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Saint Louis Brass Band 2025-2026
Dr. John Bell - Music Director
Gail Drillinger - Presenter
Presenter
David Drillinger - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Retired Music Educator
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Doc Severinsen, Armando Ghitalla, Philip Smith, Maurice Andre, Harold Hillyer, Mary Weber
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Year if the Dragon, Philip Sparke (and whichever one I’m currently playing!)
Biography:
David W. Drillinger has been a performing musician for nearly 60 years. He received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts Degrees from Eastern Illinois University. He has continuing education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Mr. Drillinger is an active performer. He is a founding member of the Bi-State Brass Quintet, is a Solo Cornet with the St. Louis Brass Band, and is a member of the MetroEast Brass Quintet. He also performs with, and shares conducting duties of, the Alton Muny Band. He has been soloist with the St. Louis Brass Band, Alton (IL) Muny Band, Alton (IL) Symphony Orchestra, the Belleville (IL) Philharmonic Orchestra, Lewis & Clark Community College Concert Band, the Gadsden (AL) Symphony Orchestra and several high schools throughout Illinois. In 2022 he won Third place honors and in 2023 won Second place honors at the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) National Championships in the Senior Division, Lyric Solo competition. Mr. Drillinger provides Taps for the Alton IL VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team on a regular basis.
Mr. Drillinger retired after 32 years as a high school band director in Illinois. His bands received Division I ratings at IHSA contests each of the 32 years, as well as awards in marching band and jazz band. He is an active clinician and adjudicator in Illinois. Mr. Drillinger has conducted many festival and summer camp bands. He was honored by his peers in 1999, being selected to conduct the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band. He currently serves as adjunct brass faculty at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Professional memberships include American School Band Directors Association, where he served as the 2004 national convention logistics chair, and is past Illinois State President; International Trumpet Guild; National Band Association (past Illinois State Chair); and he served three terms as Illinois Music Educators Association District VI President. Mr. Drillinger is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, the International Who’s Who of Music and Musicians, Who’s Who in America, and the Who’s Who A Lifetime of Achievement, Volume VI. He is an Honorary member of both Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi.
David lives in Godfrey, IL with his wife Gail, a musician and actress, and their cat Boo!. Their daughter, Claire, also a musician, resides in Oak Park, IL.
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Retired Music Educator
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Doc Severinsen, Armando Ghitalla, Philip Smith, Maurice Andre, Harold Hillyer, Mary Weber
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Year if the Dragon, Philip Sparke (and whichever one I’m currently playing!)
Biography:
David W. Drillinger has been a performing musician for nearly 60 years. He received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts Degrees from Eastern Illinois University. He has continuing education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Mr. Drillinger is an active performer. He is a founding member of the Bi-State Brass Quintet, is a Solo Cornet with the St. Louis Brass Band, and is a member of the MetroEast Brass Quintet. He also performs with, and shares conducting duties of, the Alton Muny Band. He has been soloist with the St. Louis Brass Band, Alton (IL) Muny Band, Alton (IL) Symphony Orchestra, the Belleville (IL) Philharmonic Orchestra, Lewis & Clark Community College Concert Band, the Gadsden (AL) Symphony Orchestra and several high schools throughout Illinois. In 2022 he won Third place honors and in 2023 won Second place honors at the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) National Championships in the Senior Division, Lyric Solo competition. Mr. Drillinger provides Taps for the Alton IL VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team on a regular basis.
Mr. Drillinger retired after 32 years as a high school band director in Illinois. His bands received Division I ratings at IHSA contests each of the 32 years, as well as awards in marching band and jazz band. He is an active clinician and adjudicator in Illinois. Mr. Drillinger has conducted many festival and summer camp bands. He was honored by his peers in 1999, being selected to conduct the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band. He currently serves as adjunct brass faculty at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Professional memberships include American School Band Directors Association, where he served as the 2004 national convention logistics chair, and is past Illinois State President; International Trumpet Guild; National Band Association (past Illinois State Chair); and he served three terms as Illinois Music Educators Association District VI President. Mr. Drillinger is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, the International Who’s Who of Music and Musicians, Who’s Who in America, and the Who’s Who A Lifetime of Achievement, Volume VI. He is an Honorary member of both Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi.
