hart, University of South Carolina
Jaden Hart is a composer, tubist, and tenor based in Columbia, South Carolina. He writes chamber and large works for short films, video games, and diverse ensembles, utilizing music as a means of storytelling. A passionate advocate for music education, Hart is a member of the South Carolina Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association.
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of South Carolina, with a dual emphasis in choral and instrumental education. In addition, he is working towards performance certificates in both tuba and voice. At USC, Hart has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, Opera at USC, and Carolina Band. He is committed to building and supporting the arts and artists.
Member-At-Large – Kailyn Abad, University of South Carolina
Kailyn Abad is from Summerville, SC and is a rising sophomore at the University of South Carolina. She will be serving as the Member-At-Large for the 2025-2026 academic year. She is pursuing a degree in Music Education with a Choral Concentration, as well as a Performance Certificate for Voice. At USC, Kailyn has been a part of the University Chorus and is currently a part of the university’s Concert Choir ensemble and Musical Theatre Workshop. She is also involved with the school’s ACDA chapter and the Cola Alpha Omega campus ministry. Currently, Kailyn is serving as a summer camp counselor at Camp Swamp, where she serves on the summer-long staff and worship team.
Advocacy Chair – Patrick Thomas, Winthrop University
Patrick Thomas is a Music major at Winthrop University, originally from Hartsville, South Carolina. A dedicated tubist, Patrick performs with the Winthrop University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and various brass chamber ensembles. In addition to his performance experience, he teaches private brass lessons and currently serves as a low brass technician for high school marching bands.
After graduation, Patrick plans to pursue a career as a band director. He is a passionate advocate for arts education and remains committed to promoting the value of music and the arts in schools.