Pinckneyville board names new director of bands, Reed Recker
At the PCHS board meeting Monday night the board unanimously voted Reed Recker to replace retiring music director legend Steve Cannedy 6-0.
Mr. Recker is Venedy, IL native and a recent graduate of SIUC. He has worked closely with the Pinckneyville music program since the Spring of 2015 where he was a Student Observer. He was also recently linked to the Du Quoin Middle School program as a Brass Instructor in the Summer of 2015.
The position was coveted throughout the state of Illinois and had applicants from as far reaching as Germany but ultimately it was determined that Recker was the choice.
"The interview process was designed to help us find the best "FIT" for the program as it stands today and for the future," said Supt. Keith Hagene when asked what made Recker stand out. He later added, "Reed separated himself from the pack with his energy, passion, enthusiasm for the position and above all, his complete understanding of the community impact associated with the strong tradition of the Music Education programming offered at PCHS."
When reached for comment Mr. Recker stated, "I am excited to have the opportunity and looking forward to working with the Pinckneyville faculty, administration, and students. The Pinckneyville Music Program is well respected, and I am honored to become a part of it. I am eager to continue the rich tradition of music in the community."
The Pinckneyville Community High School Board of Education has only picked one Director of Bands in 33 years and Steve Cannedy did not want to be part of the process in finding his successor.
Little did Steve Cannedy know when he enrolled at Eastern Illinois University in 1977, undecided on courses or a career, that he would become one of Illinois' most respected music educators. His legacy: instilling in thousands of his students what "the best" in musicianship looks like.
It began with his band director father and mastering the trumpet starting at age 10.
Cannedy retires on June 13 of this year, one day after returning from the band's trip to Disney World.
Like Panther basketball, Cannedy galvanized a community in such a way that it was once said when a child was born the parents had to list on the birth certificate whether the baby was going to play the clarinet or the snare drum.
Steve signed on with the Pinckneyville school system in 1983, and in some years participation was unimagineable--160 students in "band." On Monday night, a new chapter began.