Johnny Gerbrecht Inducted 2009
	a third generation New Orleans musician, began studying trumpet with his father and later with his uncle.  After graduating from Warren Easton High School in 1948, he studied trumpet at L.S.U.   While there, he taught at Catholic High and played professionally in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas.  He received his BME in 1952.  It was at Catholic High that John began working with his first high school Jazz group, then called “Stage Bands.” After spending two years in Army Service Bands in San Antonio and Alaska, he returned to L.S.U. (and Catholic High), and received his Master of Music Education Degree in 1956.  Other schools in which he taught are:  Breaux Bridge High, Joseph Kohn Jr. High (New Orleans), Port Allen High, Glasgow Jr. High, Robert E. Lee High, and Baton Rouge Magnet High.  While teaching Band and Orchestra, he always found time to organize outstanding Jazz Ensembles, and managed to continue studies at L.S.U., acquiring 30+ hours.  He also became certified to supervise student teachers.   He taught two summers at L.S.U., and also played with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra for twenty years, until 1975.  Since retiring from public school teaching (40 years) in 1994, John continues to play professionally, freelancing on trumpet and drums, and still takes time to do some private teaching.  He plays trumpet with the Pelican State Brass and directs the Baton Rouge Jazz Ensemble, a 19-piece big band comprised of outstanding musicians throughout the community.   In 2004, John “came out of retirement” to teach band at St. George Catholic School.  It allowed him to work along with his daughter and to teach his two grandsons.  In addition to concert band, he also started a spring jazz program for the middle school students.  The St. George Jazz Combos and Jazz Band have participated in the Loyola Jazz Festival for the past five years, earning top ratings and soloists awards.  In 2006, the St. George Jazz Combo was the first middle school combo to be invited to the prestigious University of North Texas Jazz Festival.  John Gerbrecht continues to build a legacy as an exceptional jazz educator and still today maintains the highest level of excellence in his teaching and performing.