As the Collaborative Community Music Artist in Residence, Maria Ellis aims to nurture and expand the musical landscape in the St. Louis region by working directly with local schools, community groups, and artists. Her residency focuses on:

• Inspiring Youth and Educators: Providing mentorship to students and teachers, creating opportunities for artistic development, and fostering leadership through music.
  
• Building Community Connections: Leading collaborative music projects that bring people from diverse backgrounds together through the universal language of music.

• Promoting Artistic Innovation: Encouraging experimental approaches to music-making and interdisciplinary collaboration, while honoring cultural traditions and contemporary artistic practices.

By working within the Des Lee Fine Arts Education Collaborative, Maria seeks to create lasting impact by building sustainable pathways for artistic engagement, education, and community development.