Dr. John R. Gerdy believes in the power and potential of music as an educational and community-building tool as well as a potent instrument to improve individual and public health. He founded and serves as Executive Director of Music For Everyone. Since 2006, MFE has invested more than $2.0 million in school and community music programs and initiatives in Lancaster County, PA. A lifelong musician, he has served as an “artist in residence” teaching the Blues to first through sixth graders, conducted summer music camps and performs in public regularly under the stage name Willie Marble.

Dr. Gerdy’s passions don’t end with music. A 1979 graduate of Davidson College, he received All-American honors in basketball and held the school’s career scoring record for 30 years, until a guy by the name of Steph Curry came along. Davidson retired his jersey in 1979. He later served as Associate Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and as a Legislative Assistant at the NCAA.

Gerdy is a prolific writer on the role and impact of sports, music, and the arts in our schools and society. He’s published dozens of essays as well as five other books, including Ball or Bands: Football vs. Music as an Educational and Community Investment (2014), Sports: The All-American Addiction (2002) and Air Ball: American Education’s Failed Experiment with Elite Athletics (2006).  He also blogs regularly on these and other subjects through his website. John is the father of two children and resides in Lancaster, PA.

Honors and Awards Received:

America’s 100 Most Influential Sports Educators by the Institute of International Sport (2007).

Davidson College’s John W. Kuykendall Alumni Award for Community Service (2014)

Central Penn Business Journal’s Non-Profit Innovation Award for Leadership Excellence (2015)