As a graduate student in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music, Jack Snelling spent the summer working as Production Manager at the Missouri International Composers Festival, a hands-on, fast-paced role that offered real-world experience in concert production and event logistics. Looking back on the festival, Jack said: “Getting to work at the Missouri International Composers Festival was a fantastic experience that would not have been feasible without the assistance of a Special Opportunity Grant. I was able to gain invaluable experience during the week-long festival, including co-producing a concert and coordinating transportation, all while building amazing connections with fantastic composers and performers.”