Wind Clinicians
Erika Svanoe is a conductor and composer, currently serving as the Conductor of the Augsburg Concert Band at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she also teaches undergraduate conducting, music theory, and the clarinet studio. Prior to joining the Augsburg faculty, she was Director of Bands at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN, and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of New Hampshire. She remains active as a guest conductor and clinician, appearing with high school, university, and festival ensembles across the United States.
She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University under Russel C. Mikkelson, where she served as conductor of the OSU Collegiate Winds, assistant conductor of the OSU Wind Symphony, and taught undergraduate conducting classes. She also holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Her clarinet instructors have included James Pyne, Babette Belter, and Richard Fletcher.
Dr. Svanoe maintains an active schedule as a composer, writing music for band and chamber ensemble. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest and was featured at the Midwest Clinic and the CBDNA Southern Division Conference. Her piece Steampunk Suite was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, at the 2017 American Bandmasters Association National Conference, and performed by “The President's Own” United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band. Her DMA dissertation included a critical edition of Aaron Copland's El Salón México for wind ensemble, with related research published in the WASBE Journal and presented at the CBDNA national conference. Her music is published through Alfred Music, G.Schirmer/AMP, and self-published through Swan Maiden Press. She is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
She is also the creator of Marrying Mr. Darcy, the Pride & Prejudice card game, and occasionally advocates and speaks on the topics of crowdfunding, game design, and arts entrepreneurship, with past appearances at the XOXO Festival and in a variety of gaming-related media. Originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin, she currently lives near Minneapolis. She is married to designer and graphic novelist Erik Evensen.
She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University under Russel C. Mikkelson, where she served as conductor of the OSU Collegiate Winds, assistant conductor of the OSU Wind Symphony, and taught undergraduate conducting classes. She also holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Her clarinet instructors have included James Pyne, Babette Belter, and Richard Fletcher.
Dr. Svanoe maintains an active schedule as a composer, writing music for band and chamber ensemble. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest and was featured at the Midwest Clinic and the CBDNA Southern Division Conference. Her piece Steampunk Suite was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, at the 2017 American Bandmasters Association National Conference, and performed by “The President's Own” United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band. Her DMA dissertation included a critical edition of Aaron Copland's El Salón México for wind ensemble, with related research published in the WASBE Journal and presented at the CBDNA national conference. Her music is published through Alfred Music, G.Schirmer/AMP, and self-published through Swan Maiden Press. She is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
She is also the creator of Marrying Mr. Darcy, the Pride & Prejudice card game, and occasionally advocates and speaks on the topics of crowdfunding, game design, and arts entrepreneurship, with past appearances at the XOXO Festival and in a variety of gaming-related media. Originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin, she currently lives near Minneapolis. She is married to designer and graphic novelist Erik Evensen.
Scott Teeple serves as a professor of music, director of bands, and chair of the conducting area at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His duties include overseeing the UW–Madison Band program, conducting the wind ensemble, and teaching graduate conducting.
Mr. Teeple is in demand as a conducting clinician and guest conductor throughout the United States and abroad. He is regularly invited to teach conducting symposia and conduct all-state honor bands. He has conducted the World Youth Wind Symphony at the Interlochen Arts Camp, the American School in Singapore, and the IASAS Cultural Festival of the International American Schools in Doha, Qatar.
Under his leadership, ensembles have performed with guest soloists, composers, and conductors of international renown. The UW–Madison faculty frequently perform as guest soloists. The Wind Ensemble has performed at the Wisconsin School Music Educator’s Conference and at the College Band Director’s National Association. The ensemble has toured extensively throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Midwest, while also performing in Carnegie Hall, (NY). The UW–Madison Band program continues to offer the “Wisconsin Summit,” a workshop for middle and high school band directors. The workshop regularly features internationally praised clinicians, including Andrea Brown, Eugene Corporon, Cheryl Floyd, Richard Floyd, Craig Kirchhoff, Mary Land, Allan McMurray, Russel Mikkelson, H. Robert Reynolds, and William Wiedrich. The Wind Ensemble recently recorded John Stevens’ “Concerto for Euphonium” with Dr. Matthew Mireles.
Before his appointment at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Teeple served on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, and taught in the public schools at Port Huron Northern High School (MI). He has served on the executive board of the Wisconsin Music Educators’ Association and the Arts Alliance Executive Board. He has also served as president of the Big Ten Band Directors Association.
Mr. Teeple received degrees in Music Education and Conducting from the University of Michigan, where he studied with H. Robert Reynolds. He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. He is the 2012 recipient of the UW Edna Weicher’s Award. Other honors include membership in Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Eta Sigma.
Mr. Teeple is in demand as a conducting clinician and guest conductor throughout the United States and abroad. He is regularly invited to teach conducting symposia and conduct all-state honor bands. He has conducted the World Youth Wind Symphony at the Interlochen Arts Camp, the American School in Singapore, and the IASAS Cultural Festival of the International American Schools in Doha, Qatar.
