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Saint Louis Brass Band 2021-2022
Dr. John Bell, Conductor
Gail Drillinger - Presenter
Presenter
Cameron Stofel - Soprano Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Music Education Student and Butcher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. John Korak, Dennis Meyer, Chris Botti
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Jupiter
Biography:
Cameron is currently studying music education under Dr. John Korak at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. He serves as principal trumpet for the SIUE Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Michael Mishra. Cameron also plays principal in the SIUE Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, E-Band, and the Trumpet Studio Ensemble. Outside of SIUE, Cameron has performed with The St. Louis Youth Symphony and Granite City Community Bands.
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: Music Education Student and Butcher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. John Korak, Dennis Meyer, Chris Botti
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Jupiter
Biography:
Cameron is currently studying music education under Dr. John Korak at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. He serves as principal trumpet for the SIUE Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Michael Mishra. Cameron also plays principal in the SIUE Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, E-Band, and the Trumpet Studio Ensemble. Outside of SIUE, Cameron has performed with The St. Louis Youth Symphony and Granite City Community Bands.
David Drillinger - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: December, 2005
Occupation: Retired high school band director; currently adjunct brass instructor, Lewis & Clark Community College
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Harold L. Hillyer, Doc Severinsen, Jim Loomis, Canadian Brass, and too many to list….
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke (actually most everything by Mr. Sparke!)
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. Mr. Drillinger is an active performer with the St. Louis Brass Band, the Bi-State Brass Quintet, the Metro-East Brass Quintet, and the Alton Municipal Band. He is a clinician and adjudicator in Illinois and Missouri. Mr. Drillinger was honored by his peers in 1999, being selected to conduct the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Professional memberships include American School Band Directors Association, where he served as the 2004 national convention logistics chair and served as Illinois State President; International Trumpet Guild; National Band Association, for which he served as Illinois State 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 Who’s Who A Lifetime of Achievement, Volume VI.
David lives in Godfrey, Illinois with his wife Gail, and cat Boo!. Their daughter, Claire, also a musician, resides in Oak Park, IL.
Member Since: December, 2005
Occupation: Retired high school band director; currently adjunct brass instructor, Lewis & Clark Community College
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Harold L. Hillyer, Doc Severinsen, Jim Loomis, Canadian Brass, and too many to list….
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke (actually most everything by Mr. Sparke!)
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. Mr. Drillinger is an active performer with the St. Louis Brass Band, the Bi-State Brass Quintet, the Metro-East Brass Quintet, and the Alton Municipal Band. He is a clinician and adjudicator in Illinois and Missouri. Mr. Drillinger was honored by his peers in 1999, being selected to conduct the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Professional memberships include American School Band Directors Association, where he served as the 2004 national convention logistics chair and served as Illinois State President; International Trumpet Guild; National Band Association, for which he served as Illinois State 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 Who’s Who A Lifetime of Achievement, Volume VI.
David lives in Godfrey, Illinois with his wife Gail, and cat Boo!. Their daughter, Claire, also a musician, resides in Oak Park, IL.
Dennis Jones - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: HS Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Harold Hillyer, Tom Brawner, Darrell Cannedy
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Shine Is The Light - Graham
Biography:
Dennis Jones is in his 24th year as Director of Bands for Rochester Junior and Senior High School, where his duties consist of directing 2 concert bands, 2 jazz ensembles, 5th grade lessons, video/audio tech and a careers class. 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, son Mitchell, and twin daughters Mallory and Emily.
Member Since: 2018
Occupation: HS Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Harold Hillyer, Tom Brawner, Darrell Cannedy
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Shine Is The Light - Graham
Biography:
Dennis Jones is in his 24th year as Director of Bands for Rochester Junior and Senior High School, where his duties consist of directing 2 concert bands, 2 jazz ensembles, 5th grade lessons, video/audio tech and a careers class. 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, son Mitchell, and twin daughters Mallory and Emily.
Robert Wright - Solo Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Director of Bands at Collinsville High School
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Ronald Romm, musical heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Vitae Aeternum, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Bobby Wright graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012 with his bachelors 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.
Bobby is an active adjudicator and performer in the St. Louis area. He performs with the Edwardsville Municipal Band and the Nightmusic brass quartet. He will be serving as the District 6 band representative for the Illinois Music Educators Association. He resides in Collinsville, Illinois with his wife Rachael and two dogs, Bandit and Chief.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Director of Bands at Collinsville High School
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Ronald Romm, musical heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Vitae Aeternum, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Bobby Wright graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012 with his bachelors 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.
Bobby is an active adjudicator and performer in the St. Louis area. He performs with the Edwardsville Municipal Band and the Nightmusic brass quartet. He will be serving as the District 6 band representative for the Illinois Music Educators Association. He resides in Collinsville, Illinois with his wife Rachael and two dogs, Bandit and Chief.
Elise Ware - Solo Cornet
Alex Smith - Ripiano Cornet
Instrument: Repiano Cornet
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Accountant
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Jennifer Moder (McKendree University), Ed Jacobs (SWIC), Dawn Weber
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. In addition, Alex was also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Beta Delta. Although pursuing a career in accounting and finance, Alex greatly enjoys the opportunity to continue performing with the STLBB as well as the opportunity to learn from the other members of the band.
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Accountant
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Jennifer Moder (McKendree University), Ed Jacobs (SWIC), Dawn Weber
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. In addition, Alex was also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Beta Delta. Although pursuing a career in accounting and finance, Alex greatly enjoys the opportunity to continue performing with the STLBB as well as the opportunity to learn from the other members of the band.
Gary Gardner - 2nd Cornet
Instrument: 2nd Cornet
Member Since: Spring 2019
Occupation: Retired Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Guardian of My Soul and Vitae Aeternum
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 becoming a new member of the SLBB, he remains active being the lead trumpet player for the Blackburn College Band, the Carlinville and Heritage municipal bands, the 10th Cavalry Civil War Band as well as the 1st Illinois & 2nd Iowa Regimental 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 two dogs, Reeses and Sydney.
Member Since: Spring 2019
Occupation: Retired Band Director
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Guardian of My Soul and Vitae Aeternum
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 becoming a new member of the SLBB, he remains active being the lead trumpet player for the Blackburn College Band, the Carlinville and Heritage municipal bands, the 10th Cavalry Civil War Band as well as the 1st Illinois & 2nd Iowa Regimental 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 two dogs, Reeses and Sydney.
Rafael Quiroz - 2nd Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: September 2020
Occupation: Function Manager at Walgreens-Boots Alliance & Freelance Graphic Designer
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Jim Buckner, Dennis Wolfe, Wayne Bergeron...too many to name!
Favorite Brass Band Piece: On the Shoulders of Giants by Peter Graham
Biography:
Rafael studied Graphic Design at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. During his time at the university, he played with numerous brass ensembles, quintets, and was a member of Natural State Brass Band based out of the Little Rock area. He played in the university's Wind Ensemble, Brass Band, and Nufusion jazz group.
He then moved to Lexington, Kentucky after graduating. After a few years there, Rafael made his way to the Edwardsville area and joined the St. Louis Brass Band.
Memberships include the International Trumpet Guild and Alumni status of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Member Since: September 2020
Occupation: Function Manager at Walgreens-Boots Alliance & Freelance Graphic Designer
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Jim Buckner, Dennis Wolfe, Wayne Bergeron...too many to name!
Favorite Brass Band Piece: On the Shoulders of Giants by Peter Graham
Biography:
Rafael studied Graphic Design at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. During his time at the university, he played with numerous brass ensembles, quintets, and was a member of Natural State Brass Band based out of the Little Rock area. He played in the university's Wind Ensemble, Brass Band, and Nufusion jazz group.
He then moved to Lexington, Kentucky after graduating. After a few years there, Rafael made his way to the Edwardsville area and joined the St. Louis Brass Band.
Memberships include the International Trumpet Guild and Alumni status of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Paul Hermanson - 3rd Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2013
Occupation: CEO, MusicLearningCommunity.com
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Maynard Ferguson, and Dizzy Gillespie. Mentors: Bob Ceccarini, Dr Greg Jones
Favorite Piece: Fandango by Joseph Turrin (arranged for Brass Band)
Biography:
Paul studied privately with Bob Ceccarini, the trumpet player for the Fox and Muny Theaters in St. Louis (1998-2006). He also studied with the distinguished European virtuosos Reinhold Friedrich, and Fritz Damrow in Corfu, Greece (2007). Paul is the 2008 Missouri State winner of the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Brass Competition. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, trumpet performance with minor in jazz studies from Truman State University, in the trumpet studio of Dr. Greg Jones (2010). Since 2005, Paul and his family have inspired music students and music educators worldwide through MusicLearningCommunity.com.
Member Since: 2013
Occupation: CEO, MusicLearningCommunity.com
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Maynard Ferguson, and Dizzy Gillespie. Mentors: Bob Ceccarini, Dr Greg Jones
Favorite Piece: Fandango by Joseph Turrin (arranged for Brass Band)
Biography:
Paul studied privately with Bob Ceccarini, the trumpet player for the Fox and Muny Theaters in St. Louis (1998-2006). He also studied with the distinguished European virtuosos Reinhold Friedrich, and Fritz Damrow in Corfu, Greece (2007). Paul is the 2008 Missouri State winner of the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Brass Competition. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, trumpet performance with minor in jazz studies from Truman State University, in the trumpet studio of Dr. Greg Jones (2010). Since 2005, Paul and his family have inspired music students and music educators worldwide through MusicLearningCommunity.com.
Timothy Wilkins - 3rd Cornet
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Retired Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in S. St. Louis.
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Robert Nagel, Phil Smith, and Michael Walk.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: This is impossible to answer. I love so many.
Biography:
In high school Tim was fortunate to study trumpet with Robert Nagel, instructor at Julliard and Yale. At the New England Conservatory he studied with Andre Come, second trumpet with the Boston Symphony and principal trumpet with the Boston Pops. Recognizing a call to the ministry Tim put down the trumpet in the mid '70s and moved in a new direction. In 2014 he picked up the instrument again and began studies with Michael Walk of the St. Louis Symphony. Along the way he discovered the world of Brass Bands and in particular the St. Louis Brass Band. It's a dream come true for him to be part of this band. Tim lives in Affton with his wife Karen. When he is not practicing or playing with the band he can be found at Suson Park taking care of the horses, ponies, donkeys, cows and occasionally playing with piglets.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Retired Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in S. St. Louis.
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Robert Nagel, Phil Smith, and Michael Walk.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: This is impossible to answer. I love so many.
Biography:
In high school Tim was fortunate to study trumpet with Robert Nagel, instructor at Julliard and Yale. At the New England Conservatory he studied with Andre Come, second trumpet with the Boston Symphony and principal trumpet with the Boston Pops. Recognizing a call to the ministry Tim put down the trumpet in the mid '70s and moved in a new direction. In 2014 he picked up the instrument again and began studies with Michael Walk of the St. Louis Symphony. Along the way he discovered the world of Brass Bands and in particular the St. Louis Brass Band. It's a dream come true for him to be part of this band. Tim lives in Affton with his wife Karen. When he is not practicing or playing with the band he can be found at Suson Park taking care of the horses, ponies, donkeys, cows and occasionally playing with piglets.
Jennifer Korak – Flugelhorn
Instrument: Cornet
Member Since: 1999
Occupation: Band director at Whiteside Middle School in Belleville, Prior to this I was band director at Vines High school in Plano, Texas.
Mentors & Musical Heroes:
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Chivalry by Martin Ellerby
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.
Jennifer currently lives in Edwardsville, Illinois with her husband John, and children Brendan and Abby.
Member Since: 1999
Occupation: Band director at Whiteside Middle School in Belleville, Prior to this I was band director at Vines High school in Plano, Texas.
Mentors & Musical Heroes:
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Chivalry by Martin Ellerby
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.
Jennifer currently lives in Edwardsville, Illinois with her husband John, and children Brendan and Abby.
Al Stith - Solo Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Network Engineer
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Bruce C. Briney (Western Illinois University), Dr. Colin Holman (Chicago Brass Band).
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Oliver Waespy's "Audivi Media Nocte"
Biography:
Michael R. Johnson graduated from Western Illinois University in 2007 with a BA in music education. After teaching music in Bolingbrook, Illinois for 3 years, he then accepted a position as an electronic medical records trainer with ME computer Systems. He performed as a euphonium and tenor horn player with the Chicago Brass Band for four seasons between 2010 and 2014. During this time, he also performed as a trombone and trumpet player with the Fox Valley concert band. He joined the army as an IT specialist in the spring 2014, and concluded his service contract on September 11th, 2017. He is now employed as a network engineer at Scott AFB, and has been performing with the St. Louis Brass Band since October 2017.
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Network Engineer
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Bruce C. Briney (Western Illinois University), Dr. Colin Holman (Chicago Brass Band).
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Oliver Waespy's "Audivi Media Nocte"
Biography:
Michael R. Johnson graduated from Western Illinois University in 2007 with a BA in music education. After teaching music in Bolingbrook, Illinois for 3 years, he then accepted a position as an electronic medical records trainer with ME computer Systems. He performed as a euphonium and tenor horn player with the Chicago Brass Band for four seasons between 2010 and 2014. During this time, he also performed as a trombone and trumpet player with the Fox Valley concert band. He joined the army as an IT specialist in the spring 2014, and concluded his service contract on September 11th, 2017. He is now employed as a network engineer at Scott AFB, and has been performing with the St. Louis Brass Band since October 2017.
