Hello! My name is Mrs. Gross. I have been teaching music in the Spring Grove Area School District for 34 years. In those 34 years, I have taught Elementary Music, Elementary Band, Elementary Strings, SGI Music, SGI Chorus, SGI String Orchestra, SGI Select Strings ( an ensemble I started), SGI Strolling Santas (an ensemble I started), SGI "Don't Fret" ( an ensemble I started), MS Music (where I started the current guitar program), MS String Orchestra, MS Select Strings ( an ensemble I started), SGHS Marching band where I was an instructor for the Blue Crew Marching Band, and SGHS Indoor Guard instructor (where we won 1st place at the State Championships). My school String and Choral Ensembles have performed at many venues and community events. We have performed at the PA State Capitol for MIOSM; have participated in adjudication events like Music in the Parks, where we have won 1st place; performed at Knoebels Amusement park. We have traveled to Washington DC to perform with the United States Air Force ensembles and performed on the Mall in Washington DC. My string students have been able to perform with Mark Wood from the Trans Siberian Orchestra! I started the Pigeon Hills String Invitational Festival in 2018 which is a one-day string festival for local school districts. My students have successfully auditioned and participated in music performance groups and festivals, like York Junior Symphony Orchestra, York Youth Symphony Orchestra, York Honors Choir, York County Elementary Choral Festival ( which I hosted), Boys Noise Choral Festival, Sweet Soundsations Choral Festival, and PMEA String Fest. I have also taught summer string and band lessons in the SGASD every year it was offered in the district. In 2022-2023 I organized the 50th Anniversary of the SGASD String Program concert. This concert included approximately 250 current and alumni string students, 2 alumni string guest artists, a proclamation read by the mayor of Spring Grove and I commissioned a piece written especially for this event. This commission piece was written by world renowned Brian Balmages,is entititled "Golden Grove" and was debuted at this concert which was held at the Spring Grove Area Middle School on Saturday, May 20, 2023. While at SGASD, I was the Assistant Band Director and drill writer/instructor for the Central York High School Marching Band.
I play many instruments as well as sing. I am involved in many performing ensembles. As for my string experience, I have been playing the violin and viola since 3rd grade in the Hanover Public School District. I am currently the Principal Violist and Assistant Conductor for the Hanover Symphony Orchestra. I am a founding member who started the HSO and have been with the HSO for 27 years. I also help with the HSO kids program. I founded the Grosse string quartet that plays for all types of events. I have performed with various quartets, ensembles, pit orchestras, and symphony orchestras. I performed with the Hanover Community Singers Orchestra.
I play band instruments. I have been playing the clarinet since 4th grade, and saxophone since 9th grade in the Hanover Public School District. When I was in 7th grade, I joined the Lyric Band of Hanover. I became the first woman and the youngest member of the Lyric Band to conduct the Lyric Band. I was also their Drum Major when they marched in parades. I perform with the Littlestown Area Municipal Band. I am currently the baritone saxophone player for The Jazzberries Jazz Band. I perform percussion instruments at my church and with the Hanover Community Singers.
I am active in my church, St Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover PA (which has the 9th largest pipe organ in the world), musically, where I sing in the Adult Choir, vocal / instrumental soloist, participate in the handbell choir, and perform any instrument accompaniment that is requested by our Music Director.
I enjoy musical theater. I perform in pit orchestras currently. My senior year in high school, I was Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls". I was awarded "Best Actress" for my role as Hamlet's mother Gertrude in the comedy play "A Danish Soap: The Danes of Our Lives". I have performed various other characters in local theater and was in "Willie Wonka" with AOK. I studied 10 years of dance at the Hildegard Hamme School of Dance in Hanover. I sang Alto singer/soloist in the Eichelberger Chorale.
I participated in sports in middle school and high school in the Hanover School District. I played basketball for 6 years where my position was forward. I was instrumental in starting and playing in the first girls softball team at Hanover High school, where I was the catcher. I participated in track where I ran sprints and relays.
I am a graduate of Hanover High School. I had the honor of being Drum Major for 2 years of Hanover High School's Marching Band, where in my senior year we beat 17 other bands to take first place at the State Championships. I am a graduate of West Chester University where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. I was also Drum Major for 2 years of the Incomparable West Chester University Marching Band. Being a part of these two marching bands also gave me the opportunity to march in two Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parades. I have worked with and written drills for many area marching bands, indoor guards, and was an instructor with the George Parks Drum Major Academy for 7 years.
I earned my Master's Degree from McDaniel College in Curriculum and Instruction. I earned my ESL Degree from Millersville University/ Wilkes University. I continue to keep current with new musical trends by attending classes and workshops.
Besides music, I enjoy roller skating, knitting, my dog Benny, and being with/performing with my family - where we have produced 4 CD's of Christmas music.
I look forward to working with you this year teaching you how to play the string instrument!
Mrs. Gross🎻
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