New faculty member Brian Reeves has made a seamless transition in the Vocal Music Program, building on the strong tradition established by esteemed predecessors Joseph Koestner and Addie Akin. His passion for singing, coupled with his breadth of experience, provides Jr. Bills the guidance and direction to maximize their choral talent and impress audiences.

Meet the dynamic, spirited — and ever-melodious — Brian Reeves in the following Q&A.

What did you study in college and how did that affect your career choice?

For me there was only music. My father was a musician/comedian. My mother played and sang. At the age of 13 my sister was singing professionally six nights per week. After holiday meals my whole family would play bluegrass music. Unless you wanted to be bored you learned how to play an instrument and join in. I loved playing, singing, composing, and absorbing new pieces, new styles. In college, I started off studying to be a composer but switched to education and never looked back.

Prior to arriving at SLUH, you had an illustrious career in the Parkway School District. How was that experience?

I have been lucky to work for and with great people in quality schools. We had a lot of success at Parkway North through contests and recognition but what I loved most was the kids and the diversity. We saw it socioeconomically, religiously, culturally, racially and ethnically. The kids loved to sing. They loved to travel. I had supportive administration who encouraged us to sing and to travel so we had a blast.

What have you enjoyed most about joining the SLUH community?

Everything. The boys are thoughtful and enthusiastic. They respond quickly to instruction and they are very kind. They don’t just talk about being Men for Others — they live it. The staff and administration have been welcoming and supportive at every turn. Before working here, I had heard the hype that SLUH was a special place. After a semester in the building, I can confidently say: believe the hype.

Can you share a favorite teaching moment at SLUH thus far?

On the night the boys first sang The Star-Spangled Banner for a basketball game, we were rehearsing and it did not sound great. I mentioned a few things I thought would help. Typically, an ensemble does not improve much if at all in the moments before a performance. By that time, habits — good and bad — have settled in. Well, after I told them a few tips, they rehearsed it again and it did sound better. Then they went out on the gym floor and sang it a step above that. It sounded better than the previous run-through and they performed it completely on their own, without a conductor. I love thinking about that moment.

What are your goals for the SLUH choir program?

Get all 1,000 SLUH boys singing. But since that may take a while, the near-term goals are to build on the foundation laid by Addie Akin and Doc Koestner: to perform as often as possible for the wider school community; create high quality music with boys who care about each other; and double the size of the choirs.

Outside of teaching, what are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy serving the larger music community as conference manager for the Missouri Music Educators Association. I’m also a board member for both the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and the Choral Society of St. Charles County. Outside of music, my wife and I love to travel. I play a lot of golf and also enjoy reading about public policy.

If you could create a billboard for the entire world to see, what would it say, and why? 

“Turn to Channel 76.” There would be way less road rage if more people listened to the Sirius XM Symphony Hall station.