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Saint Louis Brass Band 2023-2024
Dr. John Bell, Conductor
Gail Drillinger - Presenter
Presenter
Cameron Stofel - Soprano Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Bicycle Mechanic
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. John Korak, Dennis Meyer, Dr. John Bell
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Floral Dance
Biography:
Cameron is currently studying at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and is a local bike mechanic in his free time. He currently plays principal in SIUE's Wind Symphony and Orchestra and enjoys playing eb cornet in the brass band!
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Bicycle Mechanic
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. John Korak, Dennis Meyer, Dr. John Bell
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Floral Dance
Biography:
Cameron is currently studying at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and is a local bike mechanic in his free time. He currently plays principal in SIUE's Wind Symphony and Orchestra and enjoys playing eb cornet in the brass band!
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.
Bobby Wright - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: High School Administrator
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Ronald Romm, musical heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson
Favorite Brass Band Piece: The Raid - Oliver Waespi
Biography:
Bobby Wright graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012 with his bachelor's degree in music education. While at the university Bobby was a drum major of the Marching Illini as well as the principal trumpet of the University of Illinois Wind Symphony. He also received the Albert Austin Harding award just prior to graduating. Upon graduation, Bobby became the director of the Collinsville High School band program, of which he was also a graduate. He received his masters in education administration in 2017 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
Bobby is an active adjudicator and performer in the St. Louis area. He is an assistant principal at Collinsville High School. He resides in Collinsville, Illinois with his wife Rachael, son Jensen, and two dogs, Chief and Oskee.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: High School Administrator
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Ronald Romm, musical heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson
Favorite Brass Band Piece: The Raid - Oliver Waespi
Biography:
Bobby Wright graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012 with his bachelor's degree in music education. While at the university Bobby was a drum major of the Marching Illini as well as the principal trumpet of the University of Illinois Wind Symphony. He also received the Albert Austin Harding award just prior to graduating. Upon graduation, Bobby became the director of the Collinsville High School band program, of which he was also a graduate. He received his masters in education administration in 2017 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
Bobby is an active adjudicator and performer in the St. Louis area. He is an assistant principal at Collinsville High School. He resides in Collinsville, Illinois with his wife Rachael, son Jensen, and two dogs, Chief and Oskee.
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:
Biography: Dennis Jones is in his 29th year as Director of Bands for Rochester Junior and Senior High School, where his duties consist of directing 2 concert bands, pep band, 2 jazz ensembles, pit orchestra, and 5th grade lessons. Prior to his current position, 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:
Biography: Dennis Jones is in his 29th year as Director of Bands for Rochester Junior and Senior High School, where his duties consist of directing 2 concert bands, pep band, 2 jazz ensembles, pit orchestra, and 5th grade lessons. Prior to his current position, 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.
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.
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 - 2nd Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2022
Occupation: Freelance musician/instructor and stay at home mom
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Alison Balsom, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Robert Allison, Dr. Christopher Morehouse, Mike Hanes
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Largo from The New World Symphony by Dvorak
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 currently resides in Troy, Illinois, with her husband, two children and two dogs. She is an active performer with the Troy Community Band, Troy Community Band brass quintet and Downstate Music Company out of Southern Illinois. She is excited to be a member of the St. Louis Brass Band and is looking forward to performing this season.
Member Since: 2022
Occupation: Freelance musician/instructor and stay at home mom
Mentors and Musical Heroes: Alison Balsom, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Robert Allison, Dr. Christopher Morehouse, Mike Hanes
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Largo from The New World Symphony by Dvorak
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 currently resides in Troy, Illinois, with her husband, two children and two dogs. She is an active performer with the Troy Community Band, Troy Community Band brass quintet and Downstate Music Company out of Southern Illinois. She is excited to be a member of the St. Louis Brass Band and is looking forward to performing this season.
TBD - Cornet
Arianna Coan - 3rd Cornet
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.
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.
Matt Schmitz - 1st Tenor Horn
Jess Catlett - 2nd Tenor Horn
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