Band Members

Amy Thach-McArtor originally from Lyme, Connecticut, moved to Ohio to study music education at Oberlin Conservatory in 1991. She graduated in 1995 and taught strings for two years at Willard City Schools. In 1997, Amy was given a full scholarship to Kent State University to work on her Master's Degree in Music Education which she completed in 1998. She then taught instrumental music at Buckeye High School, in Medina OH, and in the fall of 1999, became the elementary band teacher for Buckeye Local Schools. In 2001, Amy accepted the position of Middle School Band Director in Wadsworth City Schools, and in the fall of 2003, she began teaching elementary instrumental music at Central Intermediate School in Wadsworth. Amy has served as the Director of Bands for the Medina County Honors Fair Bands from 1998-2008. Amy also plays flute/piccolo and piano and teaches private lessons, in addition to being a member of Medina Community Band and Sounds of Sousa Band.

Sue McLaughlin has been a member of the Medina Community Band since 1994 and is a former student of Deidre McGuire. While in school, she was a member of the band, orchestra and jazz band, playing clarinet and saxophone. In addition to playing flute and piccolo in the Medina Community Band, Sue has also performed with Marcus Neiman & The Sounds of Sousa Band, Symphony West Orchestra, and several area churches. She is a systems analyst at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights. Sue lives in Medina with her two cats, Truffles and Kokopelli.

Holly Eleck-Michalke graduated from North Royalton High School in 1983, received her bachelor of music education on flute and piccolo while studying with William Hebert from Baldwin Wallace College in 1987 and completed her masters in music education fromIthaca Collegein 1992. She has been a band director in the Berea City Schools since 1987. In addition, Eleck-Michalke has been an adjudicator for Ohio Music Education Association and Greater Cleveland and Medina Counties since 1993. She was awarded educator of the year by SB&O Magazine and has been a guest clinician on flute for many high schools in the area. She maintains a private studio of select flute students at Royalton Music Center, where she received her desire to be a musician from her father. Holly has been a member of the Sounds of Sousa Band since its inception and has played in many free lance ensembles in her career, including performances with Neil Zaza's "One Silent Night" at Playhouse Square.

Robin Tryon has served on the faculty of Mount Union College since 1984, where she is the Instructor of Flute, founding director of both the Stark County Honors Flute Choir and Mount Union College Flute Choir and flutist with the faculty woodwind ensemble, Sine Nomine. She is also the manager and flutist with the Silver & Strings Trio, www.silverandstringstrio.com, principal flutist with the Canton Concert Band and pit musician with the Canton Players Guild. Tryon has performed with the Canton Symphony and Canton Symphony Woodwind Quintet, Tuscarawas Philharmonic, Bayless Symphonic Winds and Dolce Musica Quintet and has been soloist the Canton Concert Band, Alliance Symphony, Mount Union Wind Symphony and its Horn Ensemble and Repertory Strings. Tryon earned a B.M in music education from Bowling Green State University and a M.M. in flute performance from the University of Akron with additional study with Maurice Sharp of the Cleveland Orchestra. She has enjoyed a long freelance career in northeast Ohio and has served as adjudicator for competitions including those of the National Flute Association, Northeastern Ohio Flute Association, Central Ohio Flute Association and Ohio Music Teachers Association. Tryon is in demand as a clinician specializing in both flute pedagogy and performance health and as a flute choir conductor for workshops, festivals and conferences throughout Ohio.

Kelly Zunic is a currently in her second year of teaching music in the Berea City Schools. Her current duties include teaching 6^th grade, 7^th grade and jazz band at Ford Middle School, and teaching Symphonic Band, Music Theory and assisting the Marching Band at Midpark High School. A graduate of The University of Akron, Ms. Zunic received Bachelor's degrees in both Music Education and Flute Performance and completed her Masters in Flute Performance in 2007. She is currently finishing a Masters in Music Education. As a graduate student, Ms. Zunic served as Graduate Assistant of Bands at The University of Akron where she worked closely with all aspects of the band program. She continues to return to the university to serve as a guest lecturer for a music education summer workshop. After graduation, she took a position as assistant band and choir director at Fitch High School in the Austintown Local Schools near Youngstown, Ohio. Ms. Zunic currently teaches a studio of six woodwind students in Akron at St. Vincent - St. Mary High School and its feeder elementary schools. She has worked closely with this program since 2001. Along with teaching you can find her performing with the Sounds of Sousa Band, the Medina Community Band and The University of Akron Summer Symphonic Band.

