Gregg Sisk will be retiring this year after 31 years of teaching. He is inviting former students to join in his last concert, which will take place May 21.

Sisk started his teaching career at Upland High School in Southern California in February 1977, after graduating from the University of Redlands. He was hired as a long-term substitute band director after the director retired. He was then hired permanently after proving he could handle a 100-piece marching band with tall flags and bagpipers. According to a news release, after a few years of Southern California smog and a demanding career that including at least two competitions every week, he took on Humboldt County.

Eddie Oliveira, then superintendent of schools, wanted some new blood for the district’s music department, the release stated. He hired Sisk in the fall of 1981. Sisk entered the program with only 14 students.

Many music programs have a strong marching band or concert band, or jazz band, but “I try to have it all,” Sisk said. He consistently competed in concert band and jazz band festivals, the release stated, providing the students with a challenging atmosphere that encouraged them to develop their art, and received numerous top band awards.

Sisk has had more than 300 students chosen to be a part of the Northern California Honor Band, and more than 50 students went on to attend All-State Concert Band. Seven of his jazz band students were awarded the opportunity to attend the All-State Jazz Band. Not only did Sisk direct band for more than 30 years, but he also directed the McKinleyville High School Choir for 10 years. Seventy-five of his choir students were awarded the opportunity to attend the Northern California Honor Choir, and 15 of those students proceeded on to the All-State Choir.

He said that his biggest accomplishment is the music that he instilled in his students and his daughters. “He taught his students that music is more than just the notes on the page; it is an art,” the release stated. One time while competing in the Reno Jazz Festival, he noticed a familiar name. He looked into it and discovered that it was a former student leading his own jazz band. This was one of many students who went on to make music a career.

After 31 years of teaching music, Sisk said he is looking forward to retirement. “I have a new granddaughter, and my eldest daughter is getting married this summer. Music will always be a part of my life and I am planning on pursuing music through different avenues in the years to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed making music with the thousands of students throughout my career.”

Sisk’s last concert will be held May 21 at 7 p.m. in the McKinleyville High School Auditorium. The Sisk family would like to extend an invitation to all former students to attend or play in Sisk’s last concert. “I realize some former students may not have picked up an instrument in some years, but I look forward to seeing anyone who can dust off their horn and join us for one last song!” he said.