Matt Alton - 1st Tenor Horn
Larry Ashlock - 2nd Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Disability Insurance Specialist with Health Care Service Corporation
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Arnold Jacobs, Dr James Froseth, Tim Meyers
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Harrison’s Dream by Peter Graham
Biography:
Larry earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He is the former Elementary Band Director for St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. Larry is also a former marching member of Black Knights, Boston Crusaders, and Cavaliers drum and bugle corps. He composed an original march for band which was premiered by the University of Missouri Saint Louis Concert Band in 2007. He currently lives in Alton, Illinois with his two cats, Henry and Dr. Zaius.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Disability Insurance Specialist with Health Care Service Corporation
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Arnold Jacobs, Dr James Froseth, Tim Meyers
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Harrison’s Dream by Peter Graham
Biography:
Larry earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He is the former Elementary Band Director for St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. Larry is also a former marching member of Black Knights, Boston Crusaders, and Cavaliers drum and bugle corps. He composed an original march for band which was premiered by the University of Missouri Saint Louis Concert Band in 2007. He currently lives in Alton, Illinois with his two cats, Henry and Dr. Zaius.
Brent Becker - 1st Baritone
Instrument: Baritone
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Concept Illustrator and Design Consultant for Stanbury Uniforms
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Leonard Bernstein, Eric Whitacre, John Mackey, W. Francis McBeth, and Frederick Fennell
Favorite Brass Band Piece: "On The Shoulders of Giants" by Peter Graham
Biography:
Brent W. Becker joins the band with decades of performance experience from several academic and community music organizations. A member of Phi Mu Alpha SINFONIA, and an alumnus of Bradley University (Peoria, IL) and Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL), Brent has enjoyed the honor of performing with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (Rosemont, IL), the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (Peoria, IL), and Sterling Municipal Band (Sterling, IL). He is currently a euphonium with the St. Charles Municipal Band (St. Charles, MO) and St. Charles Community College Concert Band (Cottleville, MO).
Outside of musical pursuits, Brent is an award-winning multi-disciplinary visual artist, designer, and arts educator. Recently, he has exhibited artwork through Art Saint Louis and the Saint Louis Artist's Guild. Brent’s drawing and mixed-media work was selected for the 36th Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition. He currently instructs Printmaking at St. Charles Community College and is the Design Consultant for Stanbury Uniforms. In his role with Stanbury, Brent has the unique opportunity to lend his visual expertise to renown performing ensembles, including university marching bands and several notable drum corps.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Concept Illustrator and Design Consultant for Stanbury Uniforms
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Leonard Bernstein, Eric Whitacre, John Mackey, W. Francis McBeth, and Frederick Fennell
Favorite Brass Band Piece: "On The Shoulders of Giants" by Peter Graham
Biography:
Brent W. Becker joins the band with decades of performance experience from several academic and community music organizations. A member of Phi Mu Alpha SINFONIA, and an alumnus of Bradley University (Peoria, IL) and Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL), Brent has enjoyed the honor of performing with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (Rosemont, IL), the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (Peoria, IL), and Sterling Municipal Band (Sterling, IL). He is currently a euphonium with the St. Charles Municipal Band (St. Charles, MO) and St. Charles Community College Concert Band (Cottleville, MO).
Outside of musical pursuits, Brent is an award-winning multi-disciplinary visual artist, designer, and arts educator. Recently, he has exhibited artwork through Art Saint Louis and the Saint Louis Artist's Guild. Brent’s drawing and mixed-media work was selected for the 36th Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition. He currently instructs Printmaking at St. Charles Community College and is the Design Consultant for Stanbury Uniforms. In his role with Stanbury, Brent has the unique opportunity to lend his visual expertise to renown performing ensembles, including university marching bands and several notable drum corps.
Luke Davis - 2nd Baritone
Instrument: Baritone/Euphonium
Member Since: 2020
Occupation: Director of Bands at Wesclin High School and Middle School
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Jennifer Moder-Bell, Rodney Washburn, and Joe Alessi (I hope to sound half as good as him)
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood
Biography:
Luke obtained his Bachelor's of Music Education from McKendree University in the Winter of 2017. After obtaining his degree, he taught in Salem, IL for two years as the Band Director at Franklin Park Middle School. Starting in 2020, he made the transition to Director of Bands of Wesclin High School and Middle School. At Wesclin, he instructs the Middle School Concert Band, High School Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and the Warrior Pep Band.
In his free time, Luke enjoys hiking and playing board games with his wife Allie. They have a loveable cat named Thor and reside in New Baden, IL.