Patricia Grutzmacher is an associate professor of Music at Kent State University Stark Campus, where she is music department coordinator. She is the founding conductor of the Kent Stark Concert Band, and teaches applied oboe as well as music teaching methods courses, and Western and Non-Western music history. She is president-elect of OMEA District VIII, and a member of a member of AFM Local 111. Pat has been with SOS since 1997.

Jeff Kish is currently an oboe performance major completing his degree at Cleveland State University after studying at the Oberlin Conservatory. He has performed in multiple groups in the area including the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Winds and the Cleveland State University Orchestra. Jeff has performed on From the Top and studied for a summer in Italy with the Oberlin in Italy program.

Robert Macholan attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL, where he attained bachelor's degrees in Oboe Performance and Computer Science. He then attended the University of Akron for his Master's in Music Performance, which he received in 2007. Currently, Robert serves as organist and choir director of Bethany Lutheran Church in Akron and works in the Information Technology department at FirstEnergy.

Lydia Byndas, born and raised in Lakewood, now a resident of Brooklyn, Ohio. She received her bachelor of music degree in both performance and music education and amasters of music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She teaches both bassoon and piano privately, and has performed with the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Lakewood Hometown Band, Blossom Festival Band and Blossom Festival Orchestra along with other various free lance jobs. Lydia has been with the Sounds of Sousa Band since 1997.

Phil Kish has performed with local groups including Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Winds and the Suburban Symphony. He has performed in Europe, China, Brazil and South Africa with various groups. Phil performed the Mozart Bassoon Concerto after winning the Lehigh University Concerto Competition. He holds a biochemistry degree from Lehigh University and is currently pursuing an advanced degree in this area.

Mary Ann Grof-Neiman is currently the Program Administrator at the Cleveland Institute of Music's Preparatory and Continuing Education Division. She received her bachelor of science in music education degree from the Bowling Green State University. Ms. Grof-Neiman has served as clarinetist for the Blossom Festival Band, Lakeland Civic Band, Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, Youngstown Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, and currently performs with the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, Lakewood "Home Town" Band, Medina Community Band, and is solo clarinetist with the Sounds of Sousa Band. She maintains private studios at Baldwin Wallace College through their Conservatory Outreach Program as well as her home in Medina. She has served the Ohio Music Education Association as a Woodwind Adjudicator for the last 15 years and is a member of AFM Local 24.

Pamela Sharp Adamson is a longtime instrumental music teacher with the Cleveland Heights - University Heights City Schools. She earned her bachelor of music education degree from Baldwin-Wallace College, and her master of music degree in woodwind performance from The University of Michigan. She also teaches private clarinet lessons at her home, and enjoys performing in several groups in the northeast Ohio area.

Charles S. Baker (“Chuck”) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, grew up in Ashtabula Township, Ohio, and graduated from Edgewood High School. He earned a bachelor of music degree in music education from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. His entire class studied at the Mozarteum Akademie in Salzburg, Austria, during their junior year. Chuck earned his master of arts degree in music from Case Western Reserve University. He taught public school music for 30 years, 29 of them in the Wickliffe City Schools.

Chuck served in several offices of the Lake County Music Educators Association, served on the Ohio Music Education Association General Music Committee for over 20 years, served several terms as Northeast Region Chair of OMEA (organizing the Northeast Region Orchestra), organized the OMEA All-State Orchestra twice, and served as the Registration Chair for the OMEA Professional Conference twice.

As a clarinetist, Chuck's studies have been with Robert Marcellus, Alfred Zetzer, George Waln, Alois Heine, and Thomas Thompson. He has been teaching clarinet many years at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, Ohio. As a performer, he is principal clarinet of the Lakeland Civic Orchestra, a member of the Fine Arts Woodwind Quintet, and performer in many bands and orchestras (Blossom Festival Band, Lakewood “Hometown” Band, and, Sounds of Sousa)

Chuck was inducted into the City of Wickliffe Hall of Fame in the category of The Arts. His hobbies include gardening, photography, and ice skating. His is a member of the Mentor Figure Skating Club.

Amy Dragga was born and raised in the Medina area. A graduate of Highland High School and student of Vicki Smith, Amy studied music education at The Ohio State University. She graduated from the University of Akron with a B.A. in English and achieved a Master of Library Science from Kent State University. Although music was always her first love, her career took a much different path. A fundraiser by trade, Amy has helped raise money for many critical projects in Northeastern Ohio such as the renovation and expansion of Severance Hall, construction of the Lerner Research Institute, Cole Eye Institute and Taussig Cancer Center buildings at the Cleveland Clinic, and the Ann and David Brennan Critical Care Center at Summa Health System in Akron. She currently serves as Director of Development for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Amy has performed with MCB since 1988 and has appeared as a soloist. She is also a member of the Sounds of Sousa Band. She studied with James Pyne at OSU and Mary Ann Grof-Neiman and has performed with conductor Frederick Fennell, composer Gunther Schuller, and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman.

Dana Albrecht Hire is in her 12th year of teaching and fourth for Wadsworth City Schools. At Wadsworth, she directs the 7^thand 8^thgrade bands, middle school jazz band, and middle school pep band. Dana assists with the high school symphonic, concert, and marching bands, and teaches 5^thand 6^thgrade band lessons. Previous to her appointment at Wadsworth, Dana was the director of bands for Massillon City Schools and Dundee Community Schools located in Dundee, Michigan.

Dana graduated in 1993 from Perry High School in Massillon, Ohio where she performed at the Midwest Clinic under the direction of Roger A. Hall. She earned her bachelor of music degree from Bowling Green State University in 1998 and master of music in music education in 2002 from The University of Michigan under a full music education assistantship. She has studied conducting with Mark S. Kelly, Michael Haithcock, James Tapia, and Steven Davis.

Dana resides in Wadsworth with her husband Andrew and two children, Ethan and Meredith.

Gayle Kish is currently the Coordinator for the Center of Arts and Innovation at Cleveland State University. She received her Bachelor of Art degree in Music from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing a Master Degree in Consumer and Industrial Psychology. Gayle participates in numerous groups including Cleveland Women's Orchestra, Lakeland Community College Civic Band, Chagrin Studio Orchestra and Cleveland State University music ensembles. One of her most memorable experiences was playing a side-by-side concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Bruce Langguth has been a member of the Sounds of Sousa band since 1994. He has performed as clarinetist in numerous bands in the northern Ohio area, including the Lakewood Home Town Band, the Cleveland Symphonic Winds, and the Blossom Festival Concert Band.

Mr. Langguth earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace College while studying with Dr. Alan P. Squire. He received his Master of Music degree, studying clarinet with David Shifrin, from the University of Michigan.

In 1983, Mr. Langguth accepted the position of 2nd clarinetist with the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico, in Toluca, Mexico. He then performed as the 2nd clarinetist with the Orquesta Filarmoncia de la Ciudad de Mexico for 2 years, in concerts in Mexico City and throughout Mexico.

Mr. Langguth teaches weekly private clarinet lessons in his home for elementary through college-aged students. He resides in Mentor, Ohio.

Alice Rudolph received her undergraduate degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in music education and a masters of music from The University of Michigan. She is currently teaching instrumental music in the Strongsville City Schools at Albion Middle School where she conducts the seventh grade band, eighth grade band, string orchestra, and jazz band. In the Strongsville City Schools, she has also served as division chair and a team leader. Rudolph has also taught woodwind methods classes at Baldwin Wallace College. She is a member of the Strongsville Education Association, Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) and the American School Band Director's Association where she received the Stanbury Award for excellence in teaching bands. She was the guest conductor in 2007 with the Medina County Schools All-Star Middle School Band and is currently the conductor for the Medina County Schools Educational Service Center's Medina County Fair Honors Bands. She also adjudicates OMEA adjudicated events throughout the state of Ohio. Rudolph has appeared as a featured clarinet soloist with the Strongsville Community Band, is a member of the Sounds of Sousa Band, and the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. She enjoys spending time with her three children in Medina, Ohio.

Vicki Smith is a band director in the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools, prior to her appointment for that position; she was director of bands at Highland High School. She is a graduate (both bachelors and masters degree) from The Bowling Green State University. Vicki was named “2007-8 Educator of the Year” by the Copley High School.

She is an adjudicator and in constant demand as a woodwind specialist and clinician. She also was the guest conductor for the 2006 Medina County Schools Junior High/Middle School All-Star Band.

Colleen Tryon is instructor of clarinet and saxophone at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and instructor of clarinet at Malone University. She holds a masters degree from The Ohio State University and a bachelors degree from The University of Akron in clarinet performance. She has studied clarinet with James Pyne and Dr. Kristina Belisle Jones and saxophone with James Hill. While at Ohio State, she was named as the 2007 Outstanding Graduate Student in Winds, Brass, and Percussion by the faculty. In 2008, she premiered the new workEastern Pinnacle, by Ben Williams, for the Johnstone Woodwind Master Series Competition. The composition won first prize, and her performance was favorably reviewed inThe Clarinet(September 2008). She has performed with the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra and the Canton Concert Band. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honorary and MENC. In addition, she maintains a large private studio of beginning through college level students.

Mark Tryon, associate conductor of the Sounds of Sousa Band, is also a band director in the Lake Local Schools. He directs the Lake High School Marching Band, Symphonic Band and teaches small group lessons in grades five through eight. He is a graduate of the University of Akron, where he earned degrees in music education and clarinet performance. He also served as a graduate assistant in bands at The Ohio State University where he earned a master’s degree in instrumental conducting. In addition to his conducting and teaching responsibilities, he is active as a freelance clarinetist, pianist, and organist, having performed with the Sounds of Sousa Band, Blossom Festival Band, Lakewood Hometown Band, Canton Concert Band, and Silver and Strings Trio. He is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association. He resides in North Canton with his wife, Colleen, a clarinetist, and their son, Calvin.

David N. Adamson, clarinetist: Received his bachelor of music education degree from the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. His master of music degree in Woodwind Performance was earned from The University of Michigan. A public school instrumental music teacher for 16 years, his bands consistently earned the highest ratings. He adjudicates students throughout the state for the Ohio Music Education Association and works for the Ohio Foundation for Music Education, organizations for which he currently serves in the capacity of business manager and development director. Prior to his current role, he worked in music retail for 17 years and was the woodwind department chair at the Cleveland Music School Settlement. Mr. Adamson regularly performs in the northeast Ohio area on clarinet and saxophone and is a member of the Sounds of Sousa Band, the Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Festival Band, and the Lakewood Hometown Band. His has guest conducted the Medina Community Band. He is also the music director of the All Generations Band of Cleveland Heights. Revised 10/13/09

Bianca Murphy is a native of Strongsville and a 1992 graduate of Strongsville High School.She went on to study music education at Bowling Green State University.She was the 1995 recipient of the Falcon Marching Band's Outstanding Senior Female Marcher Award.Her studies included saxophone with Dr. John Sampen and conducting with Mark Kelly.Upon receiving her bachelor's degree in music education, Bianca taught general music, band and choir for six years in grades K-8 in both parochial and public schools.She is currently taking time off from teaching to concentrate on raising her family.Bianca has been playing with the Medina Community band since 1998.She resides in Copley with her husband Patrick and their sons Sean, Jack, and Joe.

Linda Simon-Mietus currently serves on the faculties of The University of Akron and the Hathaway Brown School. She holds her a master of arts degree from Queen's College and a bachelor of fine arts degree from the New York State School of Arts at Purchase. She was a student of Leon Russianoff. Prior to her arrival in Ohio, Ms. Simon-Mietus spent ten years in Hong Kong. She played clarinet, bass clarinet, and saxophone with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and was the principal clarinetist and soloist of the Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra, director and conductor of the Hong Kong International Youth Orchestra, and director of music for the Hong Kong International School. She also served as professor of music for Hong Kong University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts. In addition to her teaching activities, Ms. Simon-Mietus is an active free-lance musician in the Cleveland area, performing with such organizations as the Akron Symphony, the Youngstown Symphony, and Playhouse Square.

Jeremy Gribble is currently the band and choir director for Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools (Strasburg, OH). His teaching duties include 4th grade general music, 5th, and 6th, junior high and high school bands as well as the high school choir. He holds a bachelor of music education degree from The University of Akron and is currently pursuing his masters in music education from The University of Akron as well. While at The University of Akron he studied saxophone with Richard Shanklin. Along with his busy teaching schedule you can find him performing with the Sounds of Sousa Band and The Dominic Greco Community Band in Dover, Ohio. He is a member of OMEA.

Melinda Kellerstrass is currently a middle school band director for the Brunswick City Schools.She received her Bachelor of Music from Capitol Conservatory of Music and her Masters in Music Education from Vandercook College of Music and has taught in South Dakota and Montana.She has served as a clinician in arts assessment, in particular music, throughout the state of Ohio and is an Ohio Music Educators adjudicator.Melinda performs regularly throughout the Cleveland area; her most favorite type of playing is pit work for musicals and shows.Melinda loves to travel and is an avid biker, this summer she plans to bike the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.