Under his leadership, ensembles have performed with guest soloists, composers, and conductors of international renown. The UW–Madison faculty frequently perform as guest soloists. The Wind Ensemble has performed at the Wisconsin School Music Educator’s Conference and at the College Band Director’s National Association. The ensemble has toured extensively throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Midwest, while also performing in Carnegie Hall, (NY). The UW–Madison Band program continues to offer the “Wisconsin Summit,” a workshop for middle and high school band directors. The workshop regularly features internationally praised clinicians, including Andrea Brown, Eugene Corporon, Cheryl Floyd, Richard Floyd, Craig Kirchhoff, Mary Land, Allan McMurray, Russel Mikkelson, H. Robert Reynolds, and William Wiedrich. The Wind Ensemble recently recorded John Stevens’ “Concerto for Euphonium” with Dr. Matthew Mireles.
Before his appointment at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Teeple served on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, and taught in the public schools at Port Huron Northern High School (MI). He has served on the executive board of the Wisconsin Music Educators’ Association and the Arts Alliance Executive Board. He has also served as president of the Big Ten Band Directors Association.
Mr. Teeple received degrees in Music Education and Conducting from the University of Michigan, where he studied with H. Robert Reynolds. He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. He is the 2012 recipient of the UW Edna Weicher’s Award. Other honors include membership in Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Eta Sigma.
Erin Holmes launched her career at the beginning of the millennium by attaining a teaching position in Farmington Area Public Schools, District 192. As the Director of Bands at Farmington High School, Ms. Holmes conducts the Varsity Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz I, and is the head director of the award winning Farmington Tiger Marching Band. Her ensembles have made appearances on the Dave Ryan in the Morning show on KDWB, and as KSTP’s featured High School Band on Sports Wrap. She has a host of responsibilities at Farmington High School that include serving as the FHS Music Department Chair, developing curriculum, planning tours, hosting and attending band festivals, as well as being a devoted staff and team member of several building leadership positions such as a mentor for new teachers, and proudly serving on the Equity Leadership Team. Ms. Holmes’s jazz ensembles have participated in many prestigious festivals and honor bands and were recently invited to perform with Eric Marienthal and recognized as the evening honor band at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Jazz Festival. The FHS Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform with the University of Minnesota University Band under the direction of Betsy McCann as well as the University of Northern Iowa Invitational Wind Band Festival. Most recently, they have been honored with an invitation to perform at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic in 2020.
In 2017, School Band and Orchestra Magazine named Holmes one of the nation’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” When asked what is her proudest moment as an educator was? “My proudest moment as an educator has yet to come. Each day brings a new experience that challenges my mindset, intellect, and emotions on such a wide-ranging scale. Each year has also brought my own expertise to new levels. To try and define my pride of what we have created here in Farmington to one moment just isn’t possible.” Erin’s favorite phrase to live by and which she attempts to instill in her students is “every day is a good day to get better.”
Most notably, in 2018, she was appointed Jazz Chair for the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), she is the first woman in the organization’s history to be chosen for this position. She is the 2022 recipient of the Schmitt Music Educator of the Year award.
Erin is also active as a director for honor bands, a clinician for numerous band and jazz festivals, an adjudicator for large group contest, solo & ensemble contest, and teaches master classes for saxophones for jazz and classical saxophone in the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas. Ms. Holmes loves to teach private lessons, has performed personally in several jazz ensembles such as Southern Minnesota’s REAL Big Band, Swing Sisterhood Big Band, and the Caprice Saxophone Quartet. She is a member of Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA), and Women Band Directors International (WBDI).
Ms. Holmes is originally from Faribault, MN. She attended high school at Bethlehem Academy and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Music Education and an emphasis on saxophone. Her higher education was highlighted by unforgettable experiences including touring with concert bands as well as a trip to perform in Europe with the MSUM Saxophone Quartet. Ms. Holmes also attended Saint Mary's University achieving her Master of Arts in Education with the honors of Summa Cum Laude. Erin and her husband, Jon reside in Farmington, Minnesota with their three sons, William, Henry, and Duke.
In 2017, School Band and Orchestra Magazine named Holmes one of the nation’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” When asked what is her proudest moment as an educator was? “My proudest moment as an educator has yet to come. Each day brings a new experience that challenges my mindset, intellect, and emotions on such a wide-ranging scale. Each year has also brought my own expertise to new levels. To try and define my pride of what we have created here in Farmington to one moment just isn’t possible.” Erin’s favorite phrase to live by and which she attempts to instill in her students is “every day is a good day to get better.”
Most notably, in 2018, she was appointed Jazz Chair for the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), she is the first woman in the organization’s history to be chosen for this position. She is the 2022 recipient of the Schmitt Music Educator of the Year award.
Erin is also active as a director for honor bands, a clinician for numerous band and jazz festivals, an adjudicator for large group contest, solo & ensemble contest, and teaches master classes for saxophones for jazz and classical saxophone in the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas. Ms. Holmes loves to teach private lessons, has performed personally in several jazz ensembles such as Southern Minnesota’s REