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

Mr. Gasko is currently in his 10th 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 4th 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.