Gail Sigmund grew up in the Greater Cleveland area. Medina resident since 1991. Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin-Wallace College; Master of Education from Cleveland State University; Taught instrumental music for 10 years and mathematics for 25 years before retiring in June 2004. Performs with Medina Community Band, Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio, Sounds of Sousa and St. Paul Brass. Has performed with Cleveland Women's Orchestra, Parma Civic Orchestra, Symphony West, Northern Ohio Christmas Brass Quintet and Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band. Does some arranging for Freedom Brass Band.

Phillip Tryon is a Senior Account Manger for the Will-Burt Company in Orville, Ohio. He has enjoyed a business career with this company for the past 33 years. Prior to his decision to enter a career in business, Mr. Tryon attended The Ohio State University studying horn with Professor Jim Jones while pursuing a degree in music education. During his time at Ohio State, he participated in many ensembles including the Brass Choir and the Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Donald E. McGinnis.

Since his time at Ohio State, Phillip has continued to stay active as a musician. He is currently principal horn for the Canton Community Band, of which he has been a member for 36 years. He has also performed in both brass and woodwind quintets and has played in the pit for many shows at both Kent State Stark and The Players Guild Theater in Canton.

Participating in a wind band has always been a way of life for Mr. Tryon. Phillip met his wife Robin in the Canton Community Band, where they still participate along with their son and daughter-in-law. He is thankful for this opportunity to participate with his family in the Sousa Band.

Andrew Winter is Director of Bands at Cloverleaf Middle School where he also teaches General Music/Guitar and assists with the High School Marching Band. Previously, he held a similar position at Midpark High School/Ford Middle School teaching Band, Choir, Orchestra and General Music. Andrew grew up in Berea OH and has had a love of music from an early age, starting with the piano at age 5. He has also had a passion for education his whole life, and he started his career in high school as the youth choir director at his church. Andrew has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ohio Northern University, during which time he also taught as an Associate Band Director at Shawnee High School under the direction of Patricia Meeks. In 2008, he earned his Masters in Music Education Degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, IL.

Andrew was honored as the 2009 C.M.S. Emerald Key “Teacher of the Year/Honorary Member”, and is a member of OMEA and Kappa Kappa Psi. Additionally, he is the creator of the band-resource website www.LinksForBand.com. He enjoys remaining an active performer as part of the Medina Community Band, freelances occasionally, and continues to play piano and guitar. Andrew and his wife live in Westlake, where they enjoy sailing, rollerblading, and relaxing outdoors with their pets.

Curtis Amrein received his bachelor of music education degree from The Ohio State University School of Music in 2004. While at OSU, he studied trumpet with Timothy Leasure and was the recipient of the 2004 Richard Burkart Trumpet Award. Curtis currently is the director of bands at Barberton U.L. Light Middle School, where he teachers sixth, seventh, and eighth grade bands in addition to jazz and percussion ensembles. Under his direction, the students at U.L. Light have received superior ratings at both Ohio Music Education Association large group and solo and ensemble adjudicated events. Curtis indicates that he is extremely excited to be performing with the Sounds of Sousa Band.

Laura Bloss is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Akron, where she is completing a Master's Degree in Trumpet Performance. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Baldwin-Wallace College, and has been active in the Ohio Music Education Association in positions such as Collegiate State President and President of the Baldwin-Wallace Chapter. Laura has played with the Medina Community Band and the Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio. Her trumpet teachers have been Scott Johnston, Larry Herman, Jack Brndiar and Doug Huey.

LuAnn Hill-Gresh, Lu Ann graduated from Rittman High School. She has B.S. and M.S. degrees in music education from the Unversity of Akron. She has been employed by Revere School District, Highland Local School District and Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is currently teaching elementary music in the Wadsworth City School District. Lu Ann resides in Wadsworth with her husband , Paul, and her two children, Kelsey and Jonathan.

Steven Hadgis is director of bands at Wadsworth High School, a position he has held since the 2001-2002 academic year. His duties include conducting the symphonic band, jazz band, pep band, and marching band. He also team teaches seventh and eighth grade band at Wadsworth Junior High School and teaches group lessons at Central Intermediate School to fifth and sixth grade band students on a daily basis. Mr. Hadgis graduated from Manchester High School and received his bachelor of music degree in music education from The University of Akron. Prior to his appointment as director of bands at Wadsworth, Hadgis was director of bands at Coventry High School from 1994-2001; Firestone High School from 1988-1994; assistant director at Ravenna High School from 1985-1988; and director at Archbishop Hoban High School from 1984-1985. Mr. Hadgis also was a professional trumpet player in the Akron area for fifteen years.

Marcia Nelson-Kline began her trumpet studies with parents, Milton and Sarah Nelson and Lloyd Haines. She continues her studies with Harry Herforth while earning an associate degree in medical assisting at The University of Akron. Marcia has performed with Cleveland Women's Orchestra, Goodyear Band, and Mill Street Brass Quintet. She currently performs with The Brass Band of the Western Reserve, Sounds of Sousa Band, and is in her 25th year as a member of Medina Community Band. Marcia is an ophthalmic technician and resides in Copley with husband, John.

Paul V. Rocco originally from Brooklyn, New York, studied with Blair Moger and Joseph Andrucci in high school and the late Herbert W. Harp at SUNY at Fredonia. Rocco moved to Ohio to take the job of police officer with the City of Medina, where he is also the Police department's Forensic Artist. He became a member of the Medina Community Band in 1989. Since then he has completed his bachelor's degree in fine arts, music at The University of Akron, studying trumpet with Scott Johnston and Tucker Jolly. He is presently studying trumpet privately with Geoff Hardcastle. Besides playing with the MCB, he also performs with the Sounds of Sousa Band and the Brass Band of the Western Reserve. He is a member of the American Federation of Musicians (local 24-Akron, Ohio).

Michael Willard
Cornet/Trumpet
Akron, OH

Robert Adamson is in his seventh year as a music teacher in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. He teaches elementary instrumental music, and is one of the two directors of the Heights High Marching Band. Bob graduated from The College of Wooster with a degree in music education, where he was featured as a senior soloist with both the Scott Symphonic Band and the Wooster Chamber Orchestra. Shortly after graduation, he was also featured as a soloist with the Sounds of Sousa Band, Aurora High School Concert Band, Waynedale High School Concert Band, and the Wooster Music Camp's staff band. He earned his master of music education degree from The University of Akron in 2007.

An active performer and educator in the Cleveland area, Bob maintains a trombone studio for students ranging from the fourth grade through high school. He has taught trombone, jazz, and various ensembles at the Wooster Music Camp, the Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp (for middle school students), and Aurora High School's marching band camp. He regularly performs with the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, where he plays principal trombone, and the Chagrin Valley Studio Orchestra, as well as with numerous other groups in all styles of music. He is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association, the International Trombonist Association, and the American Federation of Musicians - Cleveland Federation of Musicians, Local 4.

John Blasko, earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University. At the university, he performed with many ensembles such as the Case Symphonic Winds, University Circle Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I, Case/University Circle Orchestra, and various chamber groups. He has also appeared with professional ensembles such as The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, and Master Singers, Inc. John was the featured soloist with the Case Symphonic Winds in December 2006 and with the Wadsworth Community Band in the summer of 2005. He is still active in community ensembles around the area and performs with the Medina Community Band and Sounds of Sousa Band.

Currently, John is a band director in the Wadsworth City School District.

Rod Hannah, Rod graduated from Norton High School in 1963, got his bachelor's degree from Kent State University, and his master's degree in math from Ohio State University. He taught math and physics at Norton High School for thirty years, retiring in 1997. While getting a degree in math, music has always been a big part of his life. He was voted "Most Musical" in his senior class. He played cornet in high school and in the Medina Community Band when he first joined. He told Marcus that he always wanted to play the trombone for those great counter melodies in the marches but his high school director wouldn't let him switch. Marcus said go ahead and so he did. The trombone section welcomed him with open arms and he has found a home there in the third section. He always says that people remember and whistle the melodies but the harmonies are what make the chills go up your spine. He was invited to join the Sounds of Sousa band and has been a member since its inception.Rod has been married to Carolyn since 1970 and has two children, Luke and Liz, and two grandchildren, Madelyn and Cooper.

LeeHarper, Lee has been a trombone player in the Medina Community Band since 1986. She began playing trombone at age 13, when her band director in North Olmsted, Casey Kreichbaum, suggested that trombone was the instrument for her. Lee served in the United States Air Force as a member of the Women's Air Force (WAF) Band from 1957-1960. She is a former member of the “Let's Dance” Orchestra. Today, she plays in a number of musical groups, including the Sounds of Sousa Band, Cleveland Women's Orchestra, St. Paul's Brass, and in pit orchestras for school and community theater groups. Lee has two grown children and three grandchildren. When she's not playing her trombone, Lee works at the Medina Post Office, where she has been a clerk for 29 years. Lee is a resident of Medina.

Robert Lichtenberg is a Sales Engineer in the telecommunications industry, currently employed by Global Crossing in Cleveland, Ohio. Rob attended the University of Cincinnati and Bowling Green State University, studying Engineering and Computer Science. Rob has studied with Steve Johnson of Oberlin, and has played with the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra, University of Cincinnati's Symphony Band, Bowling Green State University's Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Marching Band, and is currently involved with the Sounds of Sousa Band. Rob and his wife Suzanne are residents of Copley.

David Colburn is from the Columbus area and attended The Ohio State University, playing baritone in the OSU Marching Band. He spent his next 30 years in the U.S. Army Band program and retired as a First Sergeant/Enlisted Bandleader. He taught instrumental music in the Columbus School System for seven years, retiring last year. He currently plays trombone and tuba with various jazz and Dixieland groups in the Columbus area and is the assistant director of the Aladdin Shrine Band.

Dr. William I. Bauer is the Director of Music Education and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University where he teaches undergraduate and graduate level classes in music education research, music cognition and learning, instrumental music education, and the applications of technology to music teaching and learning. He has published articles in leading journals in music education, is currently the Editor ofContributions to Music Education, and is a former member of the editorial committee of the Music Educators Journal. Dr. Bauer is the Chair of MENC's Assessment Special Research Interest Group (SRIG), is on the National Advisory Board of the Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI:ME), and serves as a member of the Ohio Society for Music Teacher Education (OSMTE) Executive Board. He was named an Apple Distinguished Educator by Apple, Inc. in 2003, an M-Powered Educator by M-Audio in 2005, and a Google Certified Teacher by Google in 2008. http://www.billbauer.net

Eric Richmond received his undergraduate music degree from The Ohio State University and his master of arts from Case Western Reserve University. He plays Euphonium and trombone as a freelance artist. Eric is an instrumental music and music technology instructor for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools. He has also taught in the Cleveland Municipal Schools and the East Cleveland City School Districts, as well the instrumental music instructor for the REACH program at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. Eric has extensive music teaching, conducting and performance experience with the Case Western Reserve Jazz Ensemble, Cleveland Music School Settlement, Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, Allegheny Summer Music Festival, and Suburban Symphony Orchestra. He has performed freelance for the Cleveland Palace and State Theaters, The Front Row, Kulas Hall - Cleveland Institute of Music and Harkness Chapel - Case Western Reserve University. Eric has been a member of The CRWU Education Advisory Board, Ohio Music Education Association and has extensive experience in the broadcasting industry as a cameraman, lighting technician, and audio-video technician. He is a member of Musicians Union Local 4 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Michael Foster has been a member of the music staff in the Copley Fairlawn City Schools since the 2006-2007 school year. His primary responsibilities are teaching band grades sixth, seventh, and eighth, as well as the symphonic band, jazz band, the Copley Marching Indians and also teaches music theory and jazz improvisation. He has previously taught at Wadsworth City Schools and Waterloo Local Schools.

While attending Kent State University, Mr. Foster received a bachelor of music degree in composition and tuba performance, master of music degree in conducting and a post-baccalaureate degree in music education. He has done addition coursework at the University of Akron.

Mr. Foster is actively a member of Music Educators National Conference and Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), is an OMEA marching band event chair, and has participated in the OMEA Leadership Academy. He has directed performing groups at the OMEA and the Ohio Band Directors Conference conferences and the University of Akron Band Clinics. Mike also has extensive background and knowledge in experimental music of the classical, jazz and rock genre; sporting an impressive recorded music collection. He and his wife Ellen live in Wadsworth with their children Emma, Henry and a third on the way.

Allan Kelley is a graduate of Revere High School and received his bachelor of science degree in mathematics from The Kent State University. He lives and works in Cleveland as a data processing contractor. He participates in the Fairview Park Community Band, Goodyear Concert Band, Cuyahoga Community College Band, Medina Community Band, and the Sounds of Sousa Band. He also participates in Tuba Christmas performances in Medina, Lorain, Niles, and Wooster.

