Recently, all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Ste. Genevieve Middle School Band students traveled to Jefferson R-7 High School to participate in the “Missouri Music Education Symposium!” The band played “Mechanical Monsters” by Randall Standridge and “Little Star” by Rob Grice. The band is conducted by SGMS Band Director Mrs. Lindsey Elders.
After the group’s performance on stage, the students participated in a clinic with guest clinician Mr. Gary Gackstetter. Mr. Gackstatter is an active artist, composer, conductor, clinician, performer and teacher, teaching at St. Louis Community College - Meramec as Coordinator of Music, and conductor of the Symphonic Band and Meramec Orchestra since 2007.
Working with Mr. Gackstetter was motivational and a fun, engaging activity for the students! He discussed the value of continuing to participate in making music, covered a wide range of concepts—including the importance of good posture— and encouraged students to express themselves musically. He told them, “You’re the artist. Paint the canvas.”