Member Spotlight! André Grützmann Januário How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others?
"I'm celebrating "21 years of bassoon" this month, November 2021. My first instrument was a recorder when I was a child. I got the clarinet when I was in middle school. I still play the recorder, but not professionally. Besides bassoon, I studied orchestral conducting in the conservatory and when I was in college."
What is your earliest musical memory?
"Hmm... This is a good and tricky question. My father is a music educator, and he worked as a church music director for decades, so music wasn't "optional" at home. I believe that my earliest musical memory is related to the choirs and the symphonic band in my church."
When did you join WASB? "I joined the group this Fall 2021. Since I got to Waukesha, I have been looking for places to play, and luckily, I found the WASB."
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I consider reed making my hobby and therapy, but since this is related to music, I don't believe it should count. But, during Covid19, I started learning basic things about photography, and I have enjoyed it so far. Also, (I must warn you that this is an odd one) I used to spend hours creating "weird" playlists on Spotify. So if you find on Spotify playlists with 15 different recordings of the same movement of Brahms, Symphony no. 3, or 10 different versions of the same orchestral suite by Rameau, you can probably blame me for it." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "In my country, Brazil, I was principal bassoon in the Caxias do Sul Symphony Orchestra (UCS Orchestra), and prior to this job, I was assistant principal bassoon at Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro Symphony Orchestra(Rio de Janeiro Opera and Ballet Orchestra), in Rio de Janeiro City, my hometown. In the U.S., before moving to Wisconsin, I have played in some regional orchestras in West Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio. I also worked as G.A. at WVU, playing in the WVU Symphony orchestra, Wind Symphony, and in the Graduate Wind Quintet. Besides my career as a bassoonist, I have worked as a band director and church music director in Brazil. Before Covid19, I was the Music Director and Conductor on the Morgantown Community Orchestra in West Virginia." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer?) and if so, what is it? "I don't have favorite composers or pieces. It depends on the day." What is/was your career? "I have been working as a bassoonist and music teacher for a while. My career is focused on the orchestral world and in academia. Before moving to Wisconsin, I taught bassoon, chamber music, and Introduction to Music at Middle Tennessee State University, I like the academic environment, and I want to focus my career working on research in Music Performance Studies." What is something that very few people know about you? "I name the days or situations by pieces or composers. I might say, "the day is a little Sibelius today," or "it was Handelian situation." I also measure distances by music works. For instance, driving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Morgantown, WV. takes one Beethoven Symphony no. 9 and a half. Or, flying from Nashville to Chicago takes "2 Schumann" and "3 Mendelssohn's symphonies."

---

​New Member Spotlight! Mark Gerard
How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others?
"I grew up and lived for many years in West Allis. I started playing trombone in the summer of 1957. I was not a superstar, but kept at it and gradually got better. In summer of 1962 a good friend, who played trumpet, talked me into joining the Milwaukee Elks Cadet Band. We marched parades in the summer and played two concerts during the school year. Because my high school's band was not very good at the time, this was a musical step up. In January of 1964 I was promoted to be last chair in the Milwaukee Elks Youth Band. This band was considerably better since it was made up of high school and college age musicians, some of whom were music majors. I've been in this band under several name changes ever since. This is the current Knightwind Ensemble. Junior year in high school a new band director came to West Allis Nathan Hale. He started building the band program up. He had graduated from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music. He took me up there for a visit and I was hooked on the school. While at Lawrence, I switched to bass trombone. I graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree with a Music Ed Major." Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
"My other time and money consuming hobby is working on and restoring old cars, Hudsons to be specific. I own a twin to Doc Hudson, from the Cars movie and also a 1934 Hudson 8 with only 48,000 miles on it." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with?
"I currently am playing in two other groups: 1st Trombone in the Menomonee Falls Symphony, and first part in the Knightwind Ensemble. In summer I play with the trombone choir that Kent Tess-Mattner runs." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer?) and if so, what is it?
"There are many band pieces that I really like, but three at the top of my list would be Percy Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy and his Colonial Song and Alfred Reed's Russian Christmas Music."
What is/was your career? "After graduation, I taught band in Cedarburg School System for nine years. I enjoyed working with the students very much. I was not making much money, and after being on the negotiation committee for the teachers' union, and finding how little the school board valued the teachers, I decided it was time to leave. I worked in industry, eventually becoming a manufacturing engineer/CNC programmer. I enjoyed making AutoCad drawings and the CNC programs that made the parts. I also enjoyed working with the set-up people on the factory floor. I retired three years ago." What is something else that few people know about you?
"I must mention that I met my wife Maureen, who is a percussionist, in 1975 while playing in the Knight's Band (currently Knightwind). We have been happily married since 1977."
"I enjoy playing in the WASB group. The conductor, the music, and the other musicians are really nice to work with."

---

Member spotlight! Chad Martin How long have you been playing your instrument; do play others? "I have been playing trombone since I started in fifth grade, so about 13 years now. I can play just about every band instrument, but nothing else very well!" What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory was having the middle school students come to our elementary school to demonstrate the different band instruments, and getting pulled into trombone right away." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in the spring of 2017." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy going to and watching sports, notably baseball and basketball. I like to stay active and exercise, run, and bike." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I just recently finished up a concert with the Watertown Chamber Orchestra. I also play in the Hartland Community Band and will be playing with the Watertown Municipal Band come summertime." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "For concert band, I enjoy music by John Mackey, Steven Bryant, and Percy Grainger. For more classical I enjoy Tchaikovsky and Mahler." What is/was your career? "I currently am teaching band and music at Watertown High School in Watertown."

Member Spotlight! Brian White How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I have been playing the tuba since November of my junior year at Moline High School in Illinois. I was a trumpet player up to that point, but when I got braces in the fall of my junior year, my ability to maintain my chair was impossible. I kept getting challenged and beat because my tone and range declined due to the braces. My private lesson teacher suggested I switch to tuba. I hated the idea but gave it a try and it ended up being the best thing that could have happened. I made the Illinois All-State band my senior year and learned to love playing the tuba. I then attended Augustana College in Rock Island, playing in the concert band and the Augustana Brass Quintet along with other groups, and performing recitals. After college I continued to play in weddings with a few groups in Madison." What is your earliest musical memory? "The one I remember the most was the first week in 5th grade learning the cornet. It was a challenge just to get a sound out!" When did you join WASB? "I joined this year and love it." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I started doing CrossFit a few years ago and compete in a couple of competitions a year." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "A neighbor told me about MMCCB under the direction of Karen Mary Lippert. I hadn't played for 20 years but decided to join and am now in my second year with them. This is a fun group and I especially enjoy performing our Christmas concert at the Domes. It's a blast. I also play with the WACO orchestra under the direction of our own Walter Rich." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "It has to be the solo piece I performed in my senior year of college, "Sounds from the Hudson" by Herbert L. Clark. This is a trumpet piece that was arranged for baritone, so I just played the baritone arrangement down an octave on my tuba. This was great motivation for me to continue to improve as I had changed my major from music to business my junior year." What is/was your career? "I am co-owner of a debt collection agency called Credit Management Control. The main types of debt we collect are medical, municipal fines (for Milwaukee County) and energy accounts. We have 35 staff members with our main call center in Green Bay and offices in Waukesha and Racine."

Member Spotlight! Kate Hildebrand How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing flute in 4th grade, so about 15 years." What is your earliest musical memory? "When I was really little, I liked to give impromptu piano "concerts" for my family. In hindsight, they were all very good-natured about letting me bang on a family heirloom. Still, I think everyone involved was thankful when I was finally old enough to begin lessons!" When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in fall of 2015." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy learning foreign languages, and I'm also a bit of a bookworm." What other groups so you perform (or have performed) with? "WASB is the only group I play with currently, and I was in college bands as time permitted. In high school, I performed with the Youth Wind Orchestra of Wisconsin (YWOW), so it's a cool experience to be rehearsing in Shattuck each week once again!" Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "I could never pick a favorite band piece, but I've always been a fan of Tchaikovsky's compositions." What is/was your career? "I'm a software engineer at a medical devices company."

Member Spotlight! Scott Mohr How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I played trombone in 5th and 6th grade. When I got to Longfellow Junior High, my options were 2nd to last chair trombone or FIRST CHAIR TUBA!!!! My dad played tuba at Washington High School in Milwaukee, so he was OK with it. So, from 1967 to now, with a 1 1/2 year hiatus, it's been tuba all the way. I took piano lessons as a child, but hated it. Bad decision." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory that's really clear was getting to Tosa East H.S. for the first time and seeing the tuba parts for Roman Carnival, Tchaikovsky's 4th symphony finale, etc, etc.. I spent all but three homerooms in my entire high school career in the band practicing. My first real musical "education" memory started at Tosa East, where I was fortunate enough to have Orville Matthias as my band leader. I have no way to convey how his guidance made me into whatever musician I may be today. The second happened when I started at Carroll, where I had Dr. Cardon Burnham as choir director. He showed how singing was a contact sport, and the responsibilities a performer has. And third was when I rejoined WASB, and was fortunate enough to sit next to, and have as section leader Dr. Walter Rich, a fine player in his own right, who has taught me nuances of how to play in an ensemble like ours. You never stop learning." When did you join WASB? "I was an original member, as I was a senior at Carroll when Charlie Boyer and Jay Whitney got things going. I was in WASB from 1976 until 1987. I rejoined in the fall of 2004." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "My other main hobbies are golf and woodworking." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "In 1988, I spent one year in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. I went to a tryout on a lark and they said "You're in". No one more surprised than me. In 1990, I joined the Lakeshore Wind Symphony, and was a member until it disbanded in the spring of 2004." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer)? "My favorite band pieces might be The Sinfonians by Clifton Williams, and Elegy for a Young American by Ronald Lo Presti, but there is a long list of faves. Almost anything by Phillip Sparke, the classics like Holst, Vaughn Williams, and "Pines of the Appian Way". I REALLY wish we would do that one, especially since we have such a strong French horn section." What is/was your career? "My real job is selling truck and industrial brake and clutch parts for a business my dad started in 1959." What is something that few people know about you? "The one musical thing not many know about me is that I'm a frustrated director. You should see me in the car sometime. I was the pep band director as a senior in high school, and I never had more fun."

Member Spotlight! Janella Saad How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I have been playing the flute/piccolo for 16 years. In the last year and a half, I have started learning to play the ukulele and am really enjoying it!" What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory was going into my first flute lesson with my flute teacher and loving the instrument because she made it so fun to play!" When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB at the beginning of this season in September 2016." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Music is basically my life. As an elementary music teacher, I don't get to play much music during the day, so my hobbies turn into either practicing and playing my flute or learning a new instrument to play." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "At the moment I am only in WASB. I have performed with the UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble and Symphony, and used to play with the Juarez Symphony, the El Paso Symphony, and the Las Cruces Symphony regularly while I was living in El Paso, TX." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "My favorite band piece is 'Southern Harmony' by Donald Grantham. I played it in high school and have loved it ever since!" What is/was your career? "I am a music educator. I am an elementary music teacher in Waukesha and a private flute teacher, both freelance and at White House of Music."

Member Spotlight! Kara Metzger How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I have been playing trombone since 5th grade, which has been about 13 years. I have always loved picking up new instruments since I was younger! Most notably, I also play the bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba (among many others)." What is your earliest musical memory? "When I was really young, I used to pull out my father's trombone and try to play songs by ear (I never could really play what I thought I was playing well and I had not actual experience with trombone at the time). It was fun and exciting, but I claimed I would never be a trombone player. I guess something changed and I can't imagine playing anything else." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in the fall of 2016 after returning to the area from college." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Outside of music, I also like to coach Pole Vault. Previously, I pole vaulted for eight years (including college) and recently decided to start coaching." What other groups to you perform (or have performed) with? "Currently, I perform with the Concord Chamber Orchestra and the Cardinal Stritch Orchestra in addition to WASB. From time to time, I sub in the All-Star Superband as well. I have performed with many ensembles throughout the years and hope to continue to play and perform throughout my lifetime." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "It is extremely hard to pick one band piece or composer that is my favorite. If I had to pick one composer, I would have to lean towards Frank Ticheli. His pieces are modern, fun, interesting, and challenging for all levels of musicians." What is/was your career? "Currently, I am the band director at Whitman Middle School and the associate band director at West High School in Wauwatosa, WI. I teach band to students grades 6-12. In addition to this, I am the brass caption head for the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in Dubuque, IA. This job occurs on weekends and throughout the summer and is associated with Drum Corps International." What is something few people know about you? "I marched with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps for 5 years. I played baritone/euphonium for 3 years and was a drum major for 2 years."

