Grace Sledd proudly serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Kastner Intermediate School and the Director of Jazz for the Clovis West Area in Fresno, California. Now in her fifth year of teaching, she leads a comprehensive program of more than 220 students across Jazz, Band, Orchestra, Percussion, and Color Guard, fostering a high-achieving and inclusive music environment.

Ms. Sledd holds 2 Bachelors of Music in Music Performance and Music Education from the California State University, Long Beach, where she was the top of her class and was awarded the “2021 Outstanding Student of the Year” Her Honors thesis, One Size Does Not Fit All, examined Universal Design for Learning in secondary music settings and synthesized 55 research-based strategies for classroom implementation. She will complete her Master of Music Education through the American Band College in the summer of 2026.

Actively involved in the Central Valley music community, Ms. Sledd has served in multiple leadership roles with the Fresno Madera County Music Educators Association, including Band Manager for the Junior High Honor Jazz Band and Junior High Honor Concert Band. In 2026, she also served as Assistant Band Manager for the CMEA Middle School All-State Band. Additionally, she is a board member for La Sierra Creative Arts Camp, supporting the continued legacy of music educator Paul Shaghoian.