From Bedford’s jazz band to Oberlin College, Sunny reflects on the directors who changed her life
Before becoming a triple major at Oberlin College, Sunny was just a girl walking into the Bedford band room—shy, unsure, and ready to be shaped by something greater.
Under the guidance of Mr. Nichols and Ms. Shauf, Sunny found more than music. She found herself. She filled in as a jazz drummer when no one else could, carried heavy drums without complaint, and learned to lead with quiet strength.
She describes Nichols as the “intense” motivator and Shauf as the “nurturing” encourager—two forces that together helped her grow. Today, she’s a musician, academic, and mentor, carrying forward the same values that were poured into her. Her advice for Rae Jones? “Lead with heart, and the rest will follow.”
Article 4 of 7 in a series
