Laura Gray is a lifelong musician turned music educator, leader, and advocate.  During her 16 years as an urban music educator and teacher leader in Hartford, CT she has fostered a variety of opportunities aimed to instill a love of the arts in daily life.  Recent classes include elementary music, choir, band, marching band, rock band, music technology, guitar, drumline, and music therapy. As an advocate for equity and student voice, Laura has influenced curricular, instructional, and professional practices city-wide. Leveraging partnerships with area artists such as the Goodspeed Opera House, Hartford Performs, and the Wadsworth Atheneum has increased arts access for the 19,000 students who attend the Hartford Public Schools. After piloting the first Hartford program at Naylor School, Laura continues as the Connecticut Coordinator for MAPS by teaching and facilitating partnerships in and around the City of Hartford. Laura studied Music Education and Educational Leadership at Hartwick College (Oneonta, NY) and Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT).