Meet the Music Teachers!

Ms. Sarah Kocses - Band

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Sarah Kocses has been a high school band director since 2007, spending 8 of those years at Golden Gate High School where the band was recognized for its musical and well-prepared performances. The band constistenly received superior ratings in all district music performance assessments. She moved to Golden Gate Middle School in 2023 and currently teaches Beginning Band (Band 1), Concert Band (Band 2), Wind Ensemble (Band 3), and Jazz Band.

Ms. Kocses is an active member of the Florida Bandmasters Association. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Miami, and a Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida. 

Ms. Kocses was born and raised in Naples, and was the drum major of the "Shark" Marching Band at GCHS and was also the drum major of the "Band of the Hour" for 2 years at the University of Miami.  She plays French horn and trumpet and loves to sail, travel, run, swim, and bike.  

Mr. Max Essler - Orchestra, Guitar, and Music Theatre

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Max Essler has been a music teacher at Golden Gate Middle School since 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Mr. Essler currently teaches Beginning Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra, Guitar, and Music Theatre.