Member Spotlight! Christina Chang How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing trombone for 17 years. I also play piano and bass guitar." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory was my preschool piano recital. I remember being so nervous that I completely froze until my mom came and sat next to me." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB about 5 years ago... I think." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I do! Outside of music, I love rollerblading, kayaking, and ultimate frisbee. Also, when I have the time, making cards for birthdays and other occasions." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I don't currently play in any extra groups outside of WASB, unless my church worship team counts? I have played with small brass groups in the past. I have also been invited back, after graduation, to play with the Carroll University Wind Symphony." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "There are too many to pick from, so I'll name a composer. One of my favorite composers is Beethoven." What is/was your career? "I am primarily a band and orchestra teacher, but also teach Chinese as well at Heritage Christian School." What is something that few people know about you? "That I speak Chinese fluently."

With Lucas Detwiler. Tap on Lucas' picture to view his Facebook page.

Member Spotlight! Zachary Jones How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing tuba for eleven years. I also play the euphonium and the piano." What is your earliest musical memory? "6th Grade Band Camp at Riverside Middle School." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB the spring semester of 2016." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Outside of music, I enjoy working on my car." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "During the summer, I play concerts with the Watertown Municipal Band, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band, and the Lebanon Band." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "My favorite band piece is "Lincolnshire Posy" by Percy Grainger. Outside of that, I enjoy playing the works of Richard Wagner." What is/was your career? "I am currently a student at Carroll University studying music education." What is something that few people know about you? "I have a radio show on 104.5 WCCX. It's the Polka Hour with Zach Jones on Sundays at 5:00!"

Member Spotlight! Suzi Spencer How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I have been playing flute for 28 years, piccolo for 25 years, and piano for 35 years (Or since I can remember anyway!)" What is your earliest musical memory? "My mother used to play the piano after I went to bed as a young child. I remember falling asleep to her playing." When did you join WASB? "2012" Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Horseback riding and downhill skiing. I am also active in my church nursery (Fox River Christian Church), but my kids (Forrest, 11, and Kitty 12) really monopolize my time!" What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "Germantown Community Band, New Berlin Theater Pit Orchestra, Germantown Adult Wind Ensemble, Heritage Christian Pit Band." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer?) and if so, what is it? "'Armenian Dances' by Alfred Reed." What is/was your career? "I get to hold babies all day as the lead teacher in the infant room at La Petite Academy in Brookfield." What is something that few people know about you? "My house is a veritable zoo. We have two cats, a bunny, a turtle and a frog, some fish, a hedgehog, and 5 sugar gliders. Also, we won a 5-ton military truck!"

Member Spotlight! Dan Yatzeck How long have you been playing your instrument? "Played trumpet for 25 years, with only a few years off after college." What is your earliest musical memory? "I was asked to join a military band playing drums while on a family vacation in Florida (they were pulling my leg but I took them seriously). I then went back and told my parents that I was leaving to join a band and that most people don't know what they want to do in their life and wasn't I lucky to have a career already set. They ended up talking me down." When did you join WASB? "Spring 2011" Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Computer networking, disc golf, table tennis, speed gaming." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I belonged to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Concert Band prior to joining WASB. Otherwise only school/college groups." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "My kids like to hear the horse-whinny from Sleigh Ride, otherwise I like most anything, especially with intricate rhythms. Not really a fan of marches." What is/was your career? "Network Engineer."

Member Spotlight! Sean Conway How long have you been playing your instrument? "I've been playing French horn for 8 years and trumpet for 16 years." What is your earliest musical memory? "One of my more notable musical memories was from 5th grade when we were starting our instruments for the first time and me and four other 5th graders were making some poor old volunteer's life miserable as he tried to help us learn how to buzz on our mouthpieces. Luckily we turned out alright!" When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB at the beginning of 2017." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy running while the weather is nice!" What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I marched in the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2009-2012 and before I moved to Waukesha, I was in the Rosemount Community Band in Rosemount, MN." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "I'm currently a really big fan of John Mackey and his piece Frozen Cathedrals is one of my go-to's at the moment!" What is/was your career? "I'm currently a band director at Butler Middle School (6th Grade) and Waukesha North High School (jazz, marching and concert band)." What is something that very few people know about you? "Go Vikings!"

Member Spotlight! Valerie Stone How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started out in the 3rd grade with Suzuki piano and switched to band in the 6th grade. I listened to "Peter and the Wolf" and "the cat" caught my attention. The clarinet was naturally the choice, with a brother playing oboe and a sister playing bassoon." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory was my mom being a liturgy director and having vocal rehearsals in our house. In addition to concerts at Mills Concert Hall and the Elvehjem in Madison, I can remember being fascinated by the piano tuner, coming to our home and early on was given the chore of dusting all the foot pieces on the baby grande." When did you join WASB? "I believe I have been with WASB about eight years. I went back and forth singing with the Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra and I sang one season with Bel Canto. I always missed band and playing though, and found WASB." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "On the side, I work with youth ministry groups, and the choirs, bands and orchestras that come out to Lake Geneva Youth Camp and Conferences out at Conference Point. I love the outdoors, camping, biking and meeting new people." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I started out under Bill Endle at Madison Memorial and was involved with WYSO (Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra) and Wisconsin State Honors Band. I studied under Greg Smith, who plays with the Madison Symphony and Dr, David Copeland at UW-Stevens Point. Beyond college, I played with the Bay Area Wind Ensemble out of Green Bay and a wind ensemble at St. Norbert College before coming to Milwaukee and joining Knightwind. I did a couple productions with the Falls Patio Players as a singer with the cast. I sang with the Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra and learned enough German, Italian and Latin to audition and sing a season with Bel Canto. My faith and worship are important to me and I have been involved with music ministry singing, playing saxophone, clarinet or flute since I was twelve." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "My favorite piece is the orchestral arrangement by Sir Edward Elgar, "Enigma Variations." If Elsa would ever get to the cathedral, it would be "Elsa's Procession" by Richard Wagner." What is/was your career? "I am a high school science teacher. I am licensed in chemistry, biology, earth and environmental science and physical science grades 6-12. I have focused additional credits on mining engineering, molecular genetics, bioethics and Biblical Studies." What is something that very few people know about you? "My Armenian biological mom gave me up at birth with a statement that she wanted me to be placed and raised in a musical household. Catholic Social Services found the placement and my adopted parents did a phenomenal job, providing examples of a love for music, Christian faith with purpose to worship, lessons, music camps and encouragement of the gifts and talents God gave me to share. I am thankful to that unknown but special biological mom and dad, considering my life unselfishly for making this happen. Standing ovation to you!"

Member Spotlight! Daniel Malicki How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I have been playing the tuba for 14 years, but started on trombone 19 years ago. I have picked up a euphonium here-and-there, and have been taking electric bass lessons for the past 1.5 years." What is your earliest musical memory? "It's a toss up, mostly because I cannot recall which I started first... I remember choral rehearsals in the trailer attached to our elementary school (because they didn't have enough rooms), and taking piano lessons with the music director at our church. The piano lessons only lasted a couple years, as I quit despite my mom saying that I may regret doing so.... How are moms always right?" When did you join WASB? "September 2014." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Yes - too many. Bowling, biking, hiking, kickball, running, soccer, softball..." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? Blaskapelle Milwaukee, Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, Milwaukee American Legion Band." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "I don't think that I could pick a favorite composer, much less a piece... Depending on my mood: Samuel Barber, Samuel Hazo, Dmitri Shostakovich, Frank Ticheli, Eric Whitacre..." What is/was your career? "Transportation Engineering"

Member Spotlight! Thomas Hackbart How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I started playing alto sax at 8 years old in 4th grade. I played alto throughout high school (Cudahy HS Band directed by Harold Lorenz) and at Carroll College. I took Jazz lessons at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music from Berkley Fudge for 11/2 years and Jazz combo classes for 1 1/2 years all on the alto. I started playing tenor sax exclusively for the past 20 years or so. Saxophone in the only instrument I play." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory stems from 4th grade. I joined the band and came home with a trumpet. My mother took me back to school that same day, met our school band director and told him that I had to play the saxophone. I went home with an alto sax and the rest is history." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in the fall of 2005 at the invite of my best friend Dave Renaud, who informed me that they needed a tenor play and that I would meet a great group of new friends. I truly have met a small group of very good friends who socialize together after every rehearsal." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I play golf, have a season ticket pack for the Brewers, and am a voracious reader of history and fiction." What other groups do you perform (have performed) with? "I met my good friends, Dave Renaud and Nada Mitich, while playing in the Lake Shore Wind Symphony during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a wonderful symphonic band directed by the late and great Robert Awe. I have been playing with Dave and Nada in Dave's award winning big band, Swing Nouveau, for the past 21 years. Also, I played in the Lost Jazz Quartet, a Milwaukee group in the early 1990s formed by members that I met at the Conservatory. Dave, Nada and I all play together in the WASB sax section." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "I have no specific band pieces or favorite composer." What is/was your career? "I graduated from Carroll College with degrees in History and Political Science, and graduated from Marquette Law School. I have my own practice in South Milwaukee, specializing in probate, estate planning and criminal law." What is something that few people know about you? "Most people do not know that I enjoy reading history about the American Revolution, Russian History and World War Two. I also watch a lot of cartoons and listen almost exclusively to Jazz."

Member Spotlight! Gary Metzger How long have you been playing trombone? "I started playing trombone at Audubon Junior High School, Milwaukee in 1971, played through high school at Martin Luther HS (1977) in Greendale, WI. After approximately a 25 year break from playing, my daughter picked up trombone and I started playing at that time again. My daughter is now a music educator in Wauwatosa." What is your earliest musical memory? "Piano lessons as a young child, I quit piano after second grade and regret that today. I don't remember anyone asking me to pick an instrument when it was time in junior high school, I assumed that was "what you did" as I had a father who played sax, mother played bass, sister who played french horn and my brother played trumpet. So I picked an instrument and it was the trombone. I had no idea I'd still be playing now!" When did you join WASB? "This was my first season with WASB and I found the music at times difficult, but enjoyed it immensely and enjoyed the challenge. Everyone with WASB has been very welcoming and I look forward to not only the concerts, but the rehearsals." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy sports. While I"m not great at it, I enjoy golf if it is a nice day outside. I'm getting too old to do many other sports, but I know I can golf for a long time if I don't set my expectation too high. I recently found disc golf to be quite enjoyable as well." What other groups do you perform (for have performed) with? "I have played with a couple of church groups to help with their worship services and have played with a variety of other trombone players in "Dem Bones", a trombone choir organized in Waukesha." Do you have a favorite band piece or favorite composer? "I can't say that I have a favorite composer or piece as music was not a focal point for me. Music was a hobby and I find it now to be a stress reliever and a challenge. I enjoy a variety of genres from Big Band in the 40's, 50's rock and roll, 60's rock, instrumental jazz, classical and modern country music. I enjoy going to the symphony and musicals. I do like to be able to understand the words in songs and pick out the notes, so hard rock was not my thing even tough I grew up in that era." What is/was your career? "After 20 years in the auto industry servicing cars I switched careers and have been a accountant and income tax preparer for the last 16 years." What is something that very few people know about you? "People don't know that I am an enrolled member of the the Stockbridge-Munsee band of Mohican Indians. We have a small reservation in Shawano County in Wisconsin. This past year I was able to find time to deer hunt on the reservation; having never hunted before, I didn't know what to expect. I found it enjoyable and relaxing. Maybe next year I'll actually see a deer!"

Member Spotlight! Amanda Weber How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I started playing trombone in the 5th grade, at age 10. I have been playing the trombone for 14 years. I played euphonium briefly in high school. I also started piano at age 3 and took lessons for many years, but later became more focused on trombone when I started playing it." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory was when I played bells at a concert for school. I cannot remember how old I was or what grade I was in, but I remember taking the little bell set home and practicing for the concert." When did you join WASB? I joined WASB when I was in my third year of undergraduate at Carroll University, 2013. I have been involved with WASB for the past three years." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? I love to ski and snowboard. I also love to volunteer with special needs children at Nathan Hale High School. I road bike in the summer. I have two dogs and they also take up most of my time, in a good way." What other groups do you perform (have performed) with? "I played with UJAY during high school as well as in the high school band. I played for Carroll's Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble while in college." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "My favorite wind ensemble piece is Jupiter by Gustav Holst." What is/was your career? "I am a hospice nurse and absolutely love my job. Presently, I am in school for my Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Primary Care. I attend Marquette University for my graduate degree. I graduate this May with my Masters in Nursing. I am very excited for the opportunities to come in the future."

