Who We Are/What we do

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Micah Bradford

Founder & Artistic Director, MiMa, Inc. (Marching in Musical Advocacy)

Micah Bradford is an educator, musician, mentor, and nonprofit founder whose career has been shaped by the transformative power of music mentorship.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Bradford began his musical journey under the guidance of influential band directors including Mr. John Lowery, Mr. Charles A. Cooper, Jr., and Dr. Thomas E. Lyle. Their investment in his development extended far beyond music instruction. Through encouragement, discipline, leadership opportunities, and personal example, they helped create pathways that ultimately changed the trajectory of his life.

While attending college, Bradford initially pursued studies in Chemical Engineering before changing his major to Chemistry. However, his continued involvement in music and mentorship experiences led him to recognize his true calling. During this period, he performed with the Montgomery Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Thomas E. Lyle, becoming the youngest member of the ensemble composed primarily of seasoned musicians and educators, including Mr. Lowery and Mr. Cooper. Performing alongside mentors who had guided him as a student provided a unique perspective on the lasting impact of music education and community leadership.

It was during this time that Bradford made the decision to pursue Music Education as a profession. The influence of his band directors demonstrated that music educators do far more than teach notes and rhythms—they help students develop confidence, purpose, discipline, and a vision for their future.

Bradford often reflects on a conversation with his grandfather, Rev. Harrison L. Price, Sr., who told him while they sat on the porch together, "Boy, that schooling saved you." Those words deepened his understanding that education and mentorship can change the course of a person's life.

Since 2003, Bradford has served students as a music educator and band director in Alabama and Florida. Over more than two decades in education, he has taught at both elementary and secondary levels while maintaining an active performance career, including a nationwide tour as trumpeter with Ruben Studdard's 2004 Soulful Tour.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Stillman College, graduate studies in Educational Leadership at Capella University, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at University of Phoenix, where his work focuses on educational leadership, organizational effectiveness, community engagement, and student success.

Today, Bradford serves as Founder and Artistic Director of MiMa, Inc. (Marching in Musical Advocacy), a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth leadership development, mentorship, arts advocacy, and culturally responsive music education. Through MiMa's Youth Leadership & Mentorship Initiative and other programs, he seeks to ensure that young people receive the same kind of life-changing mentorship that helped shape his own journey.

Bradford's philosophy is simple: mentorship changes lives. He believes that when adults intentionally invest in young people, music becomes more than an art form—it becomes a pathway to opportunity, purpose, leadership, and lifelong success.

The mission of MiMa reflects the lessons he learned from the mentors who invested in him decades ago: every young person deserves someone who believes in them before they fully believe in themselves.

Youth Leadership & Music Mentorship Program

A year-round music mentorship program that fosters musicianship, discipline, confidence, teamwork, and leadership among students throughout the community.

Marching into Juneteenth–Marching into Freedom™

A signature cultural initiative that utilizes marching band performance as a form of living history, connecting movement, memory, and freedom through artistic expression.

MiMa Direct Relief Initiative

A direct assistance effort designed to help vulnerable seniors and community members access essential medications and emergency support through structured, accountable relief.