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Saint Louis Brass Band 2023-2024
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
Miranda Lee - Second Cornet
Kevin Hodges - Third 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.
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.
Matt Alton - Assistant Solo Tenor Horn
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Member Since:
Occupation: Implementation Technician
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Patricia Mickey, Jeff Nelson, Sarah Willis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: I haven't heard them all yet to decide.
Biography:
Matthew Alton is an active performer in community ensembles. He has played in numerous groups in Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Currently he performs with the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, and the St. Louis Brass Band. He has a BA in Music, pre-MAE from Truman State University and a certificate of Band Repair from Southeast Technical in Red Wing, MN. He had worked as a band and orchestra instrument repair technician for 6 years, until he changed careers and is now a professional service manager at Bizlibrary in Town and Country.
Member Since:
Occupation: Implementation Technician
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Patricia Mickey, Jeff Nelson, Sarah Willis
Favorite Brass Band Piece: I haven't heard them all yet to decide.
Biography:
Matthew Alton is an active performer in community ensembles. He has played in numerous groups in Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Currently he performs with the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, and the St. Louis Brass Band. He has a BA in Music, pre-MAE from Truman State University and a certificate of Band Repair from Southeast Technical in Red Wing, MN. He had worked as a band and orchestra instrument repair technician for 6 years, until he changed careers and is now a professional service manager at Bizlibrary in Town and Country.
Matt Schmitz - 1st Tenor Horn
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
Edrance Emmanuel - Second Baritone
Larry Ashlock - First Baritone
Instrument: Baritone
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Disability Insurance Advocate - Entrepreneur
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Arnold Jacobs - Wynton Marsalis - Roger Davenport
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 & Middle School Band Director for St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. He has been active in numerous community musical groups over through the years . 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. In his spare time, Larry invented a patent pending card game entitled Tic-Tac Match.
Member Since: 2019
Occupation: Disability Insurance Advocate - Entrepreneur
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Arnold Jacobs - Wynton Marsalis - Roger Davenport
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 & Middle School Band Director for St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. He has been active in numerous community musical groups over through the years . 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. In his spare time, Larry invented a patent pending card game entitled Tic-Tac Match.
Jennifer A. Moder-Bell - Solo Trombone
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2013
Occupation: McKendree University – Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands
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; Saints Triumphant and Wondrous Cross - Philip Wilby
Biography:
JENNIFER A. MODER-BELL is the Coordinator of Music Education and Director of Bands at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL. Moder-Bell earned her Bachelor of Music Education with Honors from the University of Illinois in 2001. Dr. Moder-Bell then served as Director of Bands at Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, IL from 2002 – 2008. Moder-Bell received a Master of Music Education from Illinois State University in 2010 and an Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Curriculum and Instruction in 2013 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her primary instructors have included Dr. Stephen Parsons and Dr. Joseph Parisi. She is currently the President on the board of directors and solo trombonist for the St. Louis Brass Band. Dr. Moder-Bell hosts a junior high concert band camp in the summers at McKendree University and serves as assistant director of the Illinois Ambassadors of Music. Dr. Moder-Bell is active as a guest clinician and conductor. At McKendree, she won the 2020 William Norman Grandy Faculty Award, the award given to the top faculty member each year based on personal commitment to students, to the ideals promoted by McKendree, and to participation in the community the college serves. Dr. Moder-Bell’s research interests include music as lifelong learning, factors influencing instrument selection, and gender bias in music. In her free time, Jen enjoys exercising, attending St. Louis Blues hockey games, and hiking in Colorado. She resides in Lebanon, Illinois with her husband John and dog Wiggles. She is dedicating this season to her father, David V. Moder, who passed away in July, 2022.
Member Since: 2013
Occupation: McKendree University – Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands
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; Saints Triumphant and Wondrous Cross - Philip Wilby
Biography:
JENNIFER A. MODER-BELL is the Coordinator of Music Education and Director of Bands at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL. Moder-Bell earned her Bachelor of Music Education with Honors from the University of Illinois in 2001. Dr. Moder-Bell then served as Director of Bands at Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, IL from 2002 – 2008. Moder-Bell received a Master of Music Education from Illinois State University in 2010 and an Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Curriculum and Instruction in 2013 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her primary instructors have included Dr. Stephen Parsons and Dr. Joseph Parisi. She is currently the President on the board of directors and solo trombonist for the St. Louis Brass Band. Dr. Moder-Bell hosts a junior high concert band camp in the summers at McKendree University and serves as assistant director of the Illinois Ambassadors of Music. Dr. Moder-Bell is active as a guest clinician and conductor. At McKendree, she won the 2020 William Norman Grandy Faculty Award, the award given to the top faculty member each year based on personal commitment to students, to the ideals promoted by McKendree, and to participation in the community the college serves. Dr. Moder-Bell’s research interests include music as lifelong learning, factors influencing instrument selection, and gender bias in music. In her free time, Jen enjoys exercising, attending St. Louis Blues hockey games, and hiking in Colorado. She resides in Lebanon, Illinois with her husband John and dog Wiggles. She is dedicating this season to her father, David V. Moder, who passed away in July, 2022.
Jim Schneeberg - 2nd Trombone
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Music Publishing General Manager
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood by Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Jim earned a degree from Webster University, works in music publishing, and is plays regularly around the St. Louis area. He lives in Imperial, MO with wife Jamie, daughter Ellie, one dog, and a cat.
Member Since: 2005
Occupation: Music Publishing General Manager
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Fire in the Blood by Lovatt-Cooper
Biography:
Jim earned a degree from Webster University, works in music publishing, and is plays regularly around the St. Louis area. He lives in Imperial, MO with wife Jamie, daughter Ellie, one dog, and a cat.
Paul Ahlemeyer - Bass Trombone
Instrument: Bass Trombone
Member Since: September 2015
Occupation: Band Teacher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Scott Anderson, Cody Collins, Dr. Carolyn Barber, Pat Sheridan, Charles Vernon, and Blair Bollinger.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Most everything by Paul Lovatt-Cooper and 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 Brass Band, 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.
Paul is a proud father of two amazing young boys, Isaac and Luke. He is blessed to be married to Lauren. Paul squeezes as much time to devout to his family who fills his heart with joy.
Member Since: September 2015
Occupation: Band Teacher
Mentors & Musical Heroes: Dr. Scott Anderson, Cody Collins, Dr. Carolyn Barber, Pat Sheridan, Charles Vernon, and Blair Bollinger.
Favorite Brass Band Piece: Most everything by Paul Lovatt-Cooper and 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 Brass Band, 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.
Paul is a proud father of two amazing young boys, Isaac and Luke. He is blessed to be married to Lauren. Paul squeezes as much time to devout to his family who fills his heart with joy.
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