David lives in Godfrey, IL with his wife Gail, a musician and actress, and their cat Boo!. Their daughter, Claire, also a musician, resides in Oak Park, IL.
Dennis Jones - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Harold Hillyer, Darrell Cannedy, Don Achepol- former Band Directors/teachers who have inspired thousands of young musicians.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Shine as the Light...Peter Graham
Biography: Currently teaching part time at Vision Way Christian and St Mary Catholic School in Taylorville, IL. Retired Director of Bands for Rochester High. Prior to Rochester High, he was band director at Panhandle Schools in Raymond, Illinois for 7 years. Mr. Jones is a 1989 graduate of Eastern Illinois University and has conducted several IMEA District and local honor bands/jazz ensembles. He’s a past recipient of the “Golden Apple Award” presented by Horace Mann Insurance and News Channel 20, and a “Teacher of the Year” recipient for the Rochester Public Schools. Dennis is currently serving as President of District 4 of the ILMEA and sits on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Music Educators Association. Mr. Jones is an active soloist for various events throughout Central Illinois, having performed alongside great musicians/entertainers Vincent DiMartino, Clark Terry, Bobby Shew, Ray Charles, and Bob Hope. He resides in Taylorville, Illinois with his wife Mary, also an educator, and super proud of his kids Mitchell, and twin daughters Mallory and Emily. He loves the challenge performing alongside the incredible musicians with the St. Louis Brass Band.
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Harold Hillyer, Darrell Cannedy, Don Achepol- former Band Directors/teachers who have inspired thousands of young musicians.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Shine as the Light...Peter Graham
Biography: Currently teaching part time at Vision Way Christian and St Mary Catholic School in Taylorville, IL. Retired Director of Bands for Rochester High. Prior to Rochester High, he was band director at Panhandle Schools in Raymond, Illinois for 7 years. Mr. Jones is a 1989 graduate of Eastern Illinois University and has conducted several IMEA District and local honor bands/jazz ensembles. He’s a past recipient of the “Golden Apple Award” presented by Horace Mann Insurance and News Channel 20, and a “Teacher of the Year” recipient for the Rochester Public Schools. Dennis is currently serving as President of District 4 of the ILMEA and sits on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Music Educators Association. Mr. Jones is an active soloist for various events throughout Central Illinois, having performed alongside great musicians/entertainers Vincent DiMartino, Clark Terry, Bobby Shew, Ray Charles, and Bob Hope. He resides in Taylorville, Illinois with his wife Mary, also an educator, and super proud of his kids Mitchell, and twin daughters Mallory and Emily. He loves the challenge performing alongside the incredible musicians with the St. Louis Brass Band.
Brian Martin - Solo Cornet
Name: Brian Martin
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2022
Occupation: Drury Hotels Reservations Coordinator, Musician
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Scott Vangilder, Dr. Marc Fulgham, Dr. Bruce Briney
Biography: Brian T. Martin grew up in Jackson, MO, and graduated from Jackson Senior High School, where he participated in Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. He subsequently earned his Bachelor of Music Performance from Southeast Missouri State University and his Master of Music Performance from Western Illinois University.
Currently, Brian is an active performer in the St. Louis region. He regularly performs at The Fellowship of Wildwood Baptist Church and collaborates with the Missouri Baptist University Orchestra on a seasonal basis. Additionally, he plays solo cornet with the St. Louis Brass Band and is a member of the Manchester Municipal Band. Brian has also performed TAPS for both the Manchester Municipal Band and shadow TAPS for the Jackson Municipal Band, where he was a member for nine years.
