West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host their quarterly “Lunch with Art” event for the public on Monday, November 18, 2024, from noon till 1 p.m. in the Community Room at the West Plains Public Library, 750 West Broadway, West Plains. Information on upcoming arts activities will be discussed by Arts Alliance members, then local music educator Rocky Long will bring along with him some of his students to perform and display what he has been working on for his new program with Missouri State University – West Plains.
Missouri State University – West Plains has recently named Rocky as their first Director of Music beginning in July 2024. Rocky is tasked with leading the initiative to create a Music Program on the West Plains campus for the first time in its history. In the efforts to create this program, Rocky has established the University/Community Concert Band and a Jazz Ensemble for performing arts on campus, as well as a Pep Band to support the endeavors of student athletes and other campus activities. Along with his efforts in building the bands, Rocky will teach Music Appreciation, History, and Theory courses.
Prior to working for Missouri State University – West Plains, he dedicated 20 years as the West Plains R-VII Schools Band Director, starting the position in 2004. Rocky has always had a commitment to excellence and has shown such with consistent superior ratings and his bands earning First Division ratings every year. This has led his students to perform at renowned venues, Walt Disney World, Broadway, and the Lincoln and World War II Memorials in Washington, D.C. Thanks to all of the contributions he has made, Rocky has been recognized multiple times, including being named one of “50 Directors that Make A Difference” by School Band & Orchestra magazine in 2014 and the Educator of the Year award from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce in 2016.
Rocky is the proud father of Addison Long and is married to Dr. Jenny Long, psychologist and owner of Midwest Counseling and Assessment. The Long’s live in West Plains, Missouri with their dogs Zoe and Cordelia Bernadette.
Cost of the luncheon is $10 for WPCA members, $15 for non-members. Reservations may be made online through the November 2024 Lunch with Art Facebook event page, by texting Paula at 417-293-2325, or via email info@westplainsarts.org. Attendance is limited, so reserve your spot early.
