Welcome to my Blog,
A native of Rock Island Illinois. I went through the Rock Island Public School system and graduated from Rock Island High School in June of 1998. While in high school I participated in Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Pep band and Symphonic Choir. I then attended Black Hawk College (BHC) for two years with a major in Music Education. While at BHC I took general education courses as well as many music courses. I also performed with the Jazz & Concert Band, and Swing & Concert Choir. After my two years at BHC I transferred to Western Illinois University (WIU) where I kept my major as music education and graduated in December of 2004. While attending Western I participated with the Marching Leathernecks, and the Concert and University Bands. I was and am a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. In May of 2011, I received a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University, Chicago Illinois.
I am currently in my 18th year here in Geneseo and my 2nd year now as the Head High School Band Director. We have amazing students who work extremely hard every single day. In my sixteen years as the Middle School 7th & 8th Grade director, the bands consistently received excellent ratings at District Contest. They received numerous postive comments at IGSMA State Contest, and in 2011 was named Honor Band. The Symphonic Band has been selected four times to participate at the University of Illinois Superstate Band Festival. In 2014 the Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference. Last season the High School Marching Band had a great season ending with a first place finish in class 3A and Grand Champion at the University Of Illinois Marching Band Championships. This season marked the first opportunity to create a marching show. The band had an amazing season receiving numerous awards and having a fun time.
On May 21st, 2005 I married my college sweet heart Lisa Thiry. She has a degree in Music Therapy and currently, is working for Wirth Inc. here in Geneseo. In may of 2007 we had our first child, Joseph Kenneth Versluis and he is the sweetest and nicest boy we could have ever asked for. He will begin his first year of High School this year. On February 9th, 2011 we were blessed with our second child Ella Marie who is a 5th grade student at Northside Elementary School.
If you wish to contact Mr. Versluis you may either leave a comment on here, by email or phone.
Band Office Phone Number: 309-945-0321
GHS School Office Phone Number 309 – 945 -0399
Email: jversluis@geneseoschools.org