Meet DCMEA's Board Members
President: Kristopher Ring
Kristopher James Ring (he/him) is a dedicated music educator, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Washington, D.C. During the day, he serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at MacFarland Middle School. He also works with the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) as a Teaching Artist, and as a DCYO Prelude Program Director.
A multi-instrumentalist whose primary instruments are trombone and guitar, Mr. Ring specializes in brass instruction and is passionate about developing strong fundamental techniques, musicality, curiosity, and confidence in young musicians. As a teacher, his guiding philosophy is: “Meet the students where they’re at, give them the tools to succeed, and they will lead the way.”
Treasurer: Chad Harris
Chad Harris (he/him) is an award-winning elementary music teacher, Amazon bestselling author, two-time Teacher of the Year recipient, and recipient of the Standing Ovation Award for Excellence in Teaching. For more than twenty years, he has inspired students through the power of music. He has taught in Florida, Alabama, and South Korea and, for the past 11 years, has shared his passion for music with students at Stanton Elementary School in Southeast Washington, DC.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Johnson University, Florida, and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Harris has served in leadership roles with the DC Public Schools Arts Team and the Office of Teaching and Learning. He previously served as Treasurer of the District of Columbia Music Educators Association (DCMEA) from 2019–2022 and was recently reappointed to the role.
He believes every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of music and hopes his teaching and books will inspire students for a lifetime.
Immediate-Past President: Dr. Joshua Krohn
Joshua Krohn (he/him) is an accomplished music educator with more than 21 years of experience serving Washington, DC Public Schools as an elementary music specialist, secondary band and choral director, clinician, professional developer, and private instructor. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Ph.D. in Music Education from Boston University, and has completed National Board Certification for Early/Middle Childhood Music.
Dr. Krohn has led dozens of professional development sessions at the local and national levels, supported more than 110 DCPS music teachers through district-wide training, and directed a wide range of student ensembles and productions. A nine-time nominee for DC Teacher of the Year, five-time Grammy Music Educator Award nominee, and 2023–2025 Grammy quarterfinalist, he was honored as the 2025 DCPS Music Teacher of the Year. He is also a dedicated advocate for inclusive music education and the proud father of his daughter, Mara.
Meet DCMEA's Chairs
Collegiate Educators Chair: Dr. John Peasant
Dr. John Peasant, Jr. (he/him) is a Teaching Assistant for the Howard University “Showtime” Band program. He is also an Assistant Professor and faculty in Performing Arts (Music) at Bard High School Early College - Washington, D.C. His research areas include using digital games in the music classroom, non-traditional music ensembles in K-12 schools, and social justice within music education pedagogy. Lauded by former students and colleagues as an impactful educator, Dr. Peasant has taught music in grade levels ranging from kindergarten to collegiate settings for over a decade.
Throughout his career, Dr. Peasant resurrected several school music programs in Jacksonville, Florida, wrote grants to finance those programs, presented research nationally, and wrote music curricula and assessments for school districts.
He also performed throughout Northeast Florida as a musician in classical and pop settings. He has played under the baton of Frank Ticheli, Jack Stamp, Richard Saucedo, and other composers. Dr. Peasant has also shared the stage with artists such as Frankie Beverly and Maze, Kem, the Whispers, and many other R&B artists. When not on the clock, Dr. Peasant is active with his church and loves spending time with his wife and daughter.
Secondary General Music Chair: Dr. Robert Roche
Dr. Robert Roche (he/him) is an instrumental music educator who has been teaching for over twenty years. His experience includes growing up in the tradition of band and drumline in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, to teaching band in Northern Virginia. Currently, Dr. Roche teaches instrumental general music to young adults for the District of Columbia Public Schools at Garnet-Patterson STAY Opportunity Academy in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Roche earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Baylor University under the leadership of Dr. Larry Vanlandingham and Professor Michael Haithcock. In 2009, Dr. Roche completed his Master’s in Music Education from the University of Michigan also under the leadership of Professor Haithcock and music education expertise of Dr. Colleen Conway. Most recently, he received his Doctorate in Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, while also receiving a specialization certification in Teacher Education.
Dr. Roche’s primary teachers and mentors have included Dr. Larry Vanlandingham, Professor Michael Haithcock, Morris “Arnie” Lang, and Dr. Kelly Parkes.
He is passionate about successfully guiding students in music to create a lifelong love of music. And, you will find him in his spare time creating beets, sampling sounds, and encouraging everybody to make music every day. He is inspired everyday by his lovely wife, Rachel, and their foodie beagle, Penelope the "Princess".
Tri-M Music Honor Society Chair: Dr. Elizabeth Turner
Dr. Elizabeth Turner (she/her) is a Berklee-trained vocalist (B.M., M.M.) in classical, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary styles, and a SAG-AFTRA performer known for her warm voice, playful presence, and dynamic artistry on stage, screen, and in the studio. She has performed internationally at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, Notre Dame, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and across global tours and major productions such as Disney Live!, cruise lines, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
An accomplished performing arts leader and educator, she is currently Director of Performing Arts at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and is completing an Ed.D. at St. Thomas University. Her recent work includes directing productions such as Mamma Mia, Cinderella, Freaky Friday, Six: Teen Edition, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors, and Fame, as well as serving as choral conductor for NFL and MLB anthem performances. She is also an active voiceover artist and is dedicated to building community through inspiring, culturally engaging arts education.