Jennifer Gish - Director of Bands
Bachelor of Science in Music Education - Missouri State University Mrs. Gish is in her 23rd year of teaching and her 22nd year at Grapevine Middle. Her duties include directing the Honors Band, assisting the Symphonic Band, and teaching the Beginner Brass and Woodwind classes. Her professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators’ Association and Texas Bandmasters’ Association.
Mrs. Gish's philosophy is based upon four simple ideals; that all members of the band share equally in their responsibilities; all members make a solid commitment through all practices and performances; we all take pride in the process that has allowed us to achieve our goals; and that all members become life-long learners, promoters of music, and positive contributors to society. Band instills commitment to excellence, responsibility, musical expression, leadership, self-discipline, confidence and pride. It helps students to become well-rounded individuals as well as engaging students to learn how to work toward a common goal as a team. It is important that her students develop a long-term commitment to music through participation, promotion, and involvement within the school and community. Mrs. Gish resides in Grapevine with her husband, Greg, and four children, Sarah, 17, Cooper, 15, Colin, 14, and Madison, 6 years. She enjoys spending as much time with her family, reading, gardening, bicycling, playing tennis or pickleball and watching her kids participate in their activities. She is also a St. Louis Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears fan! |
Rick Drewry - Director of Percussion
Bachelor of Science in Music Education - University of Tennessee at Martin Masters in Music Performance - University of Texas at Austin Rick Drewry joined the Grapevine Mustang Band Family from Spring, TX where he served as Percussion Director and Assistant Band Director at Conroe ISD's newest high school Grand Oaks. He is the primary front ensemble technician for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and a front ensemble instructor for Monarch Independent indoor percussion ensemble. Mr. Drewry is originally from Nashville, TN and received a bachelor's in music education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. While attending his undergrad, Mr. Drewry had the privilege of performing three seasons with The Cavaliers (2012-2014) and one season with Music City Mystique (2014). Mr. Drewry also holds a masters in performance from the University of Texas at Austin where he studied with marimba virtuoso Dr. Thomas Burritt and Prof. Tony Edwards, Principal Timpanist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Before coming to Grapevine, Mr. Drewry was lucky enough to work with and learn from a few very successful high school programs, such as The Woodlands High School, Cy-Fair High School Indoor Drumline, and Lake Travis High School. Mr. Drewry is BEYOND excited for this year! Mr. Drewry and Pikachu (his chinchilla), and Hei Hei, Cleo (his birds) are excited for his 5th year in GCISD! |