MR. ED WEBBER '99; DIRECTOR OF BANDS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON

Mr. Webber is currently in his 18th year at Immaculata and 16th year as Band Director at Immaculata High School. He is currently the Department Supervisor and Chairperson. He is the primary Conductor of the Honors Wind Ensemble, Spartan Marching Band, and is one of the School Brass Specialists. His teaching responsibilities include co-conducting the 9th Symphony, conducting Symphonic Band, and Jazz. As a brass specialist, he also teaches Music Theory and coordinates the brass instrumental chamber music, such as the Immaculata Brass Ensemble, and oversees the brass lessons.

Mr. Webber earned his Bachelor of Music from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Mason Gross School of the Arts. While at Rutgers, he studied Euphonium with the late William Kellerman. He was an active member of the Rutgers performing ensembles working under the baton of Dr. William Berz. He was also a section leader and member of the Rutgers University Marching Band and Pep Band. Currently, he is completing his Master’s degree in School Administration.

Starting his full time teaching career in 2003, he has worked to continue and improve on the “Tradition of Excellence” that has always been associated with the Immaculata name. Under his time as band director, his ensembles have seen much success, including State and National Championships with the marching band, Superior and Excellent ratings with the concert program. He spearheaded the realignment of the band program at Immaculata and Immaculate Conception School and continues to be involved in the ICS-IHS Music connection. Mr. Webber has had the distinction of being included in the National Society of High School Scholars. He has received awards for distinguished service and was included in Halftime Magazine’s list of 50 Directors Who Make a Difference. As a private teacher, many of his students have been accepted to the Region and All- State performing groups.

SR. DOLORES MARGARET, IHM; MUSIC FACULTY

Sr. Dolores is currently in her 37th year at Immaculata. She is the primary conductor for the Music Ministry. She teaches music classes. She is the primary conductor for the Music Ministry and Spring Musical. She teaches music theory, history and teaches private lessons.

Sr. Dolores earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Immaculata College. Sr. Dolores earned elementary certification from Temple University and a Master of Music Degree from West ChesterUniversity.

Sr. Dolores has touched the lives of countless students during her career and under her tutelage at Immaculata the music program has seen unprecedented growth.She is an active member of the Music Educators' National Conference, Central Jersey Music Education Association, and National Catholic Educators Association.

MS. SONIA SPARKES '06; ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Ms. Sparkes is currently in her 4th year teaching at Immaculata. She graduated from Immaculata and spent the previous 8 years involved with the Spartan Marching Band. She continues her involvement with the marching band as well as co-conducting the 9th grade Symphony, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble as well as the Brass Ensemble. In addition, she teaches brass lessons both at IHS and ICS.

Ms. Sparkes earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Immaculata University. While at Immacuata University, she studied French Horn under Mr. David Wetherill. She earned her Certificate in Educational Technology from Rutgers and is currently working on her Masters in Music Education from Rutgers University.

Before coming to Immaculata, Ms. Sparkes worked at School of Saint Elizabeth in Bernardsville where she taught general music, musical theater, and private lessons to elementary and middle school students.

MR. MICHAEL GASKO '06; DIRECTOR OF VOCAL MUSIC

Mr. Gasko is currently in his 9th year as director of the Immaculata Spartan Choir (academic class), Concert Choir Honors (academic class), and Chamber Choir. He is the Vocal director and Production Manager for the Spring Musical. He coaches the vocals for the Spring Musical as well as coordinates small vocal ensembles such as the IHS Barbershop Quartet.

Mr. Gasko earned his Bachelor of Music from The College of New Jersey. While at TCNJ, he studied voice with Dr. Nora Sirbaugh. He was an active member of the Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Michael Mendoza and Mr. John McDonnell, and a member of both Lyric Theater and Collegium Musicum under the direction of Mr. Robert Guarino.

As a student at Immaculata, Mr. Gasko was involved in all aspects of the Music Department, including marching band, wind ensemble, chorus, pit and cast for the spring musical, and folk group. Mr. Gasko now studies voice with Nadine Robinson, and maintains his own private vocal instruction studio. He also sings with the Immaculate Conception Church choir.

MS. ELIZABETH CANAVAN '12; WOODWIND ADJUNCT

Ms. Canavan is the Band Director at Immaculate Conception School and woodwind teacher at the schools. She is in her 3rd year of working with the Immaculata Marching Band.

Ms. Canavan earned her Bachelors in Music Education with a concentration in saxophone from Rutgers, Mason Gross School of the Arts. While at Rutgers she studied under Paul Cohen. She frequently performed with her saxophone quartet and various pit orchestras.

As an Immaculata student, Ms. Canavan participated in the Wind Ensemble, Folk Group, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, Marching Band, and Saxophone Quartet. She teaches private saxophone, clarinet, and flute lessons.

MR. GARY MALLINSON

Mr. Gary Mallinson is our adjunct faculty member working with our percussion students and the jazz ensemble.. Mr. Mallinson received his music degree from the Crane School of Music (SUNY- Potsdam), where, in addition to graduating with honors, he also received the school’s “Performers Certificate.”  He received a Master’s Degree in music performance from Syracuse University, where he was also a teaching assistant, arranger for the SU Marching band and assistant conductor of the university concert band. While a student, Mr. Mallinson was selected to New York All State and was M.A.A. National Champion Snare Drummer.
Professionally, Mr. Mallinson served as band director at Baldwinsville H.S. As a performer, Gary has given numerous solo recitals in both the United States and Canada, in addition to performing as xylophone/marimba soloist with many university and community bands. His professional experience has included performances with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall, the “Grand Ole Opry” in Nashville, and Lincoln Center.

In addition, Mr. Mallinson has served as percussion arranger/caption head for The Hawthorne Caballeros, Auburn Purple Lancers (adjudicator for DCI, DCA and New York DCI finalist), and Liverpool H.S. (BOA champions), as well as serving as an Field Band Conference. For over 20 years Mr. Mallinson served as NJ Director of Future Musicians Inc. He is currently a partner in Musical Adventures L.L.P., a company which provides award winning instrumental music instruction for a number of NJ private schools. Under his direction the Musical Adventures Showband has captured 35 consecutive superior ratings, including two NCBA National Championship trophies. Mr. Mallinson regularly presents percussion education workshops at teacher’s conventions throughout the country.