Ron Sikes –
Director of Music, Jefferson R-VII
Percussion & Jazz Band Instructor, Jefferson College
Freelance Percussionist
Ron Sikes began teaching in the Jefferson R-VII School District (Festus, Missouri) in 2000. His responsibilities include Guitar Class, 5th Grade Band, 6th Grade General Music, 6th Grade Band, 7th/8th Grade Band, 7th/8th Grade Jazz Band, and High School Band. Sikes is also on faculty at Jefferson College where he teaches Jazz Combo, Jazz Band & Applied Percussion. Sikes maintains a private studio of percussion students from the surrounding area. The bands and students under his direction have consistently received distinguished ratings and accolades at various festivals and contests. In 2005, 12 members of the Jefferson R-7 Jazz Band auditioned and were selected to be members in the first-ever “East Central Jr. High Jazz Band.” A total of 23 were selected. In addition to his many teaching responsibilities, Sikes maintains a busy schedule as a composer, percussionist, drum set artist, and jazz vibraphonist. Currently, Ron performs with the Funky Butt Brass Band & Gumbohead. Both groups pays homage to New Orleans’ rich musical heritage. Along with writing music for Funky Butt Brass Band & Gumbohead, he also writes music for school bands, available through JPM Music Publications.
Mr. Sikes earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education degree in 1999 from University of MO-St. Louis. While at UM-St. Louis, he participated in numerous ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble, the Pep Band (also served as arranger), Percussion Ensemble and the AFRO-Cuban Ensemble. Ron has been influenced by some of the finest educators, including Mark Trautwein, Brad Madson, Dr. Claude Baker, Dr. William Richardson, Marvin Sparks, Jeff Hamilton, and Dennis Reis. In 2008, Ron Sikes completed is Masters in Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University.
Sikes’ professional affiliations include the Missouri Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Music Educators National Conference, Missouri Association for Jazz Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri State Teachers Association, and Percussive Art Society. Sikes was given the “Blue Jay” award for his years of service and dedication to the Jefferson R-VII District. Sikes remains active as performer, teacher, and clinician throughout the area.