Member Since: 2020
Occupation: Director of Bands at Wesclin High School and Middle School
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Jennifer Moder-Bell, Rodney Washburn, and Joe Alessi (I hope to sound half as good as him)
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood
Biography:
Luke obtained his Bachelor's of Music Education from McKendree University in the Winter of 2017. After obtaining his degree, he taught in Salem, IL for two years as the Band Director at Franklin Park Middle School. Starting in 2020, he made the transition to Director of Bands of Wesclin High School and Middle School. At Wesclin, he instructs the Middle School Concert Band, High School Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and the Warrior Pep Band.
In his free time, Luke enjoys hiking and playing board games with his wife Allie. They have a loveable cat named Thor and reside in New Baden, IL.
Hadley Haux - Euphonium
Instrument: Euphonium
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Director of Bands at Ritenour High School since 1993, overseeing all areas of the band program.
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 and plays with the North County Big Band, performs with the Northwinds Concert Band, the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra, 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 wife Mary and three children, two of whom are in college and one in high school.
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Director of Bands at Ritenour High School since 1993, overseeing all areas of the band program.
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 and plays with the North County Big Band, performs with the Northwinds Concert Band, the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra, 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 wife Mary and three children, two of whom are in college and one in high school.
Kate DeMonica – Euphonium
Instrument: Euphonium
Member Since: 2020
Occupation: Director of Bands at O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Professor Mark Moore, Scott Casagrande, and Drs. Elizabeth and Stephen Peterson.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: The Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke
Biography:
Originally from the western suburbs of Chicago, Kate DeMonica graduated from the University of Illinois in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in both euphonium performance and music education. While at the University, Kate was the Baritone Section Leader in the Marching Illini, principal euphonium of the Illinois Wind Symphony, winner of the Thomas J. Smith Concerto Competition, and recipient of the Mark Hindsley Award. Upon graduation, Kate became the Director of Bands for O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90. Kate's professional affiliations include NBA, NafME, ILMEA, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Kate is looking forward to the incredible musical opportunities that the St. Louis region has to offer.
Member Since: 2020
Occupation: Director of Bands at O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Wynton Marsalis, Professor Mark Moore, Scott Casagrande, and Drs. Elizabeth and Stephen Peterson.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: The Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke
Biography:
Originally from the western suburbs of Chicago, Kate DeMonica graduated from the University of Illinois in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in both euphonium performance and music education. While at the University, Kate was the Baritone Section Leader in the Marching Illini, principal euphonium of the Illinois Wind Symphony, winner of the Thomas J. Smith Concerto Competition, and recipient of the Mark Hindsley Award. Upon graduation, Kate became the Director of Bands for O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90. Kate's professional affiliations include NBA, NafME, ILMEA, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Kate is looking forward to the incredible musical opportunities that the St. Louis region has to offer.
Matt Frederickson - Solo Trombone
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 1998-2008, then again in 2018-present
Occupation: School Superintendent
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Bill Hartman, Dale Lonis, Tom O'Neal, Francis McBeth, Kenneth Bloomquist, Denny Layendecker
Favorite Brass Band Piece: A Moorside Suite, Gustav Holst
Biography:
Matt Frederickson hails from Springfield, Missouri and is a lifetime musician, teacher, and student. Dr. Frederickson has studied trombone and euphonium with Roger Oyster, Nathaniel Brickens, and Bill Hartman, and has won many regional instrumental solo competitions including the 1996 MTNA Missouri brass artist contest, was the Winner of Wellock and Farrar Performance Competitions, the Concerto Competition Winner and a Regents Scholar at Missouri State University, among others. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri State University. Dr. Frederickson serves as principal trombone with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra for more than fifteen years and has toured with the bands of the United States Air Force spanning five continents. He has performed on television and radio and recorded with professional symphonies and bands, such as the St. Louis Symphony, Missouri Jazz Orchestra, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Missouri Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Pops, Springfield Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, Springfield Regional Opera, Ft. Smith Symphony, Dorsey Big Band, and the St. Louis Brass Band. In 2006, he performed with the United States Air Force Academy Band’s Galaxy Brass and the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid America’s Shades of Blue jazz ensemble on trombone and on euphonium with the concert band. In 2008, he was featured as a guest soloist for the Missouri Music Educators Convention. He performed the DeMeij T-Bone Concerto accompanied by Symphonic Band, and later in 2018 and 2019 with other invited bands.