Member spotlight! Michael James How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I started to play the trumpet in 5th grade when band was first offered to students. I played in numerous high school bands (where I met my wife) and college and owe a lot to each of my instructors who really had a huge impact on the person I became. During high school I also played percussion at church. After college, work and life got in the way and I stopped playing both instruments for almost 20 years. When my daughter was in 5th grade, she also decided to play trumpet and I pulled mine out again, started playing, and enjoyed how rewarding it continued to be." What is your earliest musical memory? "I remember listening to the orchestra at our church, especially during Christmas, and really enjoyed those performances, paying particular attention to the trumpet and percussion sections." When did you join WASB? "I was aware of WASB and attended numerous concerts before a high-school friend and a coworker, who were both in WASB, encouraged me to join during the spring of 2013." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Besides trying to keep up with my son and daughter's high school activities, I enjoy photography, walking our Siberian Husky, watching drum corps, and helping out with the Waukesha North Bands." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "With my wife and daughter, we have a brass trio and we perform for numerous Salvation Army events, primarily during the Christmas season. Ive also played with Concord Chamber Orchestra ad various brass ensembles in the area." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer?) and if so, what is it? "I've always loved how music can add feeling to a movie or play, so I really enjoy getting the chance to play some of the great scores from composers like John Williams or Andrew Lloyd Weber. I also really enjoy pieces by Aaron Copland." What is/was your career? "I enjoy working with computers and am currently an IT Director for a local company."

Member Spotlight! Sara Ford How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I have been playing the flute for 33 years. I began private lessons when I was 9. I also took piano lessons growing up but quit in high school to concentrate on the flute and piccolo." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory is fighting with my mom over practicing! I initially hated playing the instrument, but she wouldn't let me quit and forced me to stick with lessons." When did you join WASB? "I played in WASB for a year when Michael Alexander was the conductor and joined again with a friend in 2004 or 2005. We can't remember the exact year." Do you have hobbies other than music? "I love flower gardening, crafts, reading and cooking." Do you perform (have you performed) with other ensembles? "I don't perform with any other groups, but I do play in my church often throughout the year." Do you have a favorite piece (or composer?) "I don't have a favorite composer and like anything with a good piccolo part! :) " What is/was your career? "I teach general music at Brown Deer Elementary School. This year I am teaching kindergarten and grades 3rd - 6th." What is something that few people know about you? "I am a single mom to a beautiful 7 year old girl with Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 - 15,000 girls. I juggle work with being a mom, physical therapist, nurse, speech therapist and advocate. Playing in WASB allows me to escape from it all for a few hours each week."

Member Spotlight! David Harrison How long have you been playing your instrument and do you play others? "Playing clarinet since 3rd grade. Began on an awful metal instrument. In high school I graduated to a Noblet student grade wood clarinet that I played until I joined the Oconomowoc American Legion Band. When I participated in an American Legion convention in San Antonio, Texas in the early 80's, I found my current Buffet clarinet in a pawn shop. At Marquette U I played baritone sax. In college I picked up the oboe and still play it. I sometimes play tenor sax when a group desperately needs an inferior player." What is your earliest musical memory? "My parents played opera on their 78 rpm RCA Victor. My dad loved Gilbert and Sullivan's works. I loved melting their records over bowls in a heated oven." When did you join WASB? "1983 or the second year of Larry Harper's tenure as director." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Besides reading more than watching TV, I enjoy keeping the exterior of my condo in garden color and providing my neighbors with tomatoes. Though I am retired, I spend up to 70 hours a week during the spring, summer and fall seasons in creating art for the 18 art festivals I participate in a four state area. In addition I get to the gym, ride my bike, visit botanical gardens, see an occasional movie. In the winter I increase my art inventory and get four major ski trips to Western ski areas. Just bought a kayak for next summer." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "Have performed with the Milwaukee Police Band and the Oconomowoc American Legion Band." Do you have a favorite band piece (or a favorite composer)? "Wagner is a constant companion in my car. Mahler, though, is my favorite for his woven intricacies and textures. I love Edward Elgar's 'Enigma Variations' and Ravel's 'La Valse'." What is/was your career? "After two years in Milwaukee parochial school system, I settled in to teaching high school English for 32 years in the Hartland Arrowhead school system and retired from it in 2000." What is something that very few know about you? "I was the first American to climb Peak Baluka in the Altai region of southern Siberia in 1990 with a small group of Russian climbers. And I was in Dushanbe Tajikistan when Gorbachev was arrested in the Crimea in 1991."

Member Spotlight! Nada Mitich How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have played an instrument since I was 9 years of age ( approx. 50 years). I actually started on Bb clarinet, and play all in that woodwind family, as well as all of the saxophone instruments in that group. I would say my absolute favorite would be the bass clarinet, of which I have played in several groups, including WASB, years ago, under the direction of Dr. Harper." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory would be my first concert, which took all of 15 minutes, performing all the standards, such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." When did you join WASB? "I've been with WASB approximately 10 years, including filling in at various times as a sub." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I have been for many years, until recently, a visual designer/color guard instructor for several competitive marching bands throughout the state." What other groups do you perform (have you performed) with? "I grew up performing with the Milwaukee Lake Band, then the Milwaukee Police Band, Bay View Players Orchestra, Lakeshore Wind Symphony, various community bands,, and for the last 20 years, and currently - Swing Nouveau." Do you have a favorite band piece(or composer)? "Two of my favorite pieces of music are "Adagio for Strings" and "Incantation and Dance". I must say however, that this semester's "A Healing Heart" by Rick Kirby, has become a favorite because I think it has a lot of feeling in its passages. And for something entirely different, I am a huge Eagles and Styx fan." What is/was your career? "For my professions, I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist Lead) in Hematology at St. Luke's Medical Center." What is something that few people know about you? "I have ridden a camel in the Canary Islands."

Member Spotlight! Phil Rothschadl How long have you been playing your instrument; do you play others? "I've been playing trumpet for 37 years (holy cow) starting in the 5th grade. I started organ in the 6th grade and started playing in church in the 8th grade. I played drum set in a rock band for 4 years, string bass in college orchestra as well as the Watertown Area Community Orchestra, lead alto sax in the jackson Park Jazz Orchestra for the past 4 years, and all band instruments for fun (and work)." What is your earliest musical memory? "I remember singing old traditional folk songs in the first grade, but I remember listening to music my parents would play on the radio on Sunday mornings ("Classical" followed by 40's Jazz) and the great music of classic cartoons of Bugs Bunny, Looney Tunes, and Tom and Jerry." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in the fall of 2014." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I'm a 3rd degree black belt Tae Kwon Do, I like doing sports such as biking, golf and waterskiing. I also like to garden." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I am currently the second trumpet in the Nordic Brass Quintet, lead alto in the Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra, organ at Blessed Sacrament (18 years), trumpet, snare or drum set with the UW Madison Alumni Band, the Waukesha Park and Recreation Band 16 years. In the past, I've played in Watertown, UW Madison, and the Concord Orchestras, pit orchestras for St Francis, Oregon, Madison, conducted 6 pit orchestras, 89 or so weddings, over 60 shows with the Wisconsin Singers, multiple jazz groups, conducted the Watertown Municipal band 4 years, several polka bands, 10 shows with Kids from Wisconsin, so I guess I've done quite a bit." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "I have always loved John Williams' music. Outside of John Williams my favorite song was performing the United States premiere of "The Lord of the Rings" by Johan de Meij at UW Madison." What is/was your career? "I currently teach 4th and 5th grade band at Swanson Elementary in Brookfield." What is something that very few people know about you? "I'm a fine line away from joining the circus: I can play organ and trumpet at the same time in 2 different keys. I can also juggle (but not at the same time)."

Member spotlight! Mark Hammel How long have you been playing your instrument? "I've played the clarinet for 48 years. In fact, I've been playing the same clarinet for 46 years! What is your earliest musical memory? "Singing in music programs in elementary school." When did you join WASB? "This is my second time playing with WASB. I first joined in the mid-1980's, took a break after my third child was born in 1994, and re-joined in 2007." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "In addition to spending time with my family (including my 9 month old grandson), I enjoy riding my Harley, traveling, photography, and trying different craft beers." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "In high school, I performed with the Greater Milwaukee Touring Youth Symphony and toured Mexico and Romania. I played in the band at Marquette University, primarily to get into the basketball games as part of the pep band. After graduating, I played in the Suburban Concert Band in West Allis for a few years, and played in the pit band for two musicals with the West Allis Players." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "One of my favorite pieces is Shostakovich's Festive Overture. We performed it as part of a WSMA judged concert band performance in high school. I still remember as we were waiting to start the piece, our director grinned at us, took off his glasses, and put away the score. We proceeded to play the piece to near perfection. For many years after that I got goose bumps every time I heard the piece." What is/was your career? "I'm an electrical engineer at GE Healthcare."

Member Spotlight! Lisa Selensky How long have you been playing your instrument? "The big confession is that I was an oboe/English horn player from 5th grade through 12th grade, and supplemented with alto and soprano sax in jazz band, and clarinet in a polka band (for real!). I crossed over to the dark side in the high school pep band, playing trumpet and mellophone on Friday nights for the games. Throughout the summer marching competition seasons, I played keyboards in the percussion section (now THAT'S a fun bunch!) until I led the band as drum major for a few seasons. Teaching myself horn in 1982 started out as a way to kill time during lunch period, but I quickly fell in love with the sound, and the challenge. My director was less than thrilled at my "lack of focus" at the time, but 20 years later at a 2002 band reunion weekend, he said "go grab something to play - anything!" The next week I was horn shopping and haven't put it down since." What is your earliest musical memory? "My older sister, who is a talented pianist, thought it'd be a fun experiment to teach me to read music and to play piano at age 4. I remember having to sit on multiple phone books to reach the keyboard, and if I could play the songs perfectly in the Schaum primer, she'd let me color in the pictures on the page." When did you join WASB? " I joined WASB in 2005." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Yes, I"m an equestrian, which is code for being a little crazy. For this I credit the back pressure from playing oboe all those years! ;) In addition, my husband Richard and I are avid boaters - we spend as much time on Lake Michigan waters as possible during boating season, and if there's time, I love to kayak, bike, and travel." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? I played in the Lakeshore Symphonic Band from 2002 until 2007, as well as the Cedarburg Community Band and a horn quartet during that same time frame." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "I am loving the Caveman bit we're during currently, and Rick's pieces are always fun. I enjoy slow complex pieces (Ticheli), but am also a sucker for big epic film score." What is/was your career? "I was a commercial interior designer working at an architectural firm until the crash...since '09 I've been doing some residential design consulting work but I mainly take care of our farm, the horses, and our three daughters."

Member Spotlight! Wes Schmandt How long have you been playing percussion? "I have been playing percussion for 44 years. I started when I was 5." What is your earliest musical memory? "Getting my first drum. I brought it to my grandma's house and showed her how to set it up...still not able to play anything...just proud to show it off. I remember the smell of the rubber practice pad and that memory comes to me whenever I get to teach a beginner and open that new drum up with them for the first time." When did you join WASB? "Good question. It was a while ago. We played in Madison my first year - a Copland tribute and Heroes Lost and Fallen." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "Many. I love the outdoors. I fish, waterski, boat, play with our kids, golf. I like to cook. I love to travel. Being a German teacher, I love anything German. I like to make things -- mostly wood projects. I also like to make drum related things like mallets, drums and cajons." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "WASB is really my only concert band organization. I have played with Jim Sewrey's percussionists on occasion. I have subbed for Wisconsin Lutheran College. I was also in a number of rock bands in my younger years." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer)? "I like John Mackey. One of my favorites at the moment is "Foundry". I hope to get the chance to play it some day. One memory from WASB is having played Gavorkna Fanfare and meeting Jack Stamp." What is/was your career? "High school German teacher and percussion instructor."

Member Spotlight! Cheryl Miracle How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I started on the recorder in the 4th grade if you call that a start. I began horn in the 5th grade and haven't looked back. I teach middle school so I can play many other instruments at a moderate level." What is your earliest musical memory? "I remember the High School band coming to my elementary to play for us. I loved the sound of the trumpets!" When did you join WASB? "My friend Sarah was a member a while back and always spoke so highly of the ensemble. When I was student teaching in Sun Prairie, I met our director Rick Kirby and was inspired by him as a musician and role model." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I live on a hobby farm and raise chickens, alpacas and honeybees." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I play in the Wisconsin Horn Quartet and the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra." Do you have a favorite band piece (Or favorite composer)? "My favorite traditional band composer is Holst and modern band composer is Frank Ticheli." What is/was your career? "I am a 5th - 8th grade band and general music teacher in Franklin, WI." What is something that very few people know about you? "I know how to drive both school bus and motorcycle and used to own a Harley."

Member Spotlight! Richard Farvour How long have you been playing percussion? Do you play other instruments? "I have been a percussionist for 54 years after getting my start in the Ripon. Wisconsin Public School band program. I also play "a little" guitar, bass and ukulele." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory would have to be listening to and watching the church choir at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ripon. I later became a member of that group. Following that was at around age 9, watching Jim Davis standing ramrod straight behind his concert snare drum during a Ripon High School Band concert and deciding then and there that I wanted to be a 'drummer'." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in the early 1990's and have remained a member ever since." Do you have hobbies other than music? "Outside of music, I enjoy an occasional round of golf, reading science fiction stories/books, and hanging out with good friends." Do you perform with other ensembles? "Aside from WASB, I perform with the Waukesha Choral Union, Jubilate Chorale, The Waukesha Civic Band, my garage band "the McButts" and the Celebration Choir at Queen of Apostle's Catholic Church. I also facilitate occasional drum circles/rhythm jams." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "Without a doubt, my favorite band piece is "Procession of the Nobles" with its wonderful tympani part. I also very much enjoy playing the music of Clifton Williams, John Williams, and of course, Rick Kirby." What is/was your career? "Prior to retiring in 2009, I enjoyed a 30+ year career as a Social Worker/Juvenile Justice Practitioner. I'm still employed, part-time, as a substitute teacher at Pewaukee High School." What is something that few people know about you? "Most people don't know I was afflicted with polio as an infant."

Member Spotlight! Mandi Karlson How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing clarinet in the 5th grade so it's been almost 30 years (eek)! I originally wanted to play the saxophone but was dissuaded by my music teacher due to the popularity of the instrument at the time. I play a little piano and I played bassoon for a year in 8th grade." What is your earliest musical memory? "My parents stuck me in piano lessons around the age of 5 and I hated it! Don't really remember much except my piano teacher scolding me for not practicing. Taught me to read music though and since my parents had a piano, I kinda self taught myself to play. My mom always used to say she could tell how stressed out I was by how loud I played." When did you join WASB? "I believe it was the spring semester of 2004? (The year the very first concerto competition was held.) Joining the group has been nostalgic for me. Waukesha has been my home for as long as I can remember. I took lessons for a number of years under the direction of Dan Gilmore and was invited to play after touching base after getting off 2nd shift. Playing under the direction of my high school (Waukesha West) band director and rehearsing sometimes at my alma mater has given me great pride." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I like to crochet, if I have time (2 kids ages 6 & 7 and a full-time job don't afford much). My passion right now is running. I've run 2 half marathons in the past year and am signed up for my 3rd in September." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I've played in a few church groups over the years and have been a part-timer in the Waukesha Park and Recreation Civic Band since around the same time I joined WASB. Talk about brining back memories! It's been a blast playing alongside so many people who have been a part of my musical upbringing." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "Hmm, anything John Williams for sure. Of course, I haven't found a Rick Kirby piece I didn't like. A couple of pieces that stick out in my mind are Jupiter (Gustav Holst) and Ghost Train (Eric Whitacre). I am particularly fond of musicals and have seen Phantom of the Opera three times." What is/was your career? "I am a medical technologist, now known as a clinical lab scientist- fancy name for a lab rat. I am the person you never see but am the one who provides your doctor with your test results." What is something that very few people know about you? "I took 5 years of German and was an exchange student. I spent three and a half weeks in Germany the summer after I graduated high school."

Member Spotlight! Kurt Eisenmann How long have you been playing your instrument? "My first encounter with a musical instrument was the summer before junior high, when I decided to play the mellophone. From that, I graduated to the French horn (of which my mother was pleased since she was a horn player). As it turned out, my music lessons, through Milwaukee Public Schools, were taught by my mother's Riverside HS band director, Robert Erdman. Alas, I had trouble advancing with horn, so elected to shift to percussion before entering James Madison HS, even though Mr. Erdman warned me that "drummers are a dime-a-dozen!" What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memories are of listening to my parents singing at home and in church choirs, and listening to records while playing in my "fort" ... a makeshift fortress under our dining room table. Crooners like Sinatra, Crosby, Williams, Martin, and albums of Broadway musicals were ever present in my home. Singing in a youth church choir was a given, and participation in music ministry (vocal and instrumental) has continued throughout my lifetime, and remains a vital activity for me today." When did you join WASB? "I believe I've been a WASB member for 5 or 6 years." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "Being a "Poppy" to two granddaughters has opened up a whole new world of activities for me, for which I am grateful. I do have a number of favorite television shows. Also, I enjoy hiking, biking, travel, and any other thing that allows me to spend quality time with my lifelong companion, spouse, and best friend, Cynthia." Do you perform with (or have performed with) any other groups? "In 1970, I traveled to Europe with Music for Youth (now MYSO), played/sang/traveled with multiple ensembles while attending Westmar College, did the "dance band" circuit with a couple groups (Rhythmaires, Ambassadors), enjoyed a nice "run" with The Wisconsin Horn Quartet and Friends, performed with area college concert bands, rode/played a number of years in the Great Circus Parade as a member of the Mounted Circus Band, and have enjoyed my time with the Waukesha Park Board summer band. Most recently, I have joined the Milwaukee Police Band and their break-out group, the Bluecoats. When needed, I sub in the Regimental Band of Wisconsin.There are probably more to add to this list... so many of us continue to "fill the void" with performance opportunities because of the importance music has in our lives, right?" Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "From the moment I first performed the piece, under the direction of Danilo Ferrari at the MPS all-school music festival, I have enjoyed Symphonic Dance No. 3, Fiesta, by Clifton Williams. Sentimentally, I always look forward to playing Kirby pieces, as they often evoke my emotions." What is/was your career? "I began my career as an admissions counselor for a small, private Methodist college in Iowa (Westmar), traveling a five state area. After marrying my college sweetheart, I chose graduate school (Wisconsin) to become a school counselor. Two years as a school counselor at Edgewood HS (Madison) led to the beginning of a 15-year connection with the University of Wisconsin in student affairs, followed by 17 years as a school counselor for Waukesha North HS." What is something few people know about you? "While at Edgewood HS, I was (of Saturday Night Live and movie fame) Chris Farley's school counselor."

How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I began playing the clarinet in 5th grade (age 10) after playing around with recorders and keyboards as a child at home (that means I've been playing clarinet for more than 25 years!) When heading in to choose an instrument, I was undecided between the clarinet and trumpet. When I arrived, my former church choir director (Mrs. Phyllis Gilmore, oboe) was working with the woodwinds, so I gravitated first towards her. I blew a few notes and it was easy and natural, so I never even got to try the trumpet! I'm very glad I chose the clarinet as my main instrument, as I've been able to play in a wide variety of ensembles over the years. As a music ed major (UW-Eau Claire), I had the opportunity to learn all of the instruments; Ive since kept up with the flute and saxophone on the side for fun!" What is your earliest musical memory? "My mother tells me that I would sit in front of the speakers at home and rock to the beat of their music when I was about 9 months old. I played with recorders and keyboards from as early on as I can remember. I joined the church choir around age 4, so that was my first organized ensemble. As a very small child, we would make dance/performance routines in the basement to artists like the Beatles, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Paula Abdul. I also joined the school choir in 4th grade, starting my love for singing!" When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in the fall of 2006 after completing my Masters at the University of Minnesota. I returned home to Waukesha and was thrilled to learn that my high school band director, Mr. Kirby, was the conductor! It has been such a pleasure to play under his direction again." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "My husband and I recently purchased a house, so our free time has greatly involved painting, staining and yard work (thanks for the help, mom)! We love spending time outdoors and enjoy hiking and biking around the Kettle Moraine area. My husband works on and races a 1986 Mustang, so during the summer months we hit the track often and enjoy driving around town." What other groups do you perform (or have performed) with? "I have played in a wide variety of ensembles over the years, including many concert bands, orchestras, marching band, chamber ensembles, pit orchestras, new music ensembles, alongside vocalists and choirs, and many others. After grad school, I subbed in many orchestras in the area, including the Racine, Menomonee Falls and Kettle Moraine Symphonies, Concord Chamber Orchestra, Milwaukee Summer Philharmonia, Cream City Concert Band and the Chicago Classical Philharmonia. I have been performing with the Waukesha Civic Band (Park, Recreation & Forestry) since given the wonderful opportunity my junior year at Waukesha West High School; this is now my 18th summer playing at the Les Paul Band Shell in Cutler Park!" Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "This is tough! I've played so much amazing music over the years! For concert band, pieces that stick out in my memory are John Mackey's Redline Tango. Frank Ticheli's Blue Shades, Grainer's Lincolnshire Posy, both Holst Suites for Band, Milhaud's Suite Francaise, and all of Kirby's pieces! In orchestral land, playing Stravinsky's Firebird was a highlight, as was Resphigi's Pines of Rome, Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique and Brahms' four symphonies. For chamber music, I loved playing the Maslanka woodwind quintets." What is/was your career? "I am an Account Manager specializing in Educational and Classical Music at Hal Leonard. I work with stores that focus on music for schools and libraries. This includes a lot of research finding obscure pieces, coordinating reading sessions and conventions, and traveling to work in exhibit halls and visiting my accounts around the country. Since I have a specialty accounts instead of a district territory, my dealers are located all around the United States. I have also been a private clarinet teacher year round since returning from the University of Minnesota in 2006, but I took a hiatus while planning my wedding last fall and moving this spring!" What is something very few people know about you? "I worked as a painter for the School District of Waukesha for 10 summers."

Member Spotlight! Kelsey Shook How long have you been playing your instrument, and do you play others? "I began playing trombone (I knew I needed to choose something different or non-stereotypical) in 5th grade. So I've been playing for about 22 years! I always enjoyed teaching myself to play different instruments that I'd ask my mother to bring home. I picked up euphonium in 9th grade for marching band and began playing flute duets for fun with my mother in high school, as well. As a band director, I've learned all the wind, string and percussion instruments. One of my favorite perks of the job is easy access to instruments to enjoy!" What is your earliest musical memory? "I'm not sure what my earliest musical memory is because there was always a lot of music happening in the house. A few distinct memories are listening to Radetzky March on "repeat" while my parents practiced with the Mounted Circus Band for the Great Circus Parade, and watching my parents participate in church music in a variety of capacities. We have also really enjoyed playing music together during the holiday seasons." When did you join WASB? "I was eager to join my parents in WASB as soon as I moved back to Wisconsin from central Minnesota in the fall of 2011. Since then, my brother and husband joined, too! It's really a family affair." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy spending time with my nieces (two in Wauwatosa and one in Houston) as often as possible. I also enjoy spending time outdoors by hiking and grilling out with family. Additionally, I like reading, cooking, baking, and being crafty with a glue gun." With which other groups do you/have you performed? "Almost as soon as I learned an instrument, I began searching out additional performance opportunities and have played in as many ensembles as possible. My experiences include every style on both euphonium and trombone; chamber music, symphonic/chamber orchestras, pit orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, church music, and drum and bugle corps (where I met my husband and "duet partner"). I've cut back now and WASB is my only regular ensemble, but I sub in the area when my colleagues need me. I also play in a trombone choir called 'Dem Bones!' which is affiliated with First United Methodist Church." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer)? "I've always really loved Percy Grainger's music and Lincolnshire Posy is a favorite. I just love his musical sense of humor and the creative expression markings. Really, any composer who writes challenging trombone or lyrical euphonium parts has my vote!" What is/was your career? "I am a 2006 graduate of Luther College and have been a middle school band director since. I started my career by teaching for four years in Litchfield, MN. I moved back to SE Wisconsin to be closer to family and have been teaching at Kennedy Middle School in Germantown." What is something that few people know about you? "My participation in music ensembles has given me the chance to travel internationally multiple times! Italy, Germany, Austria and France with UWAY, Japan and China with the Luther College Concert Band and Dominican Republic and Puerto Rco with the Luther College Jazz Orchestra. It's neat to see the way music really does bridge cultures and bring people together!"

Member Spotlight! Erik Eisenmann How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing the Horn since about 1989. I also took a few years of piano lessons, dabbled with the cello, played the electric bass in my high school jazz band and played the mellophone/marching French horn in the UW Band. I have a banjo and harmonica at home that I'd also love to learn to play, but I still need to put in some time!" What is your earliest musical memory? "Singing in church with my family. I also have great memories of watching my dad perform with the Wisconsin Horn Quartet and Friends, and both my parents rehearse and perform with the Mounted Band in the Great Circus Parade." When did you join WASB? "I joined in 2011, shortly after I moved back to the Milwaukee area." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I love sports (UW Football and Basketball, Packers Football, Bucks Basketball, and Arsenal Soccer), and my wife and I both love traveling. I'm also a politics junkie and need my daily fix of Politico and fivethirtyeight.com." What other groups do you/have you performed with? "I was in MYSO when I was in high school, played in the Wind Ensemble and UW Marching Band when I was at Wisconsin, and most recently was a member of the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra (we rehearsed in a courtroom at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago)." Do you have a favorite band piece or favorite composer? "My favorite composer is Aaron Copland, and I love his Appalachian Spring and The Tender Land." What is/was your career? "I am a shareholder at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. (soon to be Husch Blackwell LLP), and I practice management-side labor and employment law." What is something that few people know about you? "I find my "moment of zen" riding my Harley motorcycle in the hills and valleys of the Kettle Moraine."