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2022
Occupation: Drury Hotels Reservations Coordinator, Musician
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Scott Vangilder, Dr. Marc Fulgham, Dr. Bruce Briney
Biography: Brian T. Martin grew up in Jackson, MO, and graduated from Jackson Senior High School, where he participated in Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. He subsequently earned his Bachelor of Music Performance from Southeast Missouri State University and his Master of Music Performance from Western Illinois University.
Currently, Brian is an active performer in the St. Louis region. He regularly performs at The Fellowship of Wildwood Baptist Church and collaborates with the Missouri Baptist University Orchestra on a seasonal basis. Additionally, he plays solo cornet with the St. Louis Brass Band and is a member of the Manchester Municipal Band. Brian has also performed TAPS for both the Manchester Municipal Band and shadow TAPS for the Jackson Municipal Band, where he was a member for nine years.
Gary Gardner - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: Spring 2019
Occupation: Retired Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis, Herb Alpert, Al Hirt, etc
Favorite Brass Band Piece: To many to list!
Biography:
Gary L. Gardner is a 1973 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Pekin, Ill and graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. in 1977. He taught band at Hardin Calhoun Unit 40 schools for 8 years then moved to Carlinville, Ill. where he was director of all bands for 26 years for the Carlinville Unit #1 School District. He received the “Golden Apple “ teacher of the year in 2007. After retiring from full time teaching in 2011, he taught band another 5 ½ years part-time in the Mt. Olive School District.
Besides the SLBB, he remains active with the Carlinville and Heritage municipal bands and the 10th Cavalry Civil War Band. While in college, he was able to perform on stage with bands to back up Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Rich Little and Maynard Ferguson.
He lives in Carlinville, Ill. with his wife Cheryl and their dog Reeses.
Member Since: Spring 2019
Occupation: Retired Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis, Herb Alpert, Al Hirt, etc
Favorite Brass Band Piece: To many to list!
Biography:
Gary L. Gardner is a 1973 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Pekin, Ill and graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. in 1977. He taught band at Hardin Calhoun Unit 40 schools for 8 years then moved to Carlinville, Ill. where he was director of all bands for 26 years for the Carlinville Unit #1 School District. He received the “Golden Apple “ teacher of the year in 2007. After retiring from full time teaching in 2011, he taught band another 5 ½ years part-time in the Mt. Olive School District.
Besides the SLBB, he remains active with the Carlinville and Heritage municipal bands and the 10th Cavalry Civil War Band. While in college, he was able to perform on stage with bands to back up Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Rich Little and Maynard Ferguson.
He lives in Carlinville, Ill. with his wife Cheryl and their dog Reeses.
Lane Harmon - Soprano Cornet
Alex Smith - Repiano Cornet
Instrument: Repiano Cornet
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Accountant
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Jennifer Moder-Bell (McKendree University), Dawn Weber, Wynton Marsalis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Vitae Aeternum - Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Alex Smith graduated from McKendree University with a BBA in May 2017, where he double-majored in Accounting and Economics & Finance. Alex performed with the various ensembles at the university including the wind ensemble, concert band, brass quintet, marching band, and jazz band. After graduating, Alex continued to stay active performing music, joining the St Louis Brass Band in the same year. In addition, he is also currently active in the Granite City Community Concert Band and Troy Community Band. He currently resides in Collinsville, IL with his wife Mary and their two cats.
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Accountant
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Jennifer Moder-Bell (McKendree University), Dawn Weber, Wynton Marsalis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Vitae Aeternum - Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Alex Smith graduated from McKendree University with a BBA in May 2017, where he double-majored in Accounting and Economics & Finance. Alex performed with the various ensembles at the university including the wind ensemble, concert band, brass quintet, marching band, and jazz band. After graduating, Alex continued to stay active performing music, joining the St Louis Brass Band in the same year. In addition, he is also currently active in the Granite City Community Concert Band and Troy Community Band. He currently resides in Collinsville, IL with his wife Mary and their two cats.
