Kevin Geeter, a senior Music Education major from, Newnan, GA, gave the first official performance in the new Mason Hall Recital Hall on August 15, 2020.
Why did you decide to attend JSU?
When I was a freshman in high school, I saw the Southerners perform in exhibition at the Bands of America contest that JSU hosts. Right from that moment, I just KNEW I had to be a part of that band and that front ensemble. I took a tour at JSU a couple years later and fell in love with the campus. I knew it was Home immediately.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose music education because of the music teachers who made a significant impact on my life. Without music or band, I have no idea what my life would be like, and I owe so much of that to my teachers. I want to have that same impact on students in their lives.
Favorite thing to eat?
Yamato!
Favorite music/musician?
Any kind of music appeals to me, but I am a big fan of classic rock especially!
Do you have any hobbies?
I am a MASSIVE soccer fan. I also enjoy playing the steel drums and arranging songs for various front ensembles and JSU’s Cockpit!
Do you belong to any student organizations?
I marched in the Cockpit in The Marching Southerners for five seasons. I also participated in the Inferno Steel Band on campus and continue to be heavily involved in the Wesley Foundation.
What is the coolest thing about the Music Department?
The sense of community among the whole department. When we had Mason Hall, there was always a strong sense of community. That sense of community still existed even when we were displaced among six buildings around Jacksonville. When we moved back into Mason and were preparing the Recital Hall to be ready before my recital, I saw it all come back even stronger. I absolutely love the camaraderie within JSU Music.
Recent Accomplishments?
My recital, which was streamed. Performing a recital in the time of COVID was an adventure. I was initially supposed to have my recital in March at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, five days after JSU went remote for the rest of the semester. Because there would be no audience present, I decided to postpone it, knowing that it would more-than-likely happen while preparing to do an internship. Once I got back to start my internship, I was able to schedule it in Mason Hall with an invite-only limited audience of 50 people maximum. The logistical preparation was daunting (clearing the stage, marking off seats, establishing health and safety protocols for the event, preparing the lighting and livestreams, etc.), but so worth it. Even in these uncertain times, I am extremely proud to have been able to pull this off without any hiccups and am very happy to have had a live audience for the event. The five-month wait was very worth it in the end considering it meant that I got to host the first official function of the new Recital Hall and the first event in Mason Hall since Spring 2018!
Where can we see your performance?
The recital had two streams, one through the David L. Walters Department of Music Facebook page and one through Mark du Pont’s Facebook page. In addition, there were around 40 people in the Recital Hall to watch in person. Overall, I have about 1400 views! The performance can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3100128410223336&extid=aMNt8sjREmk5PZGb
What are your post-graduation plans: Teaching music! I am not completely sure whether it will be at the elementary, middle, or high school level, but I plan on becoming a teacher soon after graduating in December.
Advice to student new to JSU: Get involved in something on campus! You will find your people in some organization, even if it’s one you never thought you would be a part of. It makes the social aspect of college so much better. I would absolutely recommend getting involved as soon as you can.
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