Maria Baker

Junior Editor-In-Chief

In 2017, Mr. Kevin Scheetz graduated from Red Lion Senior High School. He left with many memories, opportunities, and friendships that can never be replaced. In addition to a multitude of awards in music, Scheetz graduated Magna Cum Laude, meaning that he graduated with a GPA higher than 3.75. Now, he is our school’s senior and junior high orchestra teacher. This is his first year of teaching, but there is certainly more to come.

During his time at Red Lion, Scheetz was involved with all things music. He was in almost every ensemble. Scheetz participated in Madrigal Choir, musical (cast), pit orchestra, orchestra, symphonic band, concert band, jazz ensemble, marching band, Concert Choir, and Mixed Choir. The list doesn’t just end there.

“I also auditioned for and participated in PMEA District 7 Band, Choir, and Orchestra, PMEA Region 5 Band and Choir, and PMEA All-State Band, Choir, and Jazz Ensemble,” Scheetz said.

Not only did he participate in many ensembles at school but in 2017, his graduation year, he auditioned and was selected for NAfME All-Eastern Band at Atlantic City, NJ. In 2015, he also was in the NAfME All-National Band in Nashville, TN. 

Scheetz was also involved outside of the music department as well. He was in the TV-Studio and played recreational baseball.

One of his favorite memories was his music trip to Boston, MA. There, he was able to perform the National Anthem at a Boston Red Sox game. 

“[We] stood on the field about ten feet away from the players,” Scheetz said. “As a big-time baseball fan, it was a pretty special memory.”

His achievements didn’t stop after high school. He received his degree in Music Education at West Chester University in 2021, where he also received Magna Cum Laude honors. 

“During my time at West Chester, I participated in numerous ensembles which led me [to] some great traveling opportunities, such as Phoenix, AZ, and Indianapolis, IN,” Scheetz said. “I even performed with the West Chester marching band at a Philadelphia Eagles playoff game in 2019.”

In his college years, he auditioned and received many awards and scholarships to further his education in music. This led him to the opportunity to play a major trombone solo within a top music ensemble at his college. In addition, he played in other high schools’ pit orchestras for musical productions. 

“I have had many opportunities to perform outside of college too,” Scheetz said. “I had the chance to play in the horn section for The Trammps, a 70’s disco music group.” 

After university, Scheetz taught a year of chorus and band in Wilmington, DE at a middle school. 

“Being in Delaware allowed me to perform with the Newark Symphony Orchestra during their 2021-2022 season,” Scheetz said. “Which fulfilled a dream of mine – playing with a real symphony orchestra.”

As far as Red Lion High goes, “The orchestra was only about half its current size when I attended Red Lion,” Scheetz said, “so it is great to see the growth.”

He also mentioned that since he only graduated six years ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of change. However, many of his teachers are still teaching, but some of his mentors have retired.

Scheetz came back to Red Lion for a couple of reasons. He was looking for a place that was close to home, due to the reason he left home for college. Scheetz was thankful for his opportunities but looked forward to coming back.

“When the opportunity arose to teach at the same place I grew a passion for music, I couldn’t pass on it,” Scheetz said. “I find it so rewarding to be able to provide my musical knowledge with the community that made me love music education.”

Kevin Scheetz, the current junior and senior high orchestra teacher, in the class of 2017, came back to teach at the very high school he found his love for music.