Reptilicus, the Honors Jazz Combo of George Stevens Academy, will perform in our Hutchins Education Center in a FREE show on Friday, June 19 (6 – 7 pm). This audition-based ensemble re-forms each school year and develops a unique set of jazz and contemporary music for a variety of performances including at the Maine State High School Jazz Festival, Maine Maritime Academy, Haystack, Tinder Hearth, and the Deer Isle Jazz Festival.
Seating will be available inside the Hutchins Education Center and attendees are also welcome to bring a lawn chair to listen outside. Admission is free with donations welcome.
This performance is part of our Music at the Museum series.
Members of Reptilicus
Fox Sweimler (10 - Drums), lives in Surry and has been studying drums for eight years with Beau Lisey. He also plays with Maine Academy of Modern Music and has performed in the pit for multiple shows at the Grand.
Herschel Bach (11 - Keys), lives in Surry and studied classical piano with Holly Weinberg for many years, in addition to his keen interest in jazz and synthesis. When he is not hanging out in the music room cooking up new beats and samples, he enjoys baking.
Eddie Crownover (12 - Guitar), born in Fresno, California, loves music and can usually be found playing something. In his time at GSA, he has performed as a drummer, bassist and guitarist and he enjoys playing steel pan as well. Eddie will be attending Husson this Fall as an audio engineering student.
Bailey Townsend (12 - Bass), of Blue Hill has been a member of the GSA honors combo since her sophomore year. Bailey was accepted to Jazz All-State multiple years and has tackled the upright bass. Bailey is also an avid runner and will be attending SUNY as a marine biology student this fall.
Logan Townsend (12 - Trumpet), of Blue Hill, has led the concert band on trumpet for four years, performing the national anthem at numerous school and athletic events, as well as taps for our annual memorial day parade. This year Logan joined the combo on flugel and trumpet. Logan is also involved in local firefighting and emergency responder work in her free time!
Acadia Simmons (11 - Alto Sax), of Castine, loves woodwinds and plays the clarinet and alto saxophone in GSA ensembles. Acadia has auditioned for both Jazz and Classical All-State and is a member of the Honors combo and GSA Jazz Band. Acadia also loves Marine animals and has worked with a number of local organizations on the protection of our marine resources.
Annabelle Kneisel, (11 - Tenor Sax and Flute) of Castine, is a member of the combo and jazz band, as well as the concert band. Annabelle enjoys playing a wide range of music on several instruments and is also an avid runner and birder in her free time!
Phelan Gallagher, GSA alum ('02), has directed the GSA music program since 2021. Phelan grew up in East Blue Hill, before studying Jazz saxophone at Loyola University in New Orleans ('06), and receiving his Masters in Music Education ('10), from Hunter College in New York City. He first performed at the Deer Isle Jazz Fest as a GSA student under the direction of Steve Orlofsky, and he is proud to continue the tradition of fine GSA musicians performing at this world class festival!