–MR. PETER DE SIENA, BAND DIRECTOR

Mr. De Siena holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas and also holds a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California.

While attending the UNT, he was the lead trumpet in the world-renowned One O’Clock Lab Band during the years 1999–2001. Upon graduating from USC, Mr. D. became an in-demand trumpet player in the Los Angeles music scene for both recording and live performances. His trumpet playing can be heard on many albums, some of which include Michael Buble's “Christmas,” Muse “Supremacy,” Natalie Cole's “Still Unforgettable.” He has recorded music for Disney theme parks, Universal Theme parks, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, and Crystal Cruise lines.

Mr. D. has also recorded music for television and motion pictures. He worked extensively on the Sci-Fi network show Eureka. He performed regularly on the live musical reality television shows The Voice, American Idol, and The X-Factor. Also, he has worked on many motion picture soundtracks, some of these include Horton Hears a Who, Ice Age 4, and Rush Hour 3.

Outside of studios, Mr. D. played the split lead trumpet chair for legendary composers Bill Holman, Johnny Mandel, and the late Bob Florence. He also played lead trumpet for many of Los Angeles’ prestigious big bands such as Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, the Mike Barone Big Band, Bill Watrous’ Refugee West and others.

He has toured the world for artists Engelbert Humperdinck, Paul Anka, and John Tesh. Mr. D. has performed live with artists such as Frankie Valli, Brian Setzer, Luis Miguel, Frank Sinatra Jr., Keely Smith, Lou Rawls, Barry Manilow, Wayne Newton, and many others.

In 2014, Mr. D., his wife, and 3 children relocated back to New Jersey. He quickly made his name known on the Broadway circuit becoming a regular substitute on musicals such as Aladdin, Miss Saigon, War Paint, and others.

It is with great privilege that Mr. D. has the opportunity to share and bring his passion for music and his experiences to Immaculata. He looks forward to inspiring and training our future musicians.

MR. MICHAEL GASKO '06, DIRECTOR OF VOCAL MUSIC, MUSIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR 

Mr. Gasko ’06 is proud to be in his 11th year teaching music at Immaculata as both the Department Director and Director of Vocal Music. Mr. Gasko directs the Spartan Choir, A Capella Choir, Chamber Choir, Music Ministry, and also serves as the vocal director and production manager for the Spring Musical.

Mr. Gasko earned his Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education from The College of New Jersey and his Masters of Music degree in Music Education from Rutgers University. As a performer, he currently sings professionally at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville as a soloist and small ensemble chorister.

Throughout his career as a music teacher at IHS Mr. Gasko has led the choirs to many prestigious performances including singing yearly for the Bishop, performing at Disney World, and competing in the ACDA Choral Festival in which his Chamber choir has received ratings of Superior and Outstanding. Mr. Gasko has a passion for vocal music and is blessed to be able to share his love of singing with his students while also using vocal music to teach the gospel values he was taught when he was a student at IHS. Mr. Gasko attributes his success at IHS to his wife and family, as well as Sister Dolores Margaret and Mr. Ed Webber who taught him how to continue the Tradition of Excellence that they built over their many years as his teacher and colleague.

MR. NICHOLAS SEIFERT, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Mr. Seifert has been newly hired as the Assistant Director of the Immaculata Band Program, including the academic classes Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Honors Wind Ensemble; as well as the Immaculata Marching Band. Mr. Seifert will also serve as director of the Jazz Band, teach instrumental lessons, and teach electives in Music Technology and Music and Film.

Mr. Seifert graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame majoring in music performance and biological sciences. At Notre Dame, he studied saxophone with Mr. Wade Armentrout and conducting with Mr. Dan Stowe. He was involved throughout the Band of the Fighting Irish, performing with the Marching Band, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Band, New Orleans Brass Band, Saxophone Ensemble, Sorin’s Band, Basketball and Hockey Pep Bands, and on the annual Domestic Concert Band Tour. For his service to the band, he was awarded the Notre Dame Outstanding Band Member Award in 2020. He also was very active in Notre Dame’s music ministry, serving as Assistant Director of the Notre Dame Handbell Choir, and directing Unchained Melodies Christian a Capella.

Mr. Seifert previously graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School and is excited to return home as an educator to the central NJ music community. Mr. Seifert is also the Assistant Director of Somerset Hills Harmony, an area mixed a capella and barbershop chorus, and a choir member and instrumental soloist at Pluckemin Presbyterian Church.