Kyle Snyder is a claims adjuster with Liberty Mutual Insurance. He enjoys playing in the Medina Community Band and the Sounds of Sousa Band but His favorite genre is “Dixieland” music. He has been a member of the MCB since 1986. He currently performs with the Earlville Jazz Band, River City Jazz Band, and the Minstrels of Earlville. He also plays big band music with the Patriots Dance Band and played as a member of the entertainment staff of SeaWorld.

When not playing his tuba, Kyle enjoys riding his Harley Ultra and working on his American Flyer model train layout. With his down time he enjoys sharing the couch with his wife Jan (who is a narrator with MCB) and their dog Jessie while watching television or listening to music.

Nathan Hartman
Percussion
Medina, OH

Ryun Louie is the principal timpanist with the South Dakota Symphony. He has performed with symphony orchestras across the United States and Mexico including the Utah Chamber Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, Salt Lake City Symphony, and the Orchestra at Temple Square, Omaha Symphony, Lincoln Symphony, Sioux City Symphony, Butler Symphony, Eire Symphony, West Virginia Symphony, Parkersburg Symphony, and the Orchestra Sifonica De Minarea.

Mr. Louie delighted audiences on the stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival, Breintz Jazz Festival, Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival, Park City Jazz Festival and the Art and Edison Farmer Memorial Jazz Festival. He now tours with his own jazz quintet, Louie, which has released its first album, Says You. He has performed with jazz greats Curtis Fuller, Dick Oates, Greg Gizbert, Clark Terry, Eddie Daniels, Chuck Findley, Tom Garvin, Ira Nepus and Matt Wallis. Ryun also recorded his third CD with the Greg Floor Quintet.

Among his influences and teachers, Ryun names some of the best percussionists in the world: Peter Erskine, Dave Jette, Doug Wolf, George Brown, Jay Lawrence, Steve Houghton, Paul Samuels, Jamey Haddad, Dwight Thomas, Guy Romanco, Kelly Wallis, Bill Hill, Cloyd Duff, Timothy Adams Jr., Tom Freer and Rick Sebastian.

"Ryun Louie is the good rare breed of musician who is equally comfortable and adept in both the legit and popular music worlds. His musical enthusiasm is contagious. He is an excellent percussionist and drummer.” ~ Peter Erskine

Most recently, Ryun has taken the helm of the percussion programs at the Medina and Wadsworth School Districts in Ohio, and recently served as Artist-in-Residence for Cleveland Heights High School in northeast Ohio. Ryun is on the faculty of the Yamaha Midwest Percussion Camp held in the summer at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois. Additionally, he has taught at Bingham, West Jordan and Davis High Schools in Utah, Southside High School in Pennsylvania, Belleview East High School in Nebraska, Weber State College, University of Omaha-Nebraska, Iowa Western Community College and Duquesne University.

He works as an active clinician for the Percussion Arts Society (PAS) and is endorsed by Evans Drumheads, Bosphorus Cymbals and Vic Firth Drumsticks.

A native of Salt Lake City, Ryun started his professional career at the age of 15. He attended the University of Utah where he studied with Doug Wolf, Professor of Percussion, and George Brown, principal timpanist of the Utah Symphony. During this time, he also studied with Cloyd Duff, principal timpanist of the Cleveland Orchestra. He furthered his education at Carnegie Mellon University where he studied under Timothy Adams, Jr., principal timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Ryun and his family live in Medina, Ohio, where he freelances as a percussionist and maintains a full teaching studio.

October 5, 2009

Julia McAvinue serves as the principal percussionist with the Medina Symphonic Winds, Medina Percussion Ensemble and drums for the Medina Jazz ensemble. Julia is a member of the percussion section in the Sounds of Sousa Concert Band. Ms. McAvinue recently won the 2009 Concerto Contest performing the Miazumi Marimba Concerto with the Medina Symphony Orchestra. Julia has entered Ohio Music Educator's Solo and Esemble competition for the past 4 years where she has received a superior ratings.

Julia actively participates in pit orchestras for musicals such as “Singing in The Rain” and “The Sound of Music”. Ms. McAvinue has played with the Cleveland Youth Winds Symphony as well as the Contemporary Youth Orchestra.

Julia has attended the Yamaha Midwest Percussion Camp held on the campus of McKendree College in, Lebenon, Illinois. She has studied with Dan Smithiger, Dr. Jeff Crowell, Mike Vercelli, Alex stopa, and currently studies privately with Ryun Louie. Julia is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society.

Terry Walburn
Percussion
Columbus, OH

Teresa Wheaton
Percussion
Medina, OH

Band Members

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