Bill Jones

Co-Founder & Executive Director

After careers in law, construction, and sales, Bill is now committed to helping all children read through singing. He oversees all projects and financial accounting. He holds a law degree and BA in economics and theology from Hamline University. The Executive Director reports to the Rock 'n' Read Board.
Contact: Bill@rnrproject.org

Ann C. Kay

Co-Founder & Education Coordinator 

Ann teaches workshops for early childhood educators, and created Rock ‘n’ Read’s A Song a Day: Brain Prep for Pre-Readers curriculum. Formerly, she was a preK-7 classroom music teacher, choir director, instructor of music teachers and classroom teachers, and associate director of graduate music education at the University of St. Thomas. Ann has presented workshops and courses nationwide, and co-authored a chapter in the Oxford Handbook of Assessment Policy and Practice in Music Education. She holds an MA in Liberal Studies from Hamline University and a BA in Music Education from Lawrence University.
Contact: Ann@rnrproject.org

Julie Moore Rapacki

Julie is a Consultant/Employee at Strategic Change Management and Management Consultant, Sr. at the State of Minnesota. A  lifetime resident of the Twin Cities, and board member since 2016, Julie is passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that everyone in our community reaches their full potential. She is a graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, MN.

Kari Werdahl

Retired after 37 years teaching elementary music (33 years in Waconia), Kari is a music substitute teacher, performs with the treble choir See Change, and is an accompanist for the Minnetonka Children’s Choir program. She holds a master’s degree in music education with Kodály concentration from the University St. Thomas, and a Bachelor’s in music education from St. Olaf. Kari was chosen as 2016 Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Music Educators Association and 2018 Choral Director of the Year by the American Choral Directors Association in Minnesota.

David Davis - Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2026-’27

David Davis is a LETRS-trained (reading course) music educator who employs research-based approaches to create inclusive learning experiences. His self-designed curriculum incorporates student voice and choice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and holistic music literacy. David received the 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator’s Award and the 2023 Yamaha “40 Under 40” award. He has taught band, orchestra, and general music in elementary, middle, and high schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Virginia.