Jeanne Pence - Second Cornet
Instrument: 2nd Cornet
Member Since: 2022
Occupation: Adjunct Trumpet Professor at McKendree University, freelance musician
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Alison Balsom, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Laude by James Curnow
Biography: Jeanne Pence graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 2007 with a Bachelors in Music Education and again in 2011 with a Masters in Trumpet Performance. While at SIUC, she studied with Dr. Robert Allison and had opportunities to travel and perform with SIUC Wind Ensemble in England, Ireland and China. She was principal trumpet in the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, SIU Wind Ensemble and played 2nd trumpet with the faculty quintet.
Jeanne resides in Troy, Illinois, with her husband, two children and two dogs. She currently teaches at McKendree University and is an active performer with the Troy Community Band, Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra (Principal Trumpet) and Downstate Music Company out of Southern Illinois. When she is not teaching, rehearsing or performing you can find her cheering her kids on with their activities.
Member Since: 2022
Occupation: Adjunct Trumpet Professor at McKendree University, freelance musician
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Alison Balsom, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Laude by James Curnow
Biography: Jeanne Pence graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 2007 with a Bachelors in Music Education and again in 2011 with a Masters in Trumpet Performance. While at SIUC, she studied with Dr. Robert Allison and had opportunities to travel and perform with SIUC Wind Ensemble in England, Ireland and China. She was principal trumpet in the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, SIU Wind Ensemble and played 2nd trumpet with the faculty quintet.
Jeanne resides in Troy, Illinois, with her husband, two children and two dogs. She currently teaches at McKendree University and is an active performer with the Troy Community Band, Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra (Principal Trumpet) and Downstate Music Company out of Southern Illinois. When she is not teaching, rehearsing or performing you can find her cheering her kids on with their activities.
Miranda Lee - Second Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: January 2024
Occupation: Assistant Band Director at the Hillsboro R3 School District in Missouri
Mentors and Musical Heroes: My mentors are Dr. Eric Dickson and Colin Hunt. My favorite performer is Alison Balsom and my favorite composer is David Maslanka.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Walking With Heroes by Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Biography: Miranda Lee plays second cornet and is in her third season with the St. Louis Brass Band. She received her BA in Music Education, BM in Trumpet Performance, and MAE from Truman State University. When she is not teaching or performing, she enjoys traveling, reading, and trying new coffee shops.
Member Since: January 2024
Occupation: Assistant Band Director at the Hillsboro R3 School District in Missouri
Mentors and Musical Heroes: My mentors are Dr. Eric Dickson and Colin Hunt. My favorite performer is Alison Balsom and my favorite composer is David Maslanka.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Walking With Heroes by Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Biography: Miranda Lee plays second cornet and is in her third season with the St. Louis Brass Band. She received her BA in Music Education, BM in Trumpet Performance, and MAE from Truman State University. When she is not teaching or performing, she enjoys traveling, reading, and trying new coffee shops.
Kevin Hodges - Third Cornet
Instrument:Cornet
Member Since:2023
Occupation:Senior Director of Finance at St. Patrick Center a Ministry of Catholic Charities St. Louis
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Philip Smith, Winston Marsalis, Lars-Otto Ljungholn (early cornet mentor) and Dr. Dennis Edelbrock (college trumpet teacher)
Favorite Brass Band Piece: The Call of the Righteous -Leslie Condon
Biography: Received a Bachelor of Arts in Music-Trumpet Performance from George Mason University under the direction of Dr. Dennis Edelbrock. Brass Band experience includes playing in various Salvation Army brass bands. Specific Salvation Army bands included The Salvation Army National Capital Band in Washington DC and The Salvation Army Southern Territory Brass Band.