As a professional educator, Dr. Frederickson has served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Jazz Studies in the Gasconade County Schools (MO), Head Director of Bands at Union High School (MO), and Director of Athletic Bands/Visiting Professor of Low Brass at Ouachita Baptist University and Director of Curriculum and Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Rockwood School District, Head of School for Grand Center Arts Academy, as well as an Adjunct Professor for several Universities in the St. Louis area including several years as Director of Bands for Missouri Baptist University. Currently, he serves as the Superintendent for the Bowling Green school district. His former students have won numerous state and regional contests including winning scholarships at Berklee School of Music, the University of North Texas, The Peabody Conservatory and such prestigious ensembles as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy while recognizing him on multiple occasions with Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Dr. Frederickson continues to serve as a guest clinician and adjudicator for various solo/chamber music and marching, concert and jazz band festivals. He continues to serve as an adjudicator for the MSHSAA state and district festivals, and has been asked to conduct the St. Louis All-Suburban Middle School Honor Band and St. Louis Metro 8 District Honor Band.
A published author, Dr. Frederickson has written articles on trombone pedagogy and performance practice, standards in the classroom, and the connection between student academic achievement and instrumental music instruction, and has been published in the Music Educators Journal and the Missouri Journal of Research in Music Education.
Dr. Frederickson belongs to Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, the International Trombone Association, and is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and has served on the boards of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra and the St. Louis Low Brass Collective and the editorial board of the Missouri Journal of Research in Music Education. Currently, he resides in Wildwood, MO where he lives with his wife Alison and three children, Laura, Nathaniel, and Joel.
As a military bandsman, Sergeant First Class Frederickson has served his country most recently entertaining troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Djibouti, Africa. His military honors include the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with four devices, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass and mobility device, and is a Graduate of the Army Warrior Leadership and Advanced Leadership and Senior Leadership Courses, and the non-commissioned officer course. State military honors include the Missouri Commendation Ribbon, Missouri State Emergency Duty Service and was nominated for the Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award with Official Certificate validated by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He is retired after 25 years of service combined Air Force and National Guard.
Member Since: 1998-2008, then again in 2018-present
Occupation: School Superintendent
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Bill Hartman, Dale Lonis, Tom O'Neal, Francis McBeth, Kenneth Bloomquist, Denny Layendecker
Favorite Brass Band Piece: A Moorside Suite, Gustav Holst
Biography:
Matt Frederickson hails from Springfield, Missouri and is a lifetime musician, teacher, and student. Dr. Frederickson has studied trombone and euphonium with Roger Oyster, Nathaniel Brickens, and Bill Hartman, and has won many regional instrumental solo competitions including the 1996 MTNA Missouri brass artist contest, was the Winner of Wellock and Farrar Performance Competitions, the Concerto Competition Winner and a Regents Scholar at Missouri State University, among others. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri State University. Dr. Frederickson serves as principal trombone with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra for more than fifteen years and has toured with the bands of the United States Air Force spanning five continents. He has performed on television and radio and recorded with professional symphonies and bands, such as the St. Louis Symphony, Missouri Jazz Orchestra, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Missouri Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Pops, Springfield Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, Springfield Regional Opera, Ft. Smith Symphony, Dorsey Big Band, and the St. Louis Brass Band. In 2006, he performed with the United States Air Force Academy Band’s Galaxy Brass and the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid America’s Shades of Blue jazz ensemble on trombone and on euphonium with the concert band. In 2008, he was featured as a guest soloist for the Missouri Music Educators Convention. He performed the DeMeij T-Bone Concerto accompanied by Symphonic Band, and later in 2018 and 2019 with other invited bands.
As a professional educator, Dr. Frederickson has served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Jazz Studies in the Gasconade County Schools (MO), Head Director of Bands at Union High School (MO), and Director of Athletic Bands/Visiting Professor of Low Brass at Ouachita Baptist University and Director of Curriculum and Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Rockwood School District, Head of School for Grand Center Arts Academy, as well as an Adjunct Professor for several Universities in the St. Louis area including several years as Director of Bands for Missouri Baptist University. Currently, he serves as the Superintendent for the Bowling Green school district. His former students have won numerous state and regional contests including winning scholarships at Berklee School of Music, the University of North Texas, The Peabody Conservatory and such prestigious ensembles as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy while recognizing him on multiple occasions with Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Dr. Frederickson continues to serve as a guest clinician and adjudicator for various solo/chamber music and marching, concert and jazz band festivals. He continues to serve as an adjudicator for the MSHSAA state and district festivals, and has been asked to conduct the St. Louis All-Suburban Middle School Honor Band and St. Louis Metro 8 District Honor Band.
A published author, Dr. Frederickson has written articles on trombone pedagogy and performance practice, standards in the classroom, and the connection between student academic achievement and instrumental music instruction, and has been published in the Music Educators Journal and the Missouri Journal of Research in Music Education.
