A few years ago, we started awarding a Student of the Year at our fall recital.  The award has gone to a student that has been with us a long time, takes their music seriously, works hard, has a great attitude, and coincidentally, all the recipients have been high school seniors!  This year, we honored Alec St. John with the award.  Alec started taking guitar lessons at KCRB six years ago, when he was just 12 years old.  He’s getting ready to graduate from Lee’s Summit North, and has become a powerhouse on the guitar.  Alec started lessons with Matt Crandall for his first few years, and now has been with Michael English for the last several years.  As I said at the Fall recital, if you want to be good on your instrument, ask Alec how to practice.  He shows an inspiring love for music, and has developed the self-discipline to practice and be better on his guitar every time I see him play. 
        Next year, Alec will attend North Central University in Minneapolis.  He is receiving a music scholarship on guitar and will take part in many of the performing groups the university has.
         I asked Alec for advice he’d give new musicians.  He said, “Practice a lot. Even if you don’t want to, make yourself.  And if you don’t know what to practice, find a song and learn it.”
                            We are so proud of you, Alec!

2019 Student of the Year – Alec St. John