Member Since:2023
Occupation:Senior Director of Finance at St. Patrick Center a Ministry of Catholic Charities St. Louis
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Philip Smith, Winston Marsalis, Lars-Otto Ljungholn (early cornet mentor) and Dr. Dennis Edelbrock (college trumpet teacher)
Favorite Brass Band Piece: The Call of the Righteous -Leslie Condon
Biography: Received a Bachelor of Arts in Music-Trumpet Performance from George Mason University under the direction of Dr. Dennis Edelbrock. Brass Band experience includes playing in various Salvation Army brass bands. Specific Salvation Army bands included The Salvation Army National Capital Band in Washington DC and The Salvation Army Southern Territory Brass Band.
Dan Leonard - 3rd Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since:
Occupation: Engineer
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Flowerdance
Biography:
Dan has enjoyed music all of his life. Starting at age 12 learning the trumpet has provided a life long enjoyment of playing in the music community. I have enjoyed playing in jazz bands, community bands, symphonies, and other small ensembles over many years. I joined PHI MU SINFONIA in college. I have used my music to get acquainted into the many new towns that I have lived in all over the country. I play cornet, French horn, baritone, along with many other instruments. I joined the brass band several years ago and enjoy the challenge of the music and camaraderie of all the great musicians.
Member Since:
Occupation: Engineer
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Flowerdance
Biography:
Dan has enjoyed music all of his life. Starting at age 12 learning the trumpet has provided a life long enjoyment of playing in the music community. I have enjoyed playing in jazz bands, community bands, symphonies, and other small ensembles over many years. I joined PHI MU SINFONIA in college. I have used my music to get acquainted into the many new towns that I have lived in all over the country. I play cornet, French horn, baritone, along with many other instruments. I joined the brass band several years ago and enjoy the challenge of the music and camaraderie of all the great musicians.
Chris Short - Third Cornet
Chris Short -3rd Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2024
Occupation: Sales Profesional
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Tom Tait, Janet Watkins, Doc Severson, Adoph Herseth
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Battle of Athens
Biography:
Chris Short is a 1989 graduate of Mahomet-Seymour High School where he was active in a thriving music department, participating in band and choir and performing with all-state concert and jazz bands. He studied music at Eastern Illinois University in the 90s and was co-principal trumpet in the wind ensemble, brass quintet, jazz band, and marching band. After a long hiatus from performing, he is happy to learn that it is never too late in life to make music! He is currently active with the Granite City Community Swing and Concert Bands and Second Generation Swing.
Chris lives in Edwardsville with his wife, KaLonny. They are the proud parents of 3 great kids (and a new cat).
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2024
Occupation: Sales Profesional
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Tom Tait, Janet Watkins, Doc Severson, Adoph Herseth
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Battle of Athens
Biography:
Chris Short is a 1989 graduate of Mahomet-Seymour High School where he was active in a thriving music department, participating in band and choir and performing with all-state concert and jazz bands. He studied music at Eastern Illinois University in the 90s and was co-principal trumpet in the wind ensemble, brass quintet, jazz band, and marching band. After a long hiatus from performing, he is happy to learn that it is never too late in life to make music! He is currently active with the Granite City Community Swing and Concert Bands and Second Generation Swing.
Chris lives in Edwardsville with his wife, KaLonny. They are the proud parents of 3 great kids (and a new cat).
Jennifer Korak – Flugelhorn
Instrument: Flugelhorn
Member Since: 1999
Occupation: Band director at Whiteside Middle School in Belleville
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Fredrick Fennell. Philip Smith. Bud Herseth
Favorite Brass Band Piece: No favorite
Biography:
Jennifer has a bachelors degree in music education from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas and a Masters degree in music education from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas. She has played with the Arlington Wind Symphony, the Texas Wind Symphony, The Dallas Wind Symphony, and the University City Orchestra. Trumpet teachers include Harris Brinson, Steve Weger and Leonard Candelaria.
Member Since: 1999
Occupation: Band director at Whiteside Middle School in Belleville
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Fredrick Fennell. Philip Smith. Bud Herseth
Favorite Brass Band Piece: No favorite
Biography:
Jennifer has a bachelors degree in music education from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas and a Masters degree in music education from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas. She has played with the Arlington Wind Symphony, the Texas Wind Symphony, The Dallas Wind Symphony, and the University City Orchestra. Trumpet teachers include Harris Brinson, Steve Weger and Leonard Candelaria.
