Ron Sikes began teaching in the Jefferson R-VII School District (Festus, Missouri) in 2000.  His responsibilities include, 6th Grade Band, 7th/8th Grade Band, Guitar, High School Jazz Band, and High School Band. In 2011 & 2015, The Jefferson High School Concert Band was selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention. In addition to his many teaching responsibilities, Sikes maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, composer, percussionist, drum set artist, frottoirist, and jazz vibraphonist. In 2017, he contributed to Gary Gackstatter’s book, “The Spark.” Ron has served as a guest clinician/director/conductor for honor groups such as CDMMEA (Central District), MAAA (MS concert band), Metro 8 (MS jazz), St. Louis Suburban (MS jazz), St. Clair County (IL) Honor Jazz Band, Bishop DuBourg Honor Band, Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band, Illinois MEA District 4 Jr. High Jazz Band, and more. Ron has received Missouri East Central #7 Music Educator of Year on two occasions (2011 & 2018).

As a composer, Sikes has written music for concert bands, jazz bands, and professional bands.  His compositions have been performed all over the country. As a performer, Ron performs with the Funky Butt Brass Band, Back Pocket, Unity Jazz Quartet, Claire Maue Trio & Southside Creole Playboys. Other playing credits include:  Gumbohead, Boudin Bros, Musica SLESA, Rhythm Section Road Show, Big Chief, All Roostered Up, Shane Maue, The Trophy Mules, Paul Winter, Eugene Friesen, Darol Anger, Barbara Higbie, Sam Bush, Stephen Mougin, Tommy Halloran, Stratus, Mama's Pride, Pat Liston, Danny Liston, Big Mike Aguirre and the Blu City All-Stars, Preston Hubbard, Rockin' Jake, Marquise Knox and Gus Thorton.  He has performed all over the country and recorded over 20 CD’s with various artists from all genres.

Ron earned an Associate of Arts from Jefferson College in 1996 and a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1999 from University of MO-St. Louis.  In 2008, he completed his Masters in Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University.  Ron has been influenced by some of the finest educators, including Mark Trautwein, Brad Madson, Dr. Claude Baker, Dr. William Richardson, Marvin Sparks, Jeff Hamilton, Sally Herman, & Dennis Reis. 

Sikes remains active as a performer, teacher, and clinician throughout the area. He has also served as MMEA Jazz Vice-President, East Central #7 President, Past-President and HS Jazz Vice-President. Ron is a native of Hillsboro, Missouri and currently resides in the Jefferson R-VII district (Festus, MO) with his wife, Catie and three daughters; Madelyn, Lillian, and Olivia.