“Music is a more potent instrument for education than any other.”
MUSIC
PLATO
Music Curriculum
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Classical and contemporary repertoire development with opportunities for solo performances, regional competitions, and collaborative concerts with community musicians.
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Dynamic program combining musical excellence with precision drill, competing at state and regional levels while building school spirit and community pride.
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Comprehensive program covering traditional and contemporary jazz styles, improvisation, ensemble performance, and music theory.
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George Stevens Academy has been the hub of steelband activity in coastal Maine since 1994, when Carl Chase started the first steelband class. Since then, the program has grown: high school students take steelband classes during the day and can also participate in the after school program, Steel Revolution. Youngsters grades 3-8 can join Soul Surfers, a youth program. Adults can take a beginner class through GSA, which will get them ready to join the iconic "pandance" band Flash!, who also practice on campus. This network of bands sends GSA students out on the road, performing in schools, opera houses, festivals, and dances near and far.
Whether it's the big "panorama" stage of New York City, or our local town park for a Monday night dance, this infectious music touches everyone who hears it. GSA's steelband program is one of the most distinguished of its kind, and recognized globally for its caliber, commitment to community, and fun!
The program is directed by Martin Conte, an English teacher and GSA graduate.
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Hands-on training in recording techniques, mixing, mastering, and sound engineering using professional-grade equipment and industry-standard software.
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Creative storytelling through film, including music video production, documentary work, and multimedia projects that combine visual and audio elements.
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Digital music creation, songwriting, and arrangement using modern software platforms and electronic instruments.
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Regular recitals, concerts, and community performances that showcase student growth and provide real-world experience in professional settings.
2024/2025 Music Events
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Two jazz combos (Upright Expression and the Lala Limes) and the GSA jazz band competed in the Maine State Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 15. Read how they did in GSA News HERE.
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Upright Expression played on the Gracie Theater stage and was filmed by NESCOM students on Friday, April 18.
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Upright Expression played at the Maine Maritime Academy graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 3.
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Steel Revolution, our after-school pan group, played at the New England Steelband Festival in Augusta on May 4.
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Steel Revolution partnered with Maine Seacoast Mission to spend a weekend traveling to Maine islands aboard the mission boat, Sunbeam.
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The concert band, jazz ensembles, and steel band band groups performed in the GSA gym on Wednesday, May 21, at 6 P.M.
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The GSA Band will marched in the Blue Hill Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26.
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Upright Expression played at the Deer Isle Jazz Fest on Saturday, July 19.
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The GSA Concert Band, GSA Jazz Band, jazz combos, and Steel Revolution, our after-school pan group, perform a concert for local elementary students as well as a free community concert each December in the GSA gym.
The GSA Marching Band leads the Annual Blue Hill Memorial Parade. (2025)
Steel Revolution, the GSA after-school pan group, performs at Blue Hill Consolidated's Winter Carnival in 2025.
Members of the GSA Marching Band in he 2025 Memorial Day Parade.
Martin Conte, Director of Steel Band Programs, shows future students a steel pan drum.
Eddie Crownover, GSA Honors Jazz Combo member & drummer, stands next to Grammy winner and drummer, Quentin Baxter, after performing at the Deer Isle Jazz Fest. (2025)
The GSA Jazz Honors Combo performs at the 2025 Deer Isle Jazz Festival.
Martin Conte, Director of Steel Pan Programs, inspires a future pan player.
Members of the GSA Jazz Honors Combo pose with performers from the Deer Isle Jazz Festival. (2025)
Steel Revolution, the after-school pan group at GSA, performs for middle school students at the Middle School Open House in 2025.
Chef Lu performs at the 2025 Annual GSA Spring Concert in an authentic costume.
Steel Revolution, the GSA after-school pan group, performs at Stonington Opera House.
Band Director, Phelan Gallagher, directs the GSA Band in the 2025 Spring Concert.
2025 GSA graduates elected Phelan Gallagher, Director of Music Programs, to speak at their graduation. He performed for them following his speech.
Musicians at the 2025 Maine State Jazz Competition with Director, Phelan Gallagher.