Al Stith - Solo Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since:
Occupation: Teacher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Andrew Poor, Wynton Marsalis and Gabriela Montero
Favorite Brass Band Piece: "Harrison's Dream" by Peter Graham
Biography:
Al Stith holds a B.M. in Music from Vanderbilt University and a Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. As a teacher, he has worked in the Saint Louis Public and Hazelwood School Districts since 2004. In addition to teaching music, Al is a charter member of the Phi Mu Alpha chapter at Vanderbilt University. Since 2013, Al has worked for the ETS and the College Board as a grader for the Music Praxis assessment and the AP Music Theory exam. When he is not spending time with his 3 kids and awesome wife, you might find Al crying in the corner after his Cincinnati Reds suffer another loss to those pesky Cardinals.
Member Since:
Occupation: Teacher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Andrew Poor, Wynton Marsalis and Gabriela Montero
Favorite Brass Band Piece: "Harrison's Dream" by Peter Graham
Biography:
Al Stith holds a B.M. in Music from Vanderbilt University and a Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. As a teacher, he has worked in the Saint Louis Public and Hazelwood School Districts since 2004. In addition to teaching music, Al is a charter member of the Phi Mu Alpha chapter at Vanderbilt University. Since 2013, Al has worked for the ETS and the College Board as a grader for the Music Praxis assessment and the AP Music Theory exam. When he is not spending time with his 3 kids and awesome wife, you might find Al crying in the corner after his Cincinnati Reds suffer another loss to those pesky Cardinals.
Brandon Overstreet - Assistant Solo Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since: 2025
Occupation: Middle School Orchestra Director
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Wes Scott and John Francis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Six Susato Dances
Biography: Born and raised in St. Charles, MO, Brandon Overstreet is one of the newest members of the St. Louis Brass Band this season. He gained an interest in music at a young age when he learned how to play "Let's Go Fly a Kite" from Mary Poppins by ear on his grandmother's organ. Beginning in 6th grade, he learned how to play trumpet from his director and mentor (who is an STLBB alum), Wes Scott. He was also a member of the inaugural Youth Brass Band in 2015/2016. Following in both of his mentor's footsteps, Brandon recieved his Music Education degree from Hannibal LaGrange University and has been teaching for the past 6 years. He is currently serving as the Orchestra Director at Southeast Middle School in the Hazelwood School District. Brandon is extremely excited to be a member of the STLBB this season and hopes to continue spreading the joy of music in people's lives.
Member Since: 2025
Occupation: Middle School Orchestra Director
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Wes Scott and John Francis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Six Susato Dances
Biography: Born and raised in St. Charles, MO, Brandon Overstreet is one of the newest members of the St. Louis Brass Band this season. He gained an interest in music at a young age when he learned how to play "Let's Go Fly a Kite" from Mary Poppins by ear on his grandmother's organ. Beginning in 6th grade, he learned how to play trumpet from his director and mentor (who is an STLBB alum), Wes Scott. He was also a member of the inaugural Youth Brass Band in 2015/2016. Following in both of his mentor's footsteps, Brandon recieved his Music Education degree from Hannibal LaGrange University and has been teaching for the past 6 years. He is currently serving as the Orchestra Director at Southeast Middle School in the Hazelwood School District. Brandon is extremely excited to be a member of the STLBB this season and hopes to continue spreading the joy of music in people's lives.
Wyatt Moore - First Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since: 2025
Occupation: Band Director
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Angelo Manzo
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Danny Boy
Biography: Graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2023 with a Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education, Wyatt has been very active around the Mid-Missouri area playing and teaching band. He is also an avid guitarist who plays for musicals all around Missouri. Wyatt lives in Columbia, Missouri with his wife Elora.
