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In the Spotlight for March is Gary Reeves. 

    Gary, a trombonist with the Jackson Area Community Concert Band, has been an active and dedicated member for seven years, serving on the executive board for the last six years.  Gary currently serves as President of JACB, Inc.

    Born and raised in Jackson, Gary began playing trombone in the 7th-grade at Tigrett Jr. High, under the direction of David Ryan.  He also studied privately with Dick Brown.  He graduated from Jackson Central-Merry High School, where he was a member of the marching, concert and stage bands.  He graduated from Lambuth University in 1989, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  While at Lambuth, Gary was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and performed in the concert and jazz bands.

    Gary has had a love of music from as far back as he can remember.  As a child, he used to sing along with the radio.  His older brother and sister, Scott and Ginny, were band members in jr. high and high schools.  He remembers spectating their numerous parades, marching contests, and concerts, and he wanted to follow in their footsteps.       

    A member of WTSBOA and MENC, Gary is certified in Instrumental Music for grades K-12.  He has taught music for 14 years in the Tennessee public school system, serving as a music education teacher or as a band director.  He taught General Music and Band at Haywood Jr. High (Haywood County, TN).  He also has served as interim band director for Northeast Middle School (Jackson); as an Elementary Music Education (K-5) teacher in the Gibson County Special School District; K-8 Elementary Music in Medina, Rutherford, and Yorkville schools; and as K-8  Elementary Music teacher and Jr. High Band Director for Medina Elementary and Middle Schools.  Currently, Gary teaches General Music and band at Milan Middle and High Schools and is assistant to the Milan High School band.

    Gary believes that music is important in education.  "I was an average student in school and the arts were the only subject that I was strong in."  Without music, Gary thinks he may not have continued his education after high school.  He thinks that some students do better in music, and  that the success in music may spill over into other subjects.  "I've seen special education students come into music classes and do so well that they begin to build confidence.  Within a year or two, they test out of special education classes."  Gary isn't sure that music classes were the catalyst for that success, but thinks that it didn't hurt their chances to grow as students.  "Music gives a student a chance to express himself in a positive way; to build self confidence, travel, and make friends throughout the area in which they live."

    Besides performing with the community band, Gary also performs with the Lambuth Brass Ensemble; and has subbed in the Lambuth University Concert Band, due to a lack of trombone students.  He has performed solo guitar in local clubs; as well as in the duo, Rathbone, a two-man accoustic guitar gig.  He has taught private lessons for several years, recently ending a three-year studio at PM Music in Jackson.

    Gary enjoys playing guitar; singing; and riding both mountain and road bikes.  He lives in Jackson with his dog, Kate, who weighs over 100 lbs.  Since he’s not busy enough, and since Kate needs a mom, Gary plans to wed Lori Nelson, also a member of the community concert band, in May.

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