FAQs about the Youth Advisory Council

What is the Rutherford Arts Alliance?

Arts and culture are bringing big money to Rutherford County — $31.2 million in total economic impact in 2017 — according to a study by the nonprofit Americans for the Arts. To keep the arts community growing, volunteers in 2019 launched Rutherford Arts Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on promoting arts, culture and heritage in the community. 

What is the Youth Advisory Council?

It is a group of young creatives, ranging in age from high school sophomores to college seniors, who are passionate and devoted to supporting and extending arts in Rutherford County and its cities. The council advises the main board of the Arts Alliance, providing ideas for its consideration and giving feedback from a young creative perspective on its ideas and projects. Associate members can join the council throughout the year and will assist with special projects and activities of the full council.


Five high school students currently serve as the council's Steering Committee and will oversee the nomination and appointment of the full membership of the council.

How can I get involved?

We will invite nominees for full council membership between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 of each year and name new members by April 1. But you can volunteer to serve as an associate member at any time. Click on the nominate button below to start the process!

Nominate

About the Council's Steering Committee

Sarah Oppmann, Chair

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Sarah is a senior at Blackman High School's Collegiate Academy in Murfreesboro. She was involved with the Nashville Children's Choir for seven years, as well as Blackman Middle School's Honor Choir. Sarah is active in community and school theatre, performing in more than 20 productions and working backstage in many more. She is president of Blackman's Senior Beta Club, a member of Youth Leadership Rutherford and active in the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

Aubrey Caster

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 Aubrey is a senior at Blackman High School's Collegiate Academy in Murfreesboro, where he serves as president of high school's senior class. He has been involved in theatre productions since the 6th grade and has loved every one of his shows. Aubrey is a member of National Honor Society, U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and Youth Leadership Rutherford.

Jack Jones

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Jack is a sophomore at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro. He is involved in music and arts programs both in and out of his school. Jack is in the Chamber Choir during the school day, while also appearing in many community theater productions. He is a youth representative of the Arts Center of Cannon County's board of directors.

Chase Loughry

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Chase is a junior at Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, where he is involved in the visual arts and directs "The Central Pipeline," the student-produced news program serving both the middle and high school grades. He is also an athlete at Central, active in both track and cross country.

Mira Patel

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Mira is a sophomore at Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro and is mostly independently involved in the arts. She is a cheerleader and a member of Central's Senior Beta Club, where she plans to compete nationally with her art work. Outside of school, Mira has her own interactive art exhibit at the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs and creates art by commission.