Member Spotlight! Liz Awe How long have you been playing flute? "I've been a flutist since age 10 and a handful of decades have passed since then. One of my earliest musical memories was hearing by dad play his baby grand piano late in the evening in the room on the other side of my bedroom wall. My sister and I would pound on the wall in hopes that he would stop so we could go to sleep. But more memorable and exciting than that was the instantaneous standing ovation the Milwaukee Elks Youth Band received from an audience of band directors at the ASBDA Convention at the Pfister Hotel after our performance of Trittico by Vaclav Nehlybel." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in Fall 2004 after playing the final spring concert of Milwaukee's Lake Shore Wind Symphony, in which I was principal flute for 17 years." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "My favorite hobby is being grandma to two awesome little girls. They've also gotten me back into some old hobbies inspiring me to crochet baby afghans and cross-stitch birth samplers. I also enjoy reading, sudoku and word puzzles, and am into mandala coloring." Do you perform with other ensembles? "Throughout the years I have played with the groups previously mentioned as well as the UWM Wind Ensemble and the Milwaukee Civic Band. Currently I also perform with the Gutekunst Flute Ensemble, the Greenfield Concert Band and the Waukesha Summer Park and Rec Band." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "Having performed so much band literature over the years with various groups, it's impossible to choose a favorite piece but two that stand out are Divine Comedy by Robert W. Smith, and the Lord of the Rings by Johan de Meij. Favorite band composers include Philip Sparke, W. Francis McBeth, Alfred Reed, and of course, John Williams. Any piece with beautiful melodic lines and great counter melodies appeals to me." What is/was your career? "As an early childhood educator I taught in the Milwaukee Public School System for 32.5 years. I now volunteer in a K5 kindergarten at the elementary school my children attended in Greenfield." What is something few people know about you? "Something most people don't know about me is that I zip-lined in Hawaii on my 65th birthday after previously vowing it would never happen. I loved it! This summer I'm playing my first musical, Little Mermaid, with the Greendale Community Theater with performances the last two weekends in July. It's not often that a reed book is primarily flute and picc."

Member spotlight! Jennie Post How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing Bb clarinet in my junior year of high school. The transition to bass clarinet was easy in my senior year of high school and so I played bass clarinet when I started at Carroll College. I did also play piano in 4th grade." When did you join WASB? I played with WASB when I was in college, took some time out after 1998, and joined again three years ago." What is your earliest musical memory? "When I was able to play Star Wars on the piano." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "Yes! I like to cross country ski, water ski, swim and canoe. When my computer behaves, I like to futz with it, and I do spend time reading." Do or did you perform with any other groups other than WASB? "I played with my college band when I was a student at Carroll, but WASB is my only band experience now." Do you have any favorite band pieces or composers? "I have some favorites. I love "Overture from the Wasps" by Vaughn Williams, the Holst Suites, and John Mackey's "Aurora Awakes". What is/was your career? "I majored in Psychology and Human Services but am not presently working." What is something few people know about you? "I like to downhill ski." Not having the ability to see the music, how do you learn to play your parts so well? "I learn by ear. I listen to recordings of the music we are playing and that helps me."

Member Spotlight! Donna Siegl How long have you been playing your instrument? "I "picked up" several instruments in high school - which is a long time ago. Brass instruments are my forte, trumpet being my major, although I've played a lot more euphonium since 1983 when I joined Northshore Concert Band out of Chicago. As a high school freshman I wanted to play trumpet, and I saved up enough to buy my first trumpet. My dad soldered a valve which broke! And he did a PERFECT job because if worked perfectly!!!" When did you join WASB? "I don't remember the exact year I joined WASB, but I do remember that, having brought both trumpet and euphonium, and all auditions had been performed and performers chosen, I was allowed to sit in with the trumpet section that night, and was invited into the band after that rehearsal." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I read a lot - like mysteries and have several favorite authors. Photography has also crossed my path for many years. I also like to put picture puzzles together - but my cats like to de-construct them, so that becomes a problem. Gardening takes up a LOT of my time." Do you play (or have you played) with other groups? "The first group I played with was the Milwaukee Civic Band. I've also played with the Northshore Concert Band (17 years - and will be playing with them as an alum on June 12 concert at Northwestern University's Pick Staiger Auditorium.) Other groups included the Appleton City Band. Presently I play with the Knightwind Ensemble and the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? " 'Victory at Sea' comes to mind (our two concerts this past week have included that), but I also like Holst's Second Suite in Eb -- and a lot of other music as well, like 'Capriccio Italien." What is/was your career? "I've been blessed with the supreme job for more than 30 years - a chaplain. I've also been a band director, massage therapist, teacher for grades 1 through high school, and music teacher." What is something that few people know about you? "I'm guessing not a lot of people know that I directed one of the music circus wagon in Milwaukee all the years the Great Circus Parade came to town -- what a fun gig!"

Member Spotlight! Dan Gilmore How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing clarinet in 6th grade, so that makes 64 years plus couple of years of piano before that." What is your earliest musical memory? "Playing the flutophone on the radio with two other classmates in 5th grade. They both stopped playing and I ended up playing all by myself! I was mighty scared." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB after I left my position in the Waukesha Symphony. My best guess is that was around 1990-92." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I love outdoor sports like hunting and fishing and used to be an avid golfer. Playing cards is also a major distraction." What other groups do you play (or have played) with? "I have played in the Waukesha Park Board Band for 50+ years and was principal clarinetist in the Waukesha Symphony for ten years." Do you have a favorite band piece(or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "My wife would say I am a Rossini Overture nut but I like Mozart, Beethoven, Tschaikovsky and most Romantic and Baroque composers. Favorite band composer music composers would be John Williams and Rick Kirby." What is/was your career? "I taught band in the Elm Brook schools for 34 years both at the high school and middle school level. I have judged and continue to judge solo and ensemble contests for WSMA. In addition to these endeavors I taught 17 years at the Green Bay Summer Music Camps." What is something that very few people know about you? "Can't think of anything... I must be an open book."

Member Spotlight! Pam Perry How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing clarinet in 5th grade and piano in 1st grade. I started picking up other instruments in 7th grade, joining jazz band on the baritone sax. I added flute in high school." What is your earliest musical memory? "I remember my early piano lessons with my mother listening in. My next memory that really stands out is my first solo & ensemble in 6th grade." When did you join WASB? "My husband and I first joined when we moved to the Waukesha area in 1991. I have played since then with a few breaks for the birth of 2 children and a Master's Degree." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I love to work in our garden and yard in the summer, read and spend time with family." Do you perform with any other groups? "I have played with many groups during my musical career but currently play with the Waukesha Park and Rec Band in the summer." What is/was your career? "I am a Band Director and have taught in Brillion, Appleton, Waupaca, The Menominee Indian Reservation and currently teach at Butler Middle School in Waukesha."

Member Spotlight! Daniel DeKarske How long have you played your instrument? "I started private clarinet lessons in 4th grade but did not have a group outlet until 9th grade junior high band. I got one lesson on sax in 10th grade (just enough to make the school stage band). I don't remember any of the fingerings except that hitting the right keys was kind of like "hand grenades" (close is good enough)." What is your earliest musical memory? "My dad was a Barber Shopper and my mom was a Sweet Adeline. They sang to me at a very young age." When did you join WASB? "Sometime in the mid 70's. Jay Whitney recruited me at Steve Whitney's parent-teacher conference. Jim Hoch was the WASB conductor." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Deer hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, biking, reading, eating (and trying to lose weight)." What other groups do you perform with? "I played in the Waukesha Park/Rec band for over 30 years. I retired from that group a few years back. I now sing bass in the church choir." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer?) "No favorite band piece or composer. Music is great (except for country and rap)." What is/was your career? "I retired from teaching mainly biology and the earth sciences in 2004. Now volunteering is my calling." What is something that very few people know about you? "I play the ocarina (and I even have my own instrument-if you want to call it that). Strange beast - pitch changes signficantly with how hard you blow."

Member Spotlight! Kent Shook How long have you been playing your instrument? "I've been playing euphonium for 27 years, following in my dad's footsteps. But when I was a kid I must have been trying to inflict maximum pain on my parents' pocketbooks and patience, since I went through piano, cello, trombone and percussion on my way to the euphonium! I've also played tuba and dabbled with a few other instruments as well, and I still enjoy playing trombone and bass trombone, too." What is your earliest musical memory? "I think it would be watching my parents in a German band that was playing the very non-German Lassus Trombone. I thought those glissandos were the coolest thing!" When did you join WASB? "I started playing in WASB in the fall of 2012. I was very happy to find such a high-quality ensemble that played fun, challenging music and be able to enjoy it with family." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Aviation! I've been flying for about 13 years both for fun and for personal and business travel. More recently, I've begun geeking out about electric cars and alternative energy and joined the Milwaukee Makerspace to learn how to build things using all kinds of neat tools." What other groups do you perform with (or have performed with)? "I marched in the Madison Scouts (Drum and Bugle Corps) for six years, and the first Rick Kirby arrangements I played were with the Kilties, where I marched for three years. I've also enjoyed playing in jazz bands, Dem Bones trombone choir, tuba/euphonium ensembles, German bands, and more." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer)? "I have a very eclectic taste in music and I enjoy almost anything with a good melody and a challenging part, be it Holst, Shostakovich, Sousa, or any lesser-known composers." What is/was your career? "I am a Business Intelligence Consultant. Basically, I go into companies and develop applications to pull together and analyze many sources of data. It's fun to learn about new companies and industries and help our clients discover many new insights about their business." What is something that few people know about you? "My family lived in The Netherlands for a year, and I went to first grade there! That, plus the numerous foreign and grad students of my dad's, helped me to realize how much alike people from various countries and cultures are. Flying myself across invisible state and national borders just a few thousand feet up just emphasizes that the only real divisions between humans are the ones we create. I wish world leaders and those who advocate for building walls and fighting wars could gain that same perspective."

Member Spotlight! Gail Schroeder-Hoffman How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing the clarinet since 5th grade. I taught myself to play the alto sax in 8th grade so I could be a part of the jazz band. Being an instrumental music teacher I had to learn to play all the instruments. Of course, I play some much better than others!" What is your earliest musical memory? "I remember watching the Boston Pops on Sunday evenings. My Dad would always make popcorn just like the audience was munching on. We also used to attend the Oconomowoc Legion Band concerts as well as the great musicals at Melody Top Theater." When did you join WASB? "I will be honest that I don't remember when I joined WASB, but Michael Alexander was still the conductor." Do you have hobbies outside of your music? "I love all sports, the Bucks, Packers, Badgers and Brewers. I am a real Olympics junkie! My favorite sport in the summer is to watch boxing. I remember watching the Friday night fights with my Dad and seeing Muhammad Ali. My Dad was a golden gloves boxer so I really learned a lot about the sport. The winter Olympic sports are a toss up as to which is my favorite. I also love to bake and cook. Knitting is another favorite pastime as well as sewing." Do you play (have you played) with other groups? "I play with many different musical groups. Previously, I played with the Kenosha Symphony, Milwaukee Legion Band, Milwaukee Concert Band, the Milwaukee Police Band and the Hartford Community Band. Currently, I play with the Oconomowoc American Legion Band, where I am the manager, librarian and assistant conductor as well as the conductor of the Jr. Legion Band. I also play clarinet, sax, and am vocalist with the Swinging' Company B, Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra (also board president), The East Troy Community Band and am the director of The Immanuel Lutheran of Lebanon Voices of Praise and Orchestra." Do you have a favorite band piece or favorite composer? "I love so many different pieces it is hard to pick a favorite, but Nessun Dorma would be a close 1st, especially when it is sung by David Phelps, Luciano Pavarotti or when it was played at my wedding by the brass quintet! As for a composer, hands down it would be Rick Kirby! Another composer I am very fond of is Philip Sparke or almost every song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. What is/was your career? "I am currently teaching K4-8 classroom and instrumental music, band and violins 5-8 at Central City Cyberschool." What is something few people know about you? "I bet most folks don't know that I just retired from teaching ballet, pointe, tap and jazz dance at the Oconomowoc Park and Rec after 45 years, and 35 years at the Watertown Park and Rec."

Member Spotlight! Becca John How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I started playing the horn in high school. My older brother played and I looked up to him so decided to try playing as well. It was rough going at first but I am grateful I stuck it out! I have played on and off since then. I play soprano recorder when the mood strikes me as well." What is your earliest musical memory? "Sitting under a grand piano while our family friend, Willa Dorsey played and sang gospel music. She had a powerful voice and it was amazing listening with my siblings in our own little world under that piano!" When did you join WASB? "About four years ago." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "Besides playing horn, I have two horses on our property that I love to ride and work with as much as possible. My husband Bruno and I love to find new trails to hike together and often take our Golden Doodle Ebby along. I love to bake bread and cook for family and friends. We have twin grandchildren (a boy and girl) who just turned four and are a blast to take care of. Two more grandkids are "on the way", one in June (a boy) and one in July (a girl)!" What other groups do your perform (or have performed) with? "I have played with the Hartland Community Band, Knightwind, UWWaukesha, The Carroll College Orchestra (a long time ago when it was called that) and now my favorite, WASB." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer)? "A favorite piece I have played is Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt arranged by John Wasson. This piece has many horn parts that are fun to play! I also like to listen to baroque music. The music we play in WASB is also inspiring. I enjoy the selections we get to work on, and I love playing in a band that helps me improve my playing and also has many friendly people. I am always grateful to play with such a talented group of band members!" What is/was your career? "I am a Therapeutic Riding Instructor at Lifestriders, and also work part-time in a food ministry, both are inspiring and rewarding places to be working." What is something that very few people know about you? "I once parked a tractor on a hill, left it in neutral by mistake and watched as it got closer and closer to the edge of a 12 foot cliff. The tractor went over the cliff, blindsided a manure spreader and came to an abrupt stop! I was shaking in my boots and thought my brother-in-law, the owner of the said tractor, was going to kill me. I even tried to put a puny rock under the tire as a last ditch effort before it took the dive, so embarrassing! My kind brother-in-law walked down to where the tractor was and drove it back up, parked it and went to eat supper, and didn't say a word. My other siblings have never let me live this down!"

