Aaron Thacker-Woodruff is an award-winning director, choreographer, and pedagogical leader dedicated to the integration of artistic vision, organizational excellence, and joyful learning. 

Aaron holds an M.F.A. in Performance Pedagogy from Tulane University, completed via a Newcomb Department of Music teaching fellowship. He specializes in leading diverse ensembles toward a cohesive narrative through a process defined by curiosity and joy. 

Currently serving as the Dean of Students & Belonging at Northwest Academy, Aaron oversees institutional culture while leading the middle school choral and musical theatre programs. His recent NWA directorial portfolio includes the 2025 production of Once Upon a Mattress and HONK!(2024), alongside the direction of nine youth choral concerts so far.

Aaron’s administrative and choral experience is extensive. As the former Chair of Musicianship for the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME), he managed seven youth choral programs simultaneously, overseeing curriculum, instruction, and performance logistics. Whether securing corporate support for the National Housing Partnership in New Orleans or guiding international high school choral students to a first-place championship, Aaron’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to community. In every arena, he focuses on empowering groups to reach their own definitions of "highest potential". 

Aaron views conducting as the sacred craft of finding the music between the notes. It is within this thin space—where technical knowledge gives way to the human soul—that true connection is found.