In February, the Ste. Genevieve Middle School second- and third-year band students had the opportunity to attend the MAC Kicks Jazz Band Concert and Educational Clinic at Mineral Area College. This event was sponsored by the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy in an effort to encourage and inspire instrumental music students to explore jazz. Nearly 300 students were in attendance from surrounding area schools.
The students then had the opportunity to perform on MAC’s stage for the SGMS After School Jazz Band on Saturday, March 11, at the 36th Annual MAC Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy. Approximately 18 students showed up at 6 a.m., in the middle of a four-day weekend, to travel to MAC and perform and then participate in a clinic with professional jazz musicians and educators. Leading up to this event, the students showed up once a week for an hour-long rehearsal after school since mid-September.
Our school is incredibly proud of these students’ dedication and diligence in balancing their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The students who performed include: Destin Conner, Camden Strupp, Elcie Schweigert, Garrett Gallup, Brody Henson, Dylan Cash, Grace Hermann, Aaliyah Rosenzweig, Parker Warren, Kyler Gugel, Henry Hadel, Malachy Cavanaugh, Grant Wolk, Kaylin Hunsley, Johnathan Hacker, Charlotte Mooney, Kierstyn Reeves, and Riyley Dutton.
The SGMS After School Jazz Band is directed by Mrs. Lindsey Elders and Mr. Joe Hull.
If you or a family member are interested in music lessons, instrumental music ensembles, choir, or theater classes and performance opportunities, check out the expansive course offerings at the MAFAA website at https://www.mineralareafineartsacademy.com/.