About

Board of Directors

Founder, President and Treasurer Jannie Spain Vice President Jim Mirel Vice President Paul Klinger Vice President of Publicity G Andy Miller Secretary Joanna Goodman

Michael J. Owen (1969 - 2012)

Michael J. Owen

Michael J. Owen was a close family friend of MJOMEF founder Jannie Spain.  His sudden death in 2012 at age 43, and his passion for music inspired Jannie to start MJOMEF.  Michael’s family has provided major financial support to the organization. Michael was a gifted instrumentalist (cello and guitar) and talented vocalist.  MJOMEF was founded both to honor Michael and his quiet, but deep passion for music and to help foster greater interest in instrumental music among under-served students in Seattle elementary schools. Michael opted to live a rather simple life with music at the center of it.  Although he certainly was fun-loving, Michael was also a serious student and performer of diverse musical forms.   After graduating from Seattle Roosevelt High School, Michael (Mo to his friends) studied voice at North Seattle Community College.  He was both a soloist in a church choir and lead singer guitarist in a local heavy metal band. The goal of MJOMEF began to help ensure that children beginning in elementary schools with a higher percentage of low-income families, have a rich opportunity for music-making so, like Michael, they can enjoy music throughout their lives. Beginning in September 2020 we have had the opportunity to expand our focus and support teaching in the music program at Franklin High School with a similar student body economic profile.

Michael J. Owen