All Shore Band Directors' Association Votes FTHS Instructor as 2013 "Band Director of the Year"

Director of Instrumental Music, Edward Gattsek recently brought the title of 2013 All Shore Band Directors' Association "Band Director of the Year," home to the Freehold Regional High School District on behalf of the Freehold Township High School(FTHS).

Each year, the All Shore Band Directors' Association assesses qualifying candidates from both Monmouth and Ocean counties who have at least six years of experience or more in high school music education. Candidates who exemplify exceptional service to the organization as well as in the profession of music education are highly considered. “I have hosted several events, conducted rehearsals for the organization’s bands as well as served as a guest conductor and band manager. I have also participated in numerous committees and even served as chairperson of a few,” shared Gattsek when asked why he felt he was chosen as the 2013 honoree.

The All Shore Band Directors' Association sponsors several events for student members annually, including the Marching Band Festival, Honors Jazz Ensembles and a Symphonic Band performance of well over 100 students. According to Gattsek, from 2006 until 2012, the undeniably talented students of FTHS contributed the most successful auditions in the conference to the All Shore Symphonic Band. “On first thought that may not sound like a lot, but contributing over 10% of an honors band for six years in a row is impressive,” he exclaimed.

About Mr. Gattsek

Mr. Edward Gattsek serves at the Freehold Township High School, where for well over a decade, he’s been directing the FTHS Symphonic Band, FTHS Marching Band, FTHS Pit Orchestra, FTHS Jazz Band and FTHS Wind Ensemble. Mr. Gattsek also teaches music to students with special needs. Last year, he was privileged to direct the All Shore Symphonic Band. In 2011, he directed the CJMEA/Region II Intermediate Band and 2009 he served as the NJ All Shore Intermediate Band's guest conductor. In 2008, Gattsek became a recipient of the NJ Governor’s Excellence in Education Award and FTHS Teacher of the Year. He has also authored published articles on both band recruitment and the use of technology in music classrooms. A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Gattsek is a summa cum laude graduate of both The College of New Jersey (Trenton State College) and Columbia University, where he received B.M. and M.A. degrees while pursuing his passion in music education. Gattsek is also an active guest conductor and adjudicator as well as freelance trumpet player and music arranger.

(Photo Caption:  Frank Galipo-Greater Media Newspapers)