Member spotlight! Walter Rich How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I started playing the tuba at the end of seventh grade. I had been a cornet player but my junior high teacher, a tuba player, asked me if I would switch to tuba so..... As a music educator, I am able to play most instruments reasonably well. But I will always consider myself a tuba player." What is your earliest musical memory? "My dad, a college professor, often listened to music sitting at our dining room table while reading papers. He was particularly fond of baroque music as well as jazz. I also have fond memories of performing in Carousel as a child actor in a college production of the musical." When did you join WASB? "1993" Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "My hobbies include: golf, scuba diving, boating and ballroom dance." What other groups do you perform (or have you performed) with? "I have performed with numerous groups both as a player and conductor. I am currently the conductor of the Edgewood College Concert Band, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band, and the the Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra. I have been the principal tuba in the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Racine Symphony and the Sheboygan Symphony." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "I can't say I have a favorite. I am always interested in hearing new works. But if I have to pick I consider the Holst suites masterworks for band. As members of WASB we are fortunate to have a wonderful composer as our music director. It is always a treat to perform his works." What is/was your career? "Music educator/conductor/performer." What is something that very few people know about you? "My wife and I are competitive ballroom dancers."

Member spotlight! Nancy Herro How long have you been playing your instrument and do you play others? "I've been playing clarinet for 45 years. I played harp all through junior high and high school. My teacher wanted me to double major in harp and clarinet, but I didn't want to. The clarinet is a lot easier to carry!" What is your earliest musical memory? "My family was filled with music and musicians, so that's hard to pinpoint, but I have a memory of sitting in the Cooley Auditorium at MATC listening to the Civic Band play with my grandfather conducting and my father playing. What I remember most, though, is that my grandmother always had Cryst-O-Mint Lifesavers to keep my sister and me quiet. I was probably about six. When I was ten, my father took me to a Chicago Symphony concert at the Pabst Theater. I remember wearing fancy white gloves! I've always loved any music by Aaron Copland and recently found the program from that concert that included Copland's Symphony No. 3. I'm sure that early experience was why I love Copland. I've always loved the excitement of live concerts and have made sure to share that with our children since they were very young." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in about 1992. Friends of mine from the Concord Chamber Orchestra were playing and thought that I might like to join. There have been some rough years for the band, but since Rick Kirby has been leading us. the ensemble has really come into its own." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I love to garden. I have four huge gardens, a couple more smaller ones and a small vegetable garden. I'm not a particularly educated, thoughtful gardener ... I don't sort seeds or pour over catalogs during the winter. I just love to work hard and see the results." What other groups do you (or have you) play with? "I played in the Concord Chamber Orchestra for many years and a couple of years with Music Under the Star and The Wisconsin Wind Orchestra. I was also in a Woodwind Quintet for a number of years with fellow WASB member Keith Tetting and others. I still play at church occasionally and have subbed here and there in several other ensembles." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "I love anything written by Percy Grainger. His Colonial Song is an all time favorite, Rick Kirby's pieces are all great. He did a beautiful treatment of The Water is Wide when our kids were babies and that became a nightly lullaby I sang to them for years. But currently, I am obsessed with Michael Torke's Bliss. Michael is a high profile composer who I sat next to in Music for Youth many years ago. I would love to play that piece some day." What is/was your career? "I am an arts administrator. I am currently the Executive Director of Civic Music Milwaukee. I always wanted to be a music teacher like so many of my family members. But when I was out student teaching, I realized that I didn't enjoy it. I had had an uninspiring band director in high school and never wanted to be that guy. so I figured out how to stay in music, but come at if from a different angle." What is something that very few people know about you? "I love anything to do with design and architecture. If I had to do it all over again, I would be an architect. I've heard architecture referred to as frozen music."

Member spotlight! Kevin Koehnke How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have played trumpet for 32 years. My first instrument was piano but I rarely play it." What is your earliest musical memory? "Listening to my mother play the "Boogie Woogie" on the piano when I was very young." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in 2000 or 2001." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "My Dad and I have a 40 acre parcel of woods that I head to as often as I can. Quiet place to enjoy nature or burn some wood in the fire pit and enjoy some beers. The deer herd is pretty healthy in the area so bow hunting takes most of my free time in the fall." What other groups do you play with? "Main Street Big Band out in Lake Mills for over a decade. Watertown Municipal Band during the summers. I also help out or fill in when called for Oconomowoc Legion Band, The Yankee Dutchmen, The 1st Brigade Band, and various community and church gigs. I marched with the Northmen Drum and Bugle Corps in my youth as well." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "I do like me some Sammy Nestico." What is/was your career? "I have a Professional Engineering license and spent a little over a decade in private residential and commercial site development. For the last several years I have been coordinating state highway permits as they relate to these same types of developments." What is something very few people know about you? "If I answered this question, my secret would be out wink emoticon Ok...here's one... my middle name is Francis (after my mom's dad). I can already hear Bailey and Nelson quoting a scene from Stripes..."

Member Spotlight! Greg Millard How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing saxophone on and off for about 56 years. I started back in 5th grade and stopped when I graduated high school. I rediscovered it in 1980 when I took part in a benefit concert for a lady who lost her husband in a car accident and had 4 kids under 10. We brought back a 16 piece R and R band from the late 60's called "Matt King and the Ideals". We did the concert at the Eagles Grand Ballroom and raised $16,000 for the family that was used as a college fund for the kids. I had a blast doing it. A few years later I met Keith Tetting while selling janitorial supplies and he introduced me to WASB and I have been a member ever since." What is your earliest musical memory? "It was of my dad playing piano at my grandparents' house when we went there on holidays. My family has always been into music in one form or another. Myself, dad, sister and one of my brothers have all been members of our church choirs, and my sister is part owner and performs at "Memories Ballroom" which is a dinner theatre north of Port Washington in Fredonia." When did you join WASB? "I have been a very proud member of WASB for well over 30 years. With the talent in this group, I tell people all the time that I still occasionally feel like a bottle of Ripple at a wine sale." Do you have hobbies outside of WASB? "With work, grandchildren, upkeep and occasional remodeling of my house, I don't have a lot of time for hobbies, although with retirement looming in the near future, I am contemplating exploring a few." Do you play in other groups? "About the only other playing I do is at my church. I did find out that my playing has inspired several kids to take up the saxophone. Though it made me feel very good, this may not make everyone happy. As Scott, our illustrious president once said, "Oh great, another saxophone player." Do you have a favorite piece or composer? "I think that I enjoy listening to the marches that we do since those are things that are written for a band rather than being adapted from an orchestra piece. My part usually consists of oom pa-pa most of the time, but the records I can play over and over and never get tired of listening to them." What is/was your career? "When I am not playing sax, for the last 17 years I have worked for a company called the ACS Group in New Berlin. I am technical support and field service technician. We manufacture Process equipment that is used in the plastic industry as well as other types of manufacturing. When in the office, I do phone support for our equipment and periodically I am sent all over the country to repair and train our customers in the use of our oil and water heating equipment. I also enjoy the opportunity to see how products that most of us take for granted are made such as plastic cups, microwave popcorn and even dog food. It keeps the job interesting."

Member Spotlight! Emily Baerbock How long have you been playing flute? Do you play other instruments? "I have been playing since 5th grade, so 28 years. I can play piano, but not at the same level." What is your earliest musical memory? "Music has always been a major part of my life. My parents were both musicians so we always had music playing or going to music concerts/events for as long as I can remember. I guess my earliest memory would be of my mom playing her guitar for church or for my preschool classes." When did you join WASB? "This is my first year with WASB." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I love to hike. I also enjoy running, gardening and spending time with my daughter and our dog." What other groups do you play with, or have played with? This is the first group I have played with since college. It is great to be playing again." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "My favorite piece of music is an orchestra piece, Kalinnikov's Symphony No.1." What is/was your career? "Although I was a flute performance major in college I ended up in a business career. I am a senior buyer at Derco Aerospace. We are a distributor for military aircraft parts. I have been there for 16 years."

Member Spotlight! Dick Underberg How long have you been playing your instrument? "I've played trombone for 69 years. I also play all band and orchestra instruments and piano." What is your earliest musical memory? "My first piano lesson with Mrs. Honeyager at a farm house in the town of Waukesha." When did you join WASB? "I've been playing with WASB since 1991." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I play golf, travel and I enjoy reading about WWII history." Do you play with any other groups? "I play with our church's brass ensemble." Do you have a favorite band piece and/or composer? "I really enjoy Sousa marches and Tchaikovsky symphonies." What is/was your career? "I taught music (band and vocal) for 38 years, first at Wrightstown High School and then Mukwonago. I am a real estate broker and real estate appraiser." What is something few people know about you? "My wife and I went zip-lining and para-sailing in Mexico on our 50th wedding anniversary ."

Member Spotlight! Ken Neitzke How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing music for over 48 years and started taking private trumpet lessons when I was in the 3rd grade (9 years old). My grandfather, who was a trumpet player in a few of the Milwaukee area big bands in the 1930's and 1940's was my inspiration for choosing the trumpet. In the 8th grade, I switched to euphonium as my grade school concert band needed a euphonium player. I have been playing the euphonium ever since. The euphonium that I use today, dates back to the first month of my freshman year at Michigan Tech. The Michigan Tech Wind Ensemble assigned me an old 3-valve dented baritone that was terribly out of tune. As any college student would do, I called home and asked my mother to order me a new euphonium. All through high school and college I played in every musical group that I could get into including playing cello parts with my euphonium in my high school orchestra because of a shortage of cello players." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB 30 years ago in January 1986." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "For the past 30 years, I have been a dedicated volunteer for the Ice Age Trail (officially the Ice Age National Scenic Trail) which is a 1,200 mile long hiking trail in Wisconsin and follows the extent of the last glacier. The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a non-profit organization that is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the Ice Age Trail and works in partnership with the National Park Service and the Wisconsin DNR. My current title is Senior Volunteer - Trail Planning and Development Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter. In short, I do all the trail route planning for the Waukesha County portion of the Ice Age Trail. To date, we maintain 45 miles of an eventual 50 miles of off road hiking trail within Waukesha County. Occasionally, I will get involved in trail projects in other parts of the state. I have done everything from mowing trail (300 miles per year in Waukesha County alone), building trail and leading the local volunteer chapter with over 400 members. Over the years I have developed some very strong working relationships and friendships with the staff of the DNR, National Park Service and the Ice Age trail Alliance, One of the founders of the Ice Age Trail was the late congressman Henry Reuss and when I became deeply involved in volunteer leadership, he quickly became my mentor for all things Ice Age Trail. I also met my wife on an Ice Age Trail project in the Hartland Marsh, building the boardwalk trail loop at Cottonwood Wayside. I also serve in an appointed position on the Governor's State Trails Council which is an advisory council to the Wisconsin DNR on all trail user issues and DNR trail planning projects. When I do have free time, my wife and I like to hike and camp with our two collies, as well as biking, kayaking and cross-country skiing (without the collies of course). On occasion, we also volunteer for the Friends of Lapham Peak." What other groups do you play with (or have played with)? "After college, I played with the Milwaukee Knights Band (now known as Knightwind) for five years and yes, I also marched with them during the summer parade season playing my valve trombone. I also played with the Hartland Community Band for a few years when they first were formed, and also with the occasional Tuba Christmas." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer,) and if so, what is it? "My favorite composers are Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, John Williams, and of course, Rick Kirby. I really enjoy playing Rick's music and it is an honor to be able to play under the baton of the composer himself." What is/was your career? "I am a Senior Architectural Designer/LEED AP O&M / IT Manager for MSI General. MSI General is a commercial Design/Build contractor in Oconomowoc and I have worked on over 800 commercial building projects in the last 16 years." What is your earliest musical memory? "My earliest musical memory is learning to play those white plastic recorders with a red mouthpiece in either 2nd or 3rd grade. I must not have been very good as I became a brass player." What is something that very few people know about you? "The family legend or rumor on my mother's side of the family had part of our ancestral history connecting back to Sacagawea. After several years of research done by my mother, it turns out that the rumor was not quite right in that our ancestral history goes back to Sacagawea's cousin instead. Interesting none the less. This might explain my attachment to the land and trails."

