Page 16 - Spring 2024

Spotlight on Alumni, continued...

Jennifer (Beasley)
Parlee ’08 graduated
with a bachelor’s in
music education from
the University of Maine.
She says the music staff
at Houlton High School
really prepared her for
college.

“I felt that my band
teacher - Joe Fagnant,
and chorus teachers -
Steve Ellis ’77, considered the variety show as one Pat Moore and Rebecca
of his favorite musical memories while at HHS as well. DeWan did a great job
After high school, Steve went on to play with some of choosing music that
of the most successful bands in the state including was challenging and
Legend, Skyhigh and the Jenny Woodman Band. rewarding at the same
Since 1999, he has played with Motor Booty Affair, a time. They pushed students to always improve, but
nationally recognized disco/funk tribute band. In 2005, also rewarded our hard work. The year before I left for
they started Classical Night Fever and have traveled college, Joe and Rebecca really went the extra mile
across the U.S. performing with symphony orchestras. to help me be prepared for a career in music. They

Steve recalls many moments of musical exposure worked with me in independent studies, had me teach
during his formative years in Houlton such as listening sectionals, and allowed to me conduct and teach
to WHOU and watching the Ed Sullivan and Glen some of my own songs at rehearsals.” Jen returned to
Campbell shows. Steve played varsity baseball and Houlton to do her student teaching with the late Jason
soccer and played guitar in the stage band. His biggest Anderson.
musical influences at HHS were Dave McGillicuddy and “Jason gave 110% effort into his choruses and classes.
Scott Emack. Emack taught English and, while not a He was lively and enthusiastic, and no matter what
member of the music department, was still influential challenges he faced, he pressed forward and gave it
to many young musicians. his all.” She is currently living in Sussex, New Brunswick
“As a musician, teacher and friend, “Scotty” Emack was where she has a private studio, works at the local high
an incredible influence, and meant so much to me and school and is an active performer. She says she loves
all aspiring guitarists from Houlton in the 70’s. If we the never-ending challenge of music because you can
are lucky, we all have a pinch of his style in our playing work your whole life at it, but never be done. That is
today. Always generous with his time and gear, always what made her want to pursue music as a career.
smiling — he is one-of-a-kind,” said Ellis.

16 www.houltonalumni.com