Get to know Jackson:
Jackson Allred is an Atlanta-based conductor and first-time filmmaker committed to creating art that connects, inspires, and transforms. With a background in orchestral music and live performance, his work bridges disciplines to explore bold storytelling, community engagement, and the enduring power of collaboration.
In 2025, while completing his master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting at Georgia State University, Jackson directed Harmony of Freedom, a commemorative documentary marking the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Though conceived as a student project, the film quickly transcended the classroom - uniting institutions across Atlanta and becoming a citywide initiative. Featuring a performance of Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations and interviews with civil rights leaders such as National Center for Civil and Human Rights CEO Jill Savitt and musicologist Dr. Marva Carter, the documentary celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explores the role of music in social change.
A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary work, Jackson partnered with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, WABE Atlanta, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to realize Harmony of Freedom - an ambitious, purpose-driven project that combines historical storytelling, live performance, and civic reflection.
Jackson’s creative leadership extends beyond film. He established a long-term partnership between Georgia State University and the Georgia Aquarium, creating annual paid performance opportunities for student musicians while enriching the Aquarium’s cultural programming. His background as a conductor shapes his approach to directing - emphasizing listening, trust, shared risk, and the collective power of ensemble work.
He is a winner of Georgia State University’s Undergraduate Conducting Competition and has studied at the National Orchestral Institute and the Aspen Conducting Academy. He earned his Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting under the mentorship of Dr. Tamara Dworetz.
When not filming or conducting, Jackson works as a professional maintenance diver at the Georgia Aquarium, caring for marine habitats and learning from the quiet discipline of underwater teamwork. He draws inspiration from nature, music, and the people around him - and remains deeply grateful to his wife, family, and friends whose support makes every project possible.