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 individuals feel seen and supported, they take creative risks to grow together in a shared culture 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, student rock band, New Orleans style brass band and a polka group. These ensembles meet students where their musical interests are, offering relevant, authentic experiences that extend beyond the traditional concert band setting. By centering student voice and embracing a wide range of musical styles, Stashek fosters deeper engagement, creativity and a lasting connection to music.

Prairie Street Jazz, the community jazz ensemble founded and directed by Stashek, unites Lake City students, alumni and local musicians to perform classic and contemporary jazz in a collaborative, high-energy setting. “These experiences have lasting impact, which motivated me to create opportunities that connect current students with the wider musical community,” Stashek says.

Another creative outlet for students at Lincoln is an emerging rock band that features keytar and horn line, providing a fresh way to engage with modern styles while building ensemble awareness, creativity and confidence. “Together, the jazz and rock ensembles 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.

From an early age, Stashek’s musical identity was shaped by community-based music-making. Growing up in small-town Central Wisconsin, he began performing with a local polka band, the Mill Creek Ramblers, while a young teenager. That experience, making music meant to bring people together, continues to inform his approach to music education. Through creative ensembles exploring a variety of musical styles, Stashek invites students to experience music rooted in joy, connection and shared tradition, reinforcing the idea that music can be both meaningful and accessible far beyond the concert hall.

One of Stashek’s signature initiatives is the annual Lake City Junior Band Festival, which brings together mid-level concert bands from neighboring school districts for a day of performance, learning and inspiration. “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 students, providing inspiration, mentorship and a window into professional musicianship. One of the most memorable guest artists was Derek Brown, a renowned BEATBoX saxophonist, known for his innovative use of extended techniques and percussive sounds to replicate the style of beatboxing on his instrument. “His energy, creativity and groundbreaking approach challenged students to think differently about rhythm, improvisation and musical expression,” Stashek says.

Brown and bands like Lucky Chops and Too Many Zooz, have been an inspiration to Stashek and was 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. Performing in professional groups such as Loud Mouth Brass and Snacklebox, as well as in pit orchestras and studio sessions, 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.”