Member Spotlight! Anne Leatherberry How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing the oboe in the 4th grade and have continued to play for nearly 53 years. I studied oboe with the late Ray Stills of the Chicago Symphony for 7 years and he scared the wits out of me at each lesson! Any sign of not practicing and he would drop a student without a blink so I was always prepared! While in college I had the opportunity to play the English horn on some pieces and loved its haunting sound. About 15 years ago, I was finally able to purchase my own EH and have played it in WASB ever since. I also play piano and classical guitar." What is your earliest musical memory? "I have always loved all kinds of music since I was a child and started piano lessons when I was 6. My grandparents bought me my first folk guitar when I was 8 and I taught myself how to play. I have wonderful memories of playing my guitar and writing songs with my friends on lazy summer days. Those were the good old days when kids had fun being creative instead of sitting in front of a computer for entertainment! " When did you join WASB? "I moved to Wisconsin in 1978 and immediately looked for a group where I could play my oboe. A friend told me about a relatively new symphonic band that rehearsed at Carroll College, the WASB. They needed an oboe player so I auditioned in Jan 1979 was was accepted. I am so thrilled and honored that I have been able to be a part of this wonderful band for 37 years." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Yes, many! I love any creative crafts...sewing, knitting, crochet, watercolor painting, jewelry making, scrap booking, writing poetry, candy making and all forms of baking. I am an avid golfer, love gardening, and have great fun fishing and boating. It's heavenly doing anything on the water! I love to travel and hope to do more now that my husband is retired. I also volunteer with the Savannah and Bengal cat rescue organizations. It bothers me when I hear a child say they are bored! I have never been bored a day in my life! What other groups do you play with (or have played with)? "WASB is currently the only group I play with on a regular basis, but on occasion, do sub in the Waukesha Park and Rec Band as 2nd oboe. In the past, I have played oboe and English horn with the Hartland Community Band and oboe with the Carroll College Band and Orchestra.I have also played oboe and sang with my guitar for church services. While in high school, I was in a gold singing group with four friends. We performed at coffee houses, churches and community events to earn money for college. While in college, I continued playing my guitar and singing for events and was also principal oboe for the Miami University Symphony Orchestra for four years." Do you have a favorite band piece or favorite composer? "I wouldn't mind playing an entire concert of Rick Kirby's music! I love every piece he has written, although I would enjoy them even more if he would write English horn parts in his pieces. One that is close to my heart and always brings tears is "Homage to a Friend". It is a tribute to his brilliant saxophone student, Brandon Atherton, who died in a terrible accident. This student was also my daughter's dear friend. I love his piece, "Different Voices", that was written while my daughter was in middle school and featured her as the clarinet soloist. She later played the piano solo part for the piece as a guest musician, for the middle school, when she was in high school, and finally as a music teacher, she conducted it with her own middle school band. I also enjoy many pieces from composers Percy Grainger, Vaughan Williams, and John Williams." What is/was your career? "I was an architect, who specialized in custom designed lake homes, but am now retired. I have also had various craft businesses over the years and am currently making and selling crystal and healing jewelry and pet collars that can be seen on my FB page. Aziziuzuri Crystal Pet Collars. I also sell or donate many baked goods and candy to weddings, fund raisers, and for special occasions, with my frosted sugar cookies being the most popular treat from my company, Sweet Treats from Annie's Kitchen." What is something that very few people know about you? " Very few people know I am terrified of heights and that I hate swimming in the ocean, as I almost died in an undertow as a child. Even so, I would fly to any beach to enjoy the sun, sand and sounds of the ocean to get away from the cold Wisconsin weather!"

Member Spotlight! Kent Tess-Mattner How long have you been playing your instrument? "Thirty-two years, but with a 19 year layoff from 1972 until 1991. You can always come back to the instrument you played in high school, so don't sell it or give it away when you stop playing!" When did you join WASB? "In either 1993 or 1994." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "Yes, many. I used to race bicycles and coach bicycle racing, so I still enjoy getting out on the bicycle, but purely for recreation now. I love wine -tasting it, buying it, pairing it with food. My wife and I also enjoy traveling, much of it chaperoning the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra on its concert tours, but much on our own, too. I have become a Trip Advisor reviewer due to our many travels, and that is a hobby in and of itself." What other music groups do you play with? "I am principal trombone with the Concord Chamber Orchestra. I also sit in with a great rock cover band, the Mission River Band, whenever they will let me. Sometimes I sub with the In the Mood big band too." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer) and if so, what is it? "Anything by Malcolm Arnold and Frank Ticheli. I also have liked everything our music director, Rick Kirby, has written." What is/was your career? "I am an attorney with a six-lawyer general practice law firm located in Brookfield, Wisconsin." What is something most people don't know about you? "In 2015, 43,623 people read my Trip Advisor reviews."

Member Spotlight! Sarah Huber How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started playing piano when I was 6 and I've played percussion since 5th grade." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB last year, I joined because of my Dad, Gary Huber, who is also a percussionist. He's been in WASB since as long as I can remember. It's been really fun getting to see my Dad every week and play some great music alongside a talented percussion section." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy cooking, canoeing, kayaking, and hanging out with my family and two little nephews." What other groups do you play with? "None currently. I did march with Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps in '04 and '06." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and of so, what is it? "I love Rhapsody in Blue." What is/was your career? "I'm a marketing consultant with Minacs Marketing."

Member Spotlight! Lisa Rich How long have you been playing your instrument? "I was handed a flute in the 6th grade, mostly because I was the shortest kid in the class. By 7th grade I was a committed "band geek". By the summer after 8th grade, I won a local competition and had a scholarship to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, where I met Walter. Yes, it was a summer band camp romance. We were pen pals, then phone sweethearts, and I suspiciously decided to go to Marquette University, largely because Walter was close by." When did you join WASB? "We joined WASB in 1993. I took a brief hiatus after our son was born in 1994, but we have been with the group over 20 years!" Do you play with other groups? "Our flute section has been playing outside of WASB for over a decade, in the summer and at church, and I feel like the members of our section have become some of my closest friends." Do you have a favorite piece of music(or composer)? "My "favorite composer" is Gustav Holst. His band music (his 1st and 2nd suites) were a definite influence on my early band experience, and then I walked down the aisle at our wedding to our own arrangement of The Planets' "Jupiter" movement. What is/was your career? "I went to medical school and became a nephrologist (kidney specialist), but I did not stop playing the flute. I think it helped keep me sane through the residency and fellowship training. Having friends and interests outside of medicine has been an incredibly grounding influence, and has kept Walter and me close."

Member Spotlight! Gary Huber How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started in 5th grade and now have a room full of percussion instruments. There is always another instrument to learn." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in 2000." "My newest hobby is my two grandsons, one is almost two and one just arrived. I also do some drum circles with all ages and with special needs children. I enjoy judging percussion for solo/ensemble festivals." Do you play with other music groups? "Yes, I play in Waukesha Park and Rec Band and a handful of other groups when called." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "I play such a wide range of music that my list of favorite music and composers keeps growing. Beethoven, Swing, Rock & Roll and the list goes on." What is/was your career? "I'll substitute this question with a comment. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with the WASB percussion section. The percussion is a unique group that is a privilege to work with."

Member Spotlight! Patty Bailey (Mike Bailey's mother) How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started clarinet in 6th grade, so about 42 years. I began piano lessons when I was 4 and learned to play organ in 1997. I have played alto, bass and contralto clarinets in various bands during college." When did you join WASB? "I believe it was in the fall of 2010." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I really enjoy knitting and several of my projects have won ribbons at the Wisconsin State Fair. I also like camping, hiking and traveling in general." What other groups do you play with? "I'm not in any other bands but I play piano, organ and occasionally handbells for my church, and am the choir accompanist as well. I also accompany students for their solo-ensemble festivals." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "There is so much good band literature out there that it's hard to pick only one, but a couple of my favorite pieces are 'Slava!' and 'Overture to Candide' by Bernstein." What is/was your career? "I am a Claims Specialist at Diversified Benefit Services."

Member Spotlight! Mike Bailey How long have you played your instrument? "I've been playing trumpet for 17 years. I started playing piano in 4th grade, but didn't go too far with it (I liked trumpet better). I can also play a few pop tunes on the guitar. I joined WASB in Fall of 2013." Do you have hobbies/interests outside of music? "I have taught five high school marching bands as the visual caption head over the last 8 years and still teach the Lighthouse Brigade of Racine. I have also written drill for five high school marching bands over the last 5 years. I enjoy playing video games and all kinds of sports. I'm a big baseball fan, so I play in 4 fantasy baseball leagues and try to attend as many Brewers games as I can." What other groups have you played with? "I was a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2004-2006 and the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2009." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer?"I don't really have a "favorite", but I enjoy playing anything by Ticheli, Williams, Copland, Bernstein and Shostakovich (and the list goes on)." What is your career? "I am currently a Continuous Improvement Analyst at Brookdale Senior Living."

Member spotlight! Chris Hoefer How long have you been playing your instrument, and do you play others? "I began playing the flute in 5th grade, after two years of piano lessons. (That, along with two years of Latin in high school, was required at our house.) My grade school music teacher/band director was a nephew of Gustav Holst - but at that time that certainly meant nothing to me. I do recall playing some duets for flute and classical guitar with him for some parent events when I was in eighth grade. So, I also play piano, having continued with piano lessons in middle and high school." When did you join WASB? "I began playing in WASB in the fall of 1988 and I have Dave Magedanz and several other former Oconomowoc band students who played in WASB at that time to thank for insisting that I come and try the group. He told me they needed flute players. Several rehearsals had already taken place and I vividly recall that the first piece I played on was the 1st movement of the Hindemith Symphony for Band. After many years of not playing in a large group that was quite a thrilling and challenging entrance back into the wonderful world of making music as part of a large ensemble." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "My hobbies include golf, reading, quilting, and spending time with my grandchildren. (I need one of those "grandma's taxi" stickers on the back window of my car!) I also enjoy ringing handbells and currently ring in two groups." Do you play in other music groups? "I do not play flute in any groups other than our WASB flute choir." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "I can't say that I have any one favorite band piece, but I really enjoy playing the music of Percy Grainger, Gustav Holst, John Williams, and Rick Kirby." What is/was your career? "My career has included teaching Latin and Music Literature/Music Theory at the High School level, raising three wonderful children, teaching many flute and piano students, serving as an elementary school Library Media Specialist for 17.5 years, and working as a part-time Reference Librarian in a public library these past nine years"

Member spotlight! Rick Grothaus How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I've been playing my clarinet for 45 years since I was in 5th grade. I took up the saxophone in 7th grade so I could play in the Jazz Band. My first job out of college was as a band director, so I had to learn all the instruments." When did you join WASB? "I have played intermittently over the years going way back. It's been good to reconnect these past two years after moving back to the area from out of state." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "Right now my hobbies outside of music are supporting our daughter as she begins her college career, travel, and chopping wood for my fire place. I'd love to get back into sailing." Do you play with any other groups? "The past few years since coming back to Wisconsin, I played with and sometimes conducted the Lake Country Orchestra. I also started a community Jazz Band called REPLAY." Do you have a favorite piece of music or composer? "Grainger is always fun to play." What is/was your career? "I am an elementary school principal in Germantown."

Member spotlight! Dave Renaud How long have you been playing your instrument? "It seems like forever, but I started back in '72 on Alto Sax. I slowly kept adding to the collection with a tenor, then bari, a couple of sopranos and some clarinets. I only play clarinet for pit orchestras, I'm pretty weak on them." When did you join WASB? "I joined back in the early 90's. (I don't remember exactly when) and with the exception of a year or two off, I've been with the group since then." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I love to do many other things when time permits. Golf is always on my mind along with getting out on the motorcycle when possible. Both my wife Tammy and I are very involved with the Great Pyrenees Dog Rescue of WI, by volunteering in various ways, including organizing a major fundraiser motorcycle ride in Fall. We enjoy participating in many motorcycle rides for other charities." What other groups do you play with? "For the last 20 years, I have been running and playing in Swing Nouveau, a 17 piece big band from the area doing private and public gigs. Prior to that, I had been in pit orchestras for years, played numerous summer church festivals with various groups, and the occasional community band when they need someone to fill in on a horn." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "I have a tough time answering this question. To choose just one piece and in one genre is tough. There have been so many charts that I've played and each is sentimental to me for different reasons. The most fun piece would be 'Slava' by Bernstein. Most demanding musically would have to be 'Irish Tune from County Derry' by Percy Grainger and 'Russian Christmas Music' by Alfred Reed. My favorite composers vary from Grainger to Dvorak, and of course charts by Rick (Kirby). All this is good, but my favorite music is Big Band Swing." What is/was your career? "I am a construction superintendent/project manager for an area HVAC contractor."