Member Since: 2025
Occupation: Band Director
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Angelo Manzo
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Danny Boy
Biography: Graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2023 with a Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education, Wyatt has been very active around the Mid-Missouri area playing and teaching band. He is also an avid guitarist who plays for musicals all around Missouri. Wyatt lives in Columbia, Missouri with his wife Elora.
HC Russell - Second Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since: 2023
Occupation: Retired credit manager
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Dr. Alexander Pickard, Professor Keith House, Dr. John Cheetham, Mr. Marc Lewis.
Biography: Performed with various University of Missouri bands while in college in the late 1970's, graduating in 1979 with a degree in agricultural economics. Resumed playing in 1984 with the Columbia Community Band, and later with ShowMe Brass Band, both in Columbia MO, and remains part of both ensembles. Joined St Louis Brass Band as a substitute euphonium in late 2023 and moved to tenor horn in 2024.
Lives on a small farm outside of Clark MO with wife, Susan.
Member Since: 2023
Occupation: Retired credit manager
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Dr. Alexander Pickard, Professor Keith House, Dr. John Cheetham, Mr. Marc Lewis.
Biography: Performed with various University of Missouri bands while in college in the late 1970's, graduating in 1979 with a degree in agricultural economics. Resumed playing in 1984 with the Columbia Community Band, and later with ShowMe Brass Band, both in Columbia MO, and remains part of both ensembles. Joined St Louis Brass Band as a substitute euphonium in late 2023 and moved to tenor horn in 2024.
Lives on a small farm outside of Clark MO with wife, Susan.
Hadley Haux - Second Euphonium
Instrument: Euphonium
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Recently retired as Director of Bands at Ritenour High School from 1993-2023.
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Too many to name.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: No favorite - I love all the brass band repertoire, from the standard lit., to marches, light classics, and pops.
Biography:
A native of Sturgeon, Missouri, Hadley received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition to performing with the St. Louis Brass Band, Hadley directs the Northwinds Concert Band; directs and plays with the North County Big Band; performs with the Wurst Bavarian Band; and various freelance opportunities. His professional affiliations include MBA, MMEA, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha. Hadley is a longtime resident of Ferguson, Mo. where he resides with his wife Mary. They have three grown children.
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Recently retired as Director of Bands at Ritenour High School from 1993-2023.
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Too many to name.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: No favorite - I love all the brass band repertoire, from the standard lit., to marches, light classics, and pops.
Biography:
A native of Sturgeon, Missouri, Hadley received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition to performing with the St. Louis Brass Band, Hadley directs the Northwinds Concert Band; directs and plays with the North County Big Band; performs with the Wurst Bavarian Band; and various freelance opportunities. His professional affiliations include MBA, MMEA, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha. Hadley is a longtime resident of Ferguson, Mo. where he resides with his wife Mary. They have three grown children.
Ken Winschel - Solo Euphonium
Ken is currently in his eighth season with the St. Louis Brass Band. Ken graduated from the University of Missouri- St. Louis with a B.M. in Music Education and has earned a Masters degree in Band Conducting from the American Band College via Sam Houston State University. He also studied euphonium at the University of Missouri- Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance and performed with elite groups like the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
The former Assistant Director of Bands at Marquette High School in the Rockwood School District, Ken took a step back from the education field to take care of his three young children. Now that they are all in school, he is once again back in the classroom as a substitute teacher in various districts around the St. Louis area.
You can find Ken on social media sharing his love of euphonium and music making where he offers content courses and group instruction to help players master their instruments! Find him on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @TheEuphDude!
The former Assistant Director of Bands at Marquette High School in the Rockwood School District, Ken took a step back from the education field to take care of his three young children. Now that they are all in school, he is once again back in the classroom as a substitute teacher in various districts around the St. Louis area.
You can find Ken on social media sharing his love of euphonium and music making where he offers content courses and group instruction to help players master their instruments! Find him on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @TheEuphDude!
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