Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Middle School Band performed in the middle school gym on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. The members of both the Dexter Middle School seventh and eighth grade bands were excited to perform as this music brought some songs the parents would know and brought Spring along with them.

The first song, conducted by Mr. Wade was "Y.M.C.A.". As the crowd shuffled in their seats eager to move, but too embarrassed to try YMCA with their hands.   The concert had an enjoyable start which was quite prominent.

Following the "Y.M.C.A.", Mr. Wade directed "Locomotion".   Mr. Jinkerson, the new Middle School band director for next year, was excited to conduct his first piece of pop music. He started off by saying how excited he was to have received the job for next year and to work with all the children with music in the future. He conducted "Takin' Care of Business" as well as the always popular "Smoke on the Water".

He then let Miss Shupbach take the stand. She is a student teacher from Southeast Missouri State University, who much like Mr. Jinkerson has a job ready for her at the end of this year at Bell City taking the place of Mrs. Wade.  She directed "Radioactive", a newer piece in this set. 

Mr. Rybolt took the stand. For the first song, he chose "Low Rider". For the final song explained his love of Bon Jovi music when announcing "You Give Love a Bad Name". 

Several of the 8th grade students were not on hand for the concert as they were attending the annual Science Fair competition on the Southeast Missouri State University campus in Cape Girardeau.

All in all the concert was a blast and the students really enjoyed performing for their parents and friends.  We look forward to listening to their spring concert as well.

Shown in the photo above are the 7th grade concert students.  Below are the 8th grade concert students.