What Is the Special Guest Artist Program?
The Sam Stryke Special Guest Artist Program was established to provide an enrichment experience for developing musicianship at schools.
The program entails a visit to the school by Sam during which he meets with students to share his experiences as a working composer and performer. Also, Sam would be available to perform with students at their concert as a guest artist and offer to perform arrangements of his own compositions with student musicians.
Band Directors Say...
“Sam is without question one of the most talented and generous people we have ever had work with our kids. He is such a great player and an even better teacher. He was so good with the entire ensemble and very gracious. Having Sam spend any time with your kids will be nothing but positive for them and your parents. I hope that we can share the same stage with him in the very near future.”
John DeStefano, Director of Bands
Forest Hills Central High School
Grand Rapids, MI
“Downers Grove North High School had the honor of collaborating with Mr. Stryke in December of 2006 and his short residency with us was unquestionably one of the strongest music enrichment experiences I have been able to offer my students in my seventeen years of teaching.
Sam Stryke is an exquisite performer, and is an accomplished musician on every imaginable level. In our particular clinic, Sam rehearsed with large ensembles, performed solo repertoire for classes, and spoke with students about his work composing music for commercials. He also was able to connect examples of his latest CD recording project to music that he later performed with our Symphonic Orchestra on an evening concert. It was an invigorating day for everyone involved.”
Brayer Teague
Fine Arts Department Chairperson
Downers Grove North High School
Downers Grove, IL
“This is a person you want to have in contact with your kids.”
Glenn Williams, Band Director Downers Grove South High School Downers Grove, IL