The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo

The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo

The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo

Band postponed its trip from Ireland to San Diego for spring break due to COVID-19 and a lack of student participation. According to band director Steven Schmitz, although he hoped for the original trip, he is happy about the new plan.

Band plans trip to San Diego

Lily Nugteren February 15, 2022

With the rise in Omicron cases and the drop in student participation, band has decided to make some drastic changes to their spring break plans of going to Ireland. Band director Steven Schmitz said he...

Used with permission from Steve Schmitz

Band teacher works on expanding perspectives

Danny Shope February 19, 2021

To get students to think critically about race, gender and sexuality this year in class, band teacher Steve Schmitz has been setting aside class time every month to talk about underrepresented musicians. “A...

Band students will play a variety of holiday music for senior citizens. Afterward, students will engage in conversation.

Band to play for senior citizens

Henry Brettingen December 11, 2019

As freshman band member Fiona Schaack reflected on why the band performance on Dec. 12 is important, she said more people should have respect for elders. “Respecting your elders matters because it’s...

Band teacher among best in state

Band teacher among best in state

Junior David Klein said even though band teacher Steven Schmitz did not become Teacher of the Year, he is still an accomplished teacher. “Mr. Schmitz is not only an incredible person, but an incredible...

Sophomore Anavey Hosack practices her clarinet. Hosack went on to win the Best of Sight Award, the first time someone from Park has won the award in five years.

Clarinetist wins Best of Site Award

After winning the Best of Site Award for her clarinet solo performance, sophomore Anavey Hosack said she was overjoyed. “I feel really awesome, I was a little nervous about it. Everyone knew before...

Band teacher Steve Schmitz directs a piece for his students while they practice March 10. Schmitz was recently given the distinction as a finalist for Education Minnesotas Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

Band teacher named finalist for teacher of the year award

After being nominated for teacher of the year and becoming one of only nine finalists, band teacher Steven Schmitz said he felt enthused about the nomination, but cared most about what his students think. “It’s...

Junior Dayna Krause and senior Lexi Lee practice their part in the multi-faceted wind ensemble piecex. All members of Park band will perform a concert March 5.

Band hosts 16th annual POPS concert

Playing for his last year, senior Anthony David said he is looking forward to the band’s upcoming POPS concert and feels more prepared than in the past despite not loving the theme. “We get to...

Band teacher Steve Schmitz enjoys time during class conducting his students. Schmitz was nominated for teacher of the year. Results will be announced May 5 at the St. Paul River Center.

Minnesota teacher of the year candidates announced

Ben Sanford February 8, 2019

Teacher of the year nominee and Park band conductor Steven Schmitz said that he created a welcoming “I’ve tried really hard to build the program here and make it a family, and have the groups all...

Freshman Harris Keekley and juniors Shaqued Ben-Harush and Brandon Wetterlin cheer at the Timberwolves game Jan. 11. About 50 students from Park bands performed before the game and then attended the game afterwards.

Band plays at Timberwolves game

Amaia Barajas and Jenna Cook January 22, 2019

As senior Lexi Lee reflects on the band’s performance at a Timberwolves game, she recalled a particular song that she was proud of. “When we played ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ it sounded really...

A small group from Park bands performs at TowerLight Senior Living Dec. 17, 2018. The group is called Harmony Bridge and they perform about twice a year at various locations.

Smaller band ensemble performs in intimate settings

Jenna Cook and Amaia Barajas January 15, 2019

According to band director Steven Schmitz, Harmony Bridge is a small program which provides a unique experience for performers and audiences alike. “Students play in small groups, and then they perform...

Live performance encourages confidence

Live performance encourages confidence

David Bryant December 22, 2018

Since attending my first live music show at the Depot Coffee House freshman year, I have taken an interest in being in a band. Seeing a musical side to those kids who didn't say much at school was eye...

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