Returning to Roots: A Conversation with Justin Heimbecker, Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation’s New Executive Director
Upper Darby welcomes home one of its own as Justin Heimbecker returns to the community where his journey in the arts began. Now stepping into the role of Executive Director of the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation (UDAEF), Heimbecker brings a wealth of experience from a career that has taken him across the country and around the world. In this conversation, we get to know his roots in Upper Darby, his passion for the arts, and his vision for giving back to the place that shaped him.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey in the arts and education sector? What initially drew you to this field?
I will admit, after so many years of traveling around the country, and the world, it’s a bit surreal to be back here in Upper Darby, where it all started for me. As a product of the Upper Darby School District, specifically the arts program, I attribute my entire career path to the incredible opportunities and experiences I had as a young musician right here at home.
I was fortunate to learn from many amazing, dedicated music educators, beginning with Helen Hartigan and Brad Schoener at Highland Park, who instilled in me a love of music that still exists today. The music educators at Beverly Hills Middle School and Upper Darby High School cultivated a passion that eventually led me to a degree in Music Education.
While I have spent a few years in the music classroom, including one very special year here in the district (Garrettford Elementary), I have found that the nonprofit sector is an excellent fit for me because it sits at the intersection of arts, education, and community impact.
We can support the work being done in schools and at home, and we can create incredibly unique impact with an entrepreneurial approach to partnerships in the for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors.
In the nonprofit arts world, I have been fortunate to experience moments beyond my wildest expectations. From celebrating my students being crowned world champions before 30,000 fans in Indianapolis, to coordinating performances at two Presidential Inaugurations, to securing entertainment deals with NFL and NBA teams in California, the journey has been extraordinary. I've had the honor of meeting jazz legends such as Wynton Marsalis and Pat Metheny, stood on the Great Wall of China during a business trip, and even collaborated with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson on a docuseries.
And it all started right here in Upper Darby! As a student here just over 20 years ago, I could never have predicted any of these experiences, all borne out of a joy of music that was instilled at an early age. When I reflect on the endless, exponential ripple effect of the students I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring, and the positive impact they’re making on hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, it’s truly something special to consider.
What attracted you to the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation, and how do you envision your role here?
I was honored to be serving on the Foundation Board for the past few years, when it became apparent that my professional skills could possibly serve the Foundation in a different capacity, as Executive Director. I appreciate the solid foundation that Harry Dietzler, our previous Executive Director, put in place, and I look forward to building on that legacy.
When I was younger, I was very involved in the competitive aspect of music performance – it was a very high-intensity environment that challenges even the top performers and produces astounding levels of excellence. Over the years, though, I think I’ve grown to appreciate the impact of the arts through the lens of societal impact.
The role that the arts can play as a key ingredient in nurturing a vibrant community – economic development, workforce development, bridging gaps in various pockets of a shared community – is quite unique.
And Upper Darby is such a unique community itself, with a rich history of excellence in the arts, I think there is a special opportunity to carry the torch in the next chapter for this community.
How do you see the Foundation's role in the broader community of Upper Darby?
First, we always need to secure the future of our established, renowned programs – Summer Stage, and the MusicMan Academy. These programs are pillars of the community and, while they will certainly evolve in a changing world, they need to be cared for and curated for the long-term.
Second, I think the Foundation has done an excellent job of continuing to identify opportunities for new, innovative programming that will meet the changing needs of the community. Asking ourselves how we can most effectively connect with all constituents is a necessary and ongoing self-reflection, and I am proud of the conversations that are taking place to move some very big ideas forward.
Ultimately, I see the Foundation continue to evolve as a key partner in cultivating a vibrant, healthy Upper Darby community. There is a wealth of data out there which proves investing in education, specifically in the arts, has far-reaching and sustained benefits in essentially every aspect of a community’s success.
I have found myself saying repeatedly over the years, “You tell me what problem you’re trying to solve, and I’ll tell you how the arts can play a role in the solution.”
What excites you most about the future of Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation, and what should the community expect in the coming years?
A credit to many individuals and organizations before me, the Foundation has successfully transformed itself over the past few years. Not only did new programs like Summer Stage and MusicMan fall under its care, but those at the helm also navigated the Covid pandemic to ensure that we’ve come out the other side, ready for a bright future.
With that said, I believe the Foundation is on the precipice of amplifying its impact on the community. It is an exciting time for the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation!
As Justin Heimbecker settles back into the community that gave him his start, his excitement for Upper Darby’s future, and UDAEF’s role in it, is compelling. With a deep connection to the arts and a strong commitment to the people of Upper Darby, Heimbecker is ready to lead the Foundation into its next chapter, working alongside the community to create even more opportunities for growth, creativity, and impact.