Dr. Frederickson belongs to Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, the International Trombone Association, and is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and has served on the boards of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra and the St. Louis Low Brass Collective and the editorial board of the Missouri Journal of Research in Music Education. Currently, he resides in Wildwood, MO where he lives with his wife Alison and three children, Laura, Nathaniel, and Joel.
As a military bandsman, Sergeant First Class Frederickson has served his country most recently entertaining troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Djibouti, Africa. His military honors include the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with four devices, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass and mobility device, and is a Graduate of the Army Warrior Leadership and Advanced Leadership and Senior Leadership Courses, and the non-commissioned officer course. State military honors include the Missouri Commendation Ribbon, Missouri State Emergency Duty Service and was nominated for the Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award with Official Certificate validated by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He is retired after 25 years of service combined Air Force and National Guard.
Dr. Jennifer A. Moder-Bell - Solo Trombone
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2013
Occupation: McKendree University – Assistant Professor of Music Education, Director of Concert Band and Wind Ensemble.
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Joseph Parisi (UMKC), Dr. Stephen Parsons (ISU)
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood and Within Blue Empires – Paul Lovatt-Cooper.
Biography:
Jennifer A. Moder attended the University of Illinois where she graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Music Education in 2001. After beginning her teaching career as the director of bands at Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, IL, she earned a Master of Music Education degree from Illinois State University in 2010.
While working on this degree, Moder taught applied trombone and the history of American music at Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL. Moder earned the Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in May, 2013. In addition to teaching music education and research classes at UMKC, Moder also taught music appreciation at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Dr. Moder is currently the assistant professor of music education and director of the concert band and wind ensemble at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL. She teaches music education courses and music fundamentals, supervises student teachers, and coaches two brass quintets. Her research areas focus on non-music major participation in college bands, instrument selection, gender bias, and recruitment and retention of trombone players. She currently resides in Lebanon, IL with her dog Wiggles.
Member Since: 2013
Occupation: McKendree University – Assistant Professor of Music Education, Director of Concert Band and Wind Ensemble.
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Joseph Parisi (UMKC), Dr. Stephen Parsons (ISU)
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood and Within Blue Empires – Paul Lovatt-Cooper.
Biography:
Jennifer A. Moder attended the University of Illinois where she graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Music Education in 2001. After beginning her teaching career as the director of bands at Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, IL, she earned a Master of Music Education degree from Illinois State University in 2010.
While working on this degree, Moder taught applied trombone and the history of American music at Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL. Moder earned the Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in May, 2013. In addition to teaching music education and research classes at UMKC, Moder also taught music appreciation at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Dr. Moder is currently the assistant professor of music education and director of the concert band and wind ensemble at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL. She teaches music education courses and music fundamentals, supervises student teachers, and coaches two brass quintets. Her research areas focus on non-music major participation in college bands, instrument selection, gender bias, and recruitment and retention of trombone players. She currently resides in Lebanon, IL with her dog Wiggles.
Jim Schneeberg - 2nd Trombone
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Music Publishing Associate
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Gustav Holst, Christian Lindbergh
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood by Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Jim earned a degree from Webster University and is active with the Genesis Jazz Project. He lives in Imperial, MO with wife Jamie, two dogs, and a cat.
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Music Publishing Associate
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Gustav Holst, Christian Lindbergh
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood by Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Jim earned a degree from Webster University and is active with the Genesis Jazz Project. He lives in Imperial, MO with wife Jamie, two dogs, and a cat.
Paul Ahlemeyer - Bass Trombone
Instrument: Bass Trombone
Member Since: September 2015
Occupation: High School Band Teacher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Scott Anderson, Charles Vernon, and Blair Bollinger
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Philip Sparke
Biography:
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Paul Ahlemeyer started playing trombone when he was 11 years old. The original plan was percussion, but he was destined for trombone. In high school Paul took the next step and took on the bass trombone. He began the bass trombone journey with lessons from Jay Pralle and careful guidance from Cody Collins. Paul went on to study music education at the University of Nebraska. While at Nebraska he was fortunate to work with Scott Anderson.
After earning his bachelor’s degree Paul moved to the St. Louis area. He was quickly integrated into the St. Louis music scene. Paul currently performs with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, Matt McCallie Orchestra, Harmony Brass Quartet, Missouri Baptist Concert Band, Washington University Wind Ensemble, Manchester Community Band, and at the Church of the Shepherd. He has performed several freelance gigs for companies, schools, and churches.
Outside of performing Paul is the Head Band Director at Fort Zumwalt South High School. Paul also maintains a highly successful private studio of low brass musicians. He is the director of the Slide 7 Trombone Choir, a trombone choir of top notch high school trombone players.
