The music program at Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School in Lake City, Minnesota, helps students believe in what’s possible. Director of Bands Eric Stashek says, “I have an instinct for bringing energy and optimism into a space and turning ideas into forward motion. By leading with encouragement, authenticity and care, I work to unite students and colleagues around a shared purpose. When people feel seen and supported, they take creative risks, grow together and create something meaningful. That belief, when shared, becomes momentum that leaves a lasting impact on students and the Lake City community.”
One way Stashek does this is by forming some fun and unique ensembles, including a community jazz ensemble, a rock band and a polka group. The community jazz ensemble, Prairie Street Jazz, brings together Lake City students, alumni and local musicians to perform classic and contemporary jazz in a collaborative, high-energy setting. The ensemble was inspired in part by an alumnus who shared how meaningful their time in the high school band had been. “These experiences have lasting impact, which motivated me to create opportunities that connect current students with the wider musical community,” Stashek says
An emerging ensemble is the rock band that features a full horn line and even a keytar, which gives students a fresh way to engage with modern styles while building ensemble awareness, creativity and confidence. “Together, the jazz and rock groups allow students to collaborate across genres, stretch their musical identities and experience music beyond the traditional classroom, reinforcing the idea that music is a lifelong pursuit.” Stashek explains.
Because of his background in a playing polka band since the 8th grade, Stashek started the polka group at Lincoln. “I grew up in small-town Wisconsin and was blessed to be invited to join a polka group called the Mill Creek Ramblers as a young teen. I was a member of this group until I moved to Minnesota,” he says. ”Bringing that spirit into the Lake City band program allows students to experience a style of music rooted in joy, connection and shared history, while reinforcing that music can be both fun and deeply meaningful beyond the concert hall.”
An annual event that Stashek leads is the Lake City Junior Band Festival that brings together mid-level concert bands from neighboring area schools for a day of performance, learning, inspiration and fun. “My goals for this festival go beyond just making music. The festival reminds us that music is universal — it bridges differences, fosters friendships, and gives students the opportunity to celebrate creativity together,” he says proudly.
Connecting is at the root of everything Stashek does. A hallmark of the Lake City band program is bringing in guest artists who work directly with the students, providing inspiration, mentorship and a window into professional musicianship. One of the most memorable guest artists was Derek Brown, a renowned BEATBoX saxophonist, who can beatbox while playing the saxophone! “His energy, creativity and groundbreaking approach challenged students to think differently about rhythm, improvisation and musical expression,” Stashek says.
Brown has been an inspiration to Stashek and was actually a driving spark for starting his own band, Loud Mouth Brass. Being an active performing musician “makes me a better music educator,” Stashek says. “It gives me firsthand insight into what it takes to create, collaborate and succeed in real musical settings. Through performing in Loud Mouth Brass, Snacklebox and as a pit orchestra and studio musician has strengthened my ability to guide students in ensemble playing, teaching them how to listen, adapt and model professionalism, creativity and the joy of making music.”
