A local music educator is gaining regional recognition this week as she participates in a major statewide jazz event celebrating student musicianship and jazz heritage.
North DeSoto Middle School is proudly recognizing one of its own, Ms. Craig, who is serving as a middle school judge and clinician at the 25th Annual Bill Evans Jazz Festival, held April 13–18, 2026, in Hammond, Louisiana.

The festival takes place on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University and honors influential jazz pianist and 1950 SLU alumnus Bill Evans. Events are centered at the Columbia Theatre and include a week of student performances, faculty concerts, educational clinics, and special guest appearances.

This year’s featured guest artist includes jazz musician Michael Wolff, along with a variety of collegiate and professional conductors participating throughout the event.

Ms. Craig is evaluating and providing feedback for 28 middle school and high school jazz ensembles, helping students refine their technique, tone, and overall musicianship. In addition to adjudicating performances, she is also working directly with student musicians on stage during clinics, offering hands-on instruction and professional insight.

Festival organizers say the week-long event blends free daytime educational sessions with ticketed evening performances, creating opportunities for both learning and celebration of jazz music at multiple levels.

School officials in DeSoto Parish say Ms. Craig’s involvement highlights the growing reputation of local educators and the strong music programs within the parish school system, as students and teachers continue to engage with regional and state-level arts opportunities.