Last, but not least, Paul is a proud board member of the St Louis Low Brass Collective.
Member Since: September 2015
Occupation: High School Band Teacher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Scott Anderson, Charles Vernon, and Blair Bollinger
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Philip Sparke
Biography:
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Paul Ahlemeyer started playing trombone when he was 11 years old. The original plan was percussion, but he was destined for trombone. In high school Paul took the next step and took on the bass trombone. He began the bass trombone journey with lessons from Jay Pralle and careful guidance from Cody Collins. Paul went on to study music education at the University of Nebraska. While at Nebraska he was fortunate to work with Scott Anderson.
After earning his bachelor’s degree Paul moved to the St. Louis area. He was quickly integrated into the St. Louis music scene. Paul currently performs with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, Matt McCallie Orchestra, Harmony Brass Quartet, Missouri Baptist Concert Band, Washington University Wind Ensemble, Manchester Community Band, and at the Church of the Shepherd. He has performed several freelance gigs for companies, schools, and churches.
Outside of performing Paul is the Head Band Director at Fort Zumwalt South High School. Paul also maintains a highly successful private studio of low brass musicians. He is the director of the Slide 7 Trombone Choir, a trombone choir of top notch high school trombone players.
Last, but not least, Paul is a proud board member of the St Louis Low Brass Collective.
Cooper Minnis - Eb Tuba
Instrument: E-flat Tuba
Member Since: 2019
Occupation:
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Professor Mark Camphouse of George Mason University, and Professor Andrew Hitz- former tuba instructor at George Mason University, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner, Igor Stravinsky.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Vitae Aeternum
Biography:
Cooper Minnis was born and raised in Saint Louis, MO. He began playing brass instruments at the age of ten and began composing and arranging music at the age of twelve. As a freshman in high school Cooper won a competition for writing the first original fight song entitled “Greyhound Pride” for Clayton High School in honor of its centennial anniversary. Three years later he was selected as principal tuba for the 2010-2011 season of the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
In 2011 Cooper matriculated to George Mason University where he studied composition with Mark Camphouse and tuba performance with Andrew Hitz. Here, Cooper wrote and premiered many different works for a variety of ensembles including symphonic band, symphony orchestra, woodwind quartet, brass quartet, string quartet, and voice. Cooper graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 2014, Cooper won first place in the Webster University Young Composer's Competition for his woodwind quartet “Giggles,” and in 2015 received honorable mention in the Claude T. Smith Band Composition Contest for his work, “The Darkest Hour.” Cooper also received a full scholarship to participate in the 2015 NYU/ASCAP Summer Film Scoring Workshop.
Recent accomplishments include completing three books entitled “The Art of Melody” which contain thirteen 19th and 20th century art song transcriptions for tuba, euphonium, trumpet, and piano accompaniment. In 2017 these books were selected for the Missouri State High School Activities Association's (MSHSAA) Prescribed Music List. These books along with several of his other compositions and arrangements are self-published. Cooper maintains his love for low brass by teaching private lessons regularly.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation:
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Professor Mark Camphouse of George Mason University, and Professor Andrew Hitz- former tuba instructor at George Mason University, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner, Igor Stravinsky.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Vitae Aeternum
Biography:
Cooper Minnis was born and raised in Saint Louis, MO. He began playing brass instruments at the age of ten and began composing and arranging music at the age of twelve. As a freshman in high school Cooper won a competition for writing the first original fight song entitled “Greyhound Pride” for Clayton High School in honor of its centennial anniversary. Three years later he was selected as principal tuba for the 2010-2011 season of the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
In 2011 Cooper matriculated to George Mason University where he studied composition with Mark Camphouse and tuba performance with Andrew Hitz. Here, Cooper wrote and premiered many different works for a variety of ensembles including symphonic band, symphony orchestra, woodwind quartet, brass quartet, string quartet, and voice. Cooper graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 2014, Cooper won first place in the Webster University Young Composer's Competition for his woodwind quartet “Giggles,” and in 2015 received honorable mention in the Claude T. Smith Band Composition Contest for his work, “The Darkest Hour.” Cooper also received a full scholarship to participate in the 2015 NYU/ASCAP Summer Film Scoring Workshop.
Recent accomplishments include completing three books entitled “The Art of Melody” which contain thirteen 19th and 20th century art song transcriptions for tuba, euphonium, trumpet, and piano accompaniment. In 2017 these books were selected for the Missouri State High School Activities Association's (MSHSAA) Prescribed Music List. These books along with several of his other compositions and arrangements are self-published. Cooper maintains his love for low brass by teaching private lessons regularly.