Member Spotlight! Pam Wilsens How long have you been playing your instrument? "I actually started playing cornet in 7th grade! There were 13 of us and I was the only girl. No matter how hard I tried, I could never get to first chair. When I asked the teacher about it, he told me that because I was a girl I would never be able to play first chair because I didn't have the breath control or the strength that the boys did. So I asked him what instrument I could play to be first chair and, even though I requested the oboe, I ended up with bassoon. I actually stopped playing when I got to college but started again when our church started up a brass quintet and I mentioned to someone how fun it would be to have a woodwind quintet. I friend of mine got a hold of an instrument for me and I started playing again ..so all together I guess I've played 25 years with the 20 year hiatus." When did you join WASB? "I joined in 1999." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "My hobbies include arts and crafts, knitting, painting and drawing." Do you have a favorite piece or composer? "I love classical music, but some of my favorites are 'Lord of the Rings', 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice', 'Children's March', and 'Peter and the Wolf.' What is/was your career? "I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology. After my first child was born, I quit and stayed home. I dabbled in modeling, I was in an Alka Seltzer commercial that was on national TV. And I worked as a receptionist for my husband's office and my daughter's salon, but mostly I'm a mom of 5 kids, a nana of 5, and a step great-grandma of one."

Member Spotlight! Christine Trampusch How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing clarinet since the 5th grade (28 yrs). I picked up the trombone in high school to play in the jazz band and as a band teacher, I play all the instruments. My students think I'm amazing!" When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in 2000 when Michael Alexander was the conductor of the group. I had just graduated from Carroll College and wanted to continue playing." Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of music? "I play soccer year around and softball in the summer. I am an avid sports fan especially when it comes to the Milwaukee Brewers. When I have time, I love to read, do crossword puzzles, cross stitch and garden. I also love to travel even though I haven't had a chance to do so in a while. I enjoy being around family and friends. Both of my parents immigrated from Germany and Austria and have instilled in me the importance of family and the history that goes with it. Since both of my parents have passed away, I try to continue the traditions we had as a family with my brothers and extended family." Do you play with other groups? "Yes, I perform with the Oconomowoc Legion Band in the summer." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer?) and if so, what is it? "Mozart is by far my favorite composer. I also fell in love with a piece called 'Blue Shades' by Frank Ticheli that I played in college. I am hoping we will be able to perform it in WASB someday. I also love anything written by Rick Kirby, Johan de Meij, Percy Grainger and Larry Daehn to name a few." What is/was your career? "I currently teach 5-8 band and 7/8 choir at Wheatland Center School in Burlington. I am currently working towards my reading certification and just completed my thesis for my masters."

Member Spotlight! Katie O'Meara How long have you been playing your instrument? " I have been playing clarinet since the 5th grade. In high school I played saxophone in the jazz band. In college at Marquette, I played in the concert band and pep bands. I played saxophone in the multicultural center jazz band under the direction of Berkley Fudge. I played with Lakeshore Symphonic Band for 25 years in Grafton, then joined WASB in 2008." Do you have hobbies/interests outside of music? "My other hobbies include cross country skiing, cooking, reading and yoga." Do you play with other groups? "Not presently." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer), and if so, what is it? "I enjoyed playing Gustav Holst's "The Planets", but I am also fond of Russian composers and Tchaikovsky in particular." What is/was your career? "I taught Dental Hygiene for 22 years at MATC and am now focusing on teaching yoga."

Member Spotlight! Jason Feucht How long have you been playing your instrument? "I have been playing trombone since 5th grade. I picked trombone because of the song "76 Trombones". At the time, I just thought is was neat there was a whole song about it. The only instrument I have performed with longer is my voice. I have been singing almost my whole life. Over time, as most musicians do, I picked up some other instruments as well. Probably most interesting is that when I was in high school, I played in a Caribbean Steel Drum Band." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in 1999 when I was a sophomore at Carroll College. I was playing with the Carroll Wind Symphony and singing with the Carroll Choir and was looking for another group that I could get involved in." Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of music? "I enjoy traveling. I have been to Europe several times as well as the Caribbean. I also really enjoy traveling in the US, particularly by train. In 2015, over two separate trips, I traveled coast to coast twice by train. It's fascinating how much there is to see out there when you take the time to look." Do you play with other groups? "As a trombonist, I periodically will play in pit orchestras or substitute, however, WASB is my primary ensemble. As a vocalist, I am a member of the Jubilate Chorale, which is a select 32 voice choral group. I've also sung in choruses with the Wisconsin Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony and others. I also fill in with other choral groups as well." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer) and if so, what is it? "I really enjoy Wagner, so as a band piece 'Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral' is an all time favorite. I also am a huge John Williams fan (I find myself in some movies just to listen to his music). I also enjoy Grainger, Holst, de Meij, etc. I really enjoy the breadth of music we play in WASB." What is/was your career? "I work at the corporate headquarters of Northwestern Mutual. In my current role, I am consultant in the areas of Crisis Management and Business Continuity. I work across the enterprise to help Northwestern Mutual manage incidents that occur (everything from IT outages to major disasters) as well as help establish and execute plans for recovery of operations when bad things do happen. I look at my role as one that helps the company think of things that can go wrong before they go wrong as well as manage the things that do go wrong. This is so we can be sure that when bad things happen we are able to keep our people safe and are able to fulfill our promises to our policyholders and customers."

Member Spotlight! Nicholas (Nick) Jelich How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I have playing the tuba since 7th grade when I was at Frank Loyd Wright Jr. High School in West Allis, under the direction of Henry Canitz. Mr. Canitz converted me to tuba from the trumpet, thankfully. So that would be 47 years (and I still missed that G#!?!) I played at West Allis Hale High School under Joel Blahnik. I continued playing at UW-Madison under Prof. Michael Leckrone, where I was in the UW marching band for five years and the concert band. I don't play any other instruments but I play in a hand bell choir at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc." When did you join WASB? "I joined WASB in 2007 and have enjoyed every minute of playing in this great group." Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of music? "One of my hobbies is live sound mixing at church. I have attended several technical seminars and learned the details by reading, listening and doing. I enjoy riding my bicycle (for fitness, not too intense) and following Wisconsin Badgers sports. I also enjoy traveling, especially by train, and have been all over the country on long distance train trips, most recently a 5,000 mile round trip to San Francisco." Do you play with other groups? "During the summer I play in the Oconomowoc American Legion Band. We play every Wednesday in the band shell at City Beach. I also play in the UW Alumni Band, especially for Alumni Band Day at Camp Randall." Do you have a favorite band piece or favorite composer? "I have many favorite band pieces. But one of my most favorite pieces is "Mannin Veen" by Haydn Wood. I like the beautiful melody and dramatic dynamics. Other composers I enjoy are Holst, and of course, John Philip Sousa." What is/was your career? "I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have been a New Product Development/Design Engineer for the past 36 years, working in plastic part design, developing plumbing fixtures for Kohler Co., material handling containers for Menasha Corp., and during the past 24 years, plastic packaging for Aptargroup (aka: Seaquist Closures)." It is my pleasure and honor to be a part of WASB. Thank you to every band member and Mr. Rick Kirby for being such fine musicians who enjoy making beautiful music,

Member Spotlight! Carrie Berger How long have you been playing saxophone? "I've been playing for 17 years." When did you join WASB? "I joined in the Fall of 2010." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I like bowling, camping, and disc golfing." Do you play with other groups? "Yes, I also play with the Greenfield Concert Band on Thursday nights." Do you have a favorite band piece or composer? "The one that always comes to mind is a piece I played in high school when I was in UWAY at UWM. It's 'Year of the Dragon' by Philip Sparke. It is one of the most challenging pieces I have played and I had solos on Tenor Sax, which never happens." What is your career? "I am an Office Administrator at a small electrical engineering firm."

Member Spotlight! Chris Nelson How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started trumpet when I was in the 6th grade, 45 years ago. I took piano lessons for 8 years, from 4th grade through 12th grade." When did you join WASB? "Fall of 1996." Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I enjoy learning about history, particularly World War II and the American Civil War. I like to read books and watch documentaries about historical events and the life stories of famous people from history. I enjoy traveling very much, both in the US and abroad." Do you play with other groups? "I currently play trumpet with the Jackson Park Jazz Orchestra, which is a big band based in Wauwatosa. I've played trumpet with the orchestra that has supported Waukesha Choral Union concerts, including Verdi's 'Requiem', Haydn's 'Creation' and Handel's 'Messiah'. I've also subbed for the Waukesha Jazz Express, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band, the Main Street Big Band and the Blaskapelle Milwaukee." Do you have a favorite composer or piece of music? "I think one of my favorite band pieces is the Navy Hymn, 'Eternal Father, Strong to Save'. My favorite composer is John Williams." What is your career? "I'm an electrical engineer, working for Eaton's Cooper Power Systems Business. I work on software utility programs that optimize transformer and voltage regulator designs based on cost. These optimized designs are used by Marketing to provide quotes to our customers."

Member Spotlight! Phyllis Gilmore How long have you been playing your instrument? "I started my instrument lessons in the 6th grade on clarinet. It wasn't until my sophomore year in high school that I switched to oboe so I have been playing for a very long time!" When did you join WASB? "I became a member of WASB in 1999 when the group needed a new principal oboist and I have been there since." What other groups do you play with? "I have been fortunate to have played in the Waukesha Symphony, the Fox Valley Symphony, the Beloit Symphony and other Waukesha community groups. For the past many years (50, I think) I have played in the Summer Park and Recreation Band at Cutler Park." Do you have hobbies other than music? "In addition to my other activities, I enjoy genealogy, traveling, quilting, and playing handbells." Do you have a favorite composer or piece of music? "I don't really have a favorite composer but I do always look forward to playing the music that Rick Kirby writes." What is/was your career? "Although playing the oboe is my main passion, a close runner-up would be my Elementary Band Teaching career in the Waukesha School District. For 25+ years, I happily taught 5th and 6th graders the joy of playing a band instrument and was always excited to see them follow through to graduation and beyond!"

Member spotlight! Mark Mariani How long have you been playing percussion? "I've been hitting things as far back as I can remember. But really since grade school, so about 35 years." Do you play other instruments? "Piano, but that is really a percussion instrument anyway. Also, I recently started dabbling on guitar." When did you join WASB? "I forget exactly. It was either during my junior or senior year while I was a student at Carroll College, so about 1992." Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "Mostly spending time with family and friends. I also like reading and camping." What other groups do you play with? "I play drum set and percussion regularly at church services and pit orchestras for community theater groups. I also play with the Waukesha Civic Band and Menomonee Falls Symphony, along with other various opportunities that come along." Do you have a favorite band piece (or composer)? "I really enjoy the variety of playing different pieces by various composers, but I must say that right now I enjoy playing composer Rick Kirby's music. He writes excellent percussion parts that are fun and a challenge to play." What is/was your career? "I work at Northwestern Mutual in Investment Risk and Operations as a consultant, specializing in over-the-counter derivative trading. I also teach private music lessons for drum set and marimba."

Member Spotlight! Keith Tetting (Keith is treasurer for WASB and does a great job. Thanks for giving of your time!) How long have you been playing your instrument? Do you play others? "I have been playing horn for 48 years. I can play all the valved brass instruments at varying levels of proficiency. I also play recorder and penny whistle." When did you join WASB? "In 1976" Do you have hobbies outside of music? "I have numerous dalliances, none to the level of my involvement with music." Do you play with other groups? "I play in The Wisconsin Horn Quartet, UW-Waukesha Band, Watertown Community Orchestra, and Waukesha Civic Band. I have performed with the Racine Symphony, Waukesha Symphony, Hartland Community Band, Sterling and Brass, Windy Hill Brass Ensembles, Spring City Brass, Nordic Brass, the Great Circus Parade Mounted Band and several pit orchestras." Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer?) and if so, what is it? "Whatever/Whomever I'm playing at the moment. Currently, I am enjoying our composer-in-residence and music director, Rick Kirby's compositions." What is/was your career? "I was in the grocery business for 45 years, I am currently retired. I also teach private music lessons for horn students."

Member Spotlight! Mallory Merkel How long have you been playing your instrument and do you play others? "I have been playing clarinet for 16 years and saxophone for 11 years. As a band teacher, I dabble in everything! I've grown especially fond of euphonium the past few years." When did you join WASB? "Spring semester of 2014" Do you have any hobbies outside of music? "I love to read! I'm also a bit crafty and enjoy finding creative new projects to try. Now that the weather is cold, my husband and I are back to being Netflix junkies." Do you play with other groups? "Yes, I play with Blaskapelle Milwaukee. We're an 18 piece European wind ensemble that plays traditional music from Austria and Bavaria, aka, a polka band! I've been in this group since its birth 8 years ago. Do you have a favorite band piece (or favorite composer?) and if so, what is it? "This is never a fair question for a musician to have to answer! I think if I could only pick one, it would have to be Leonard Bernstein" What is/was your career? "I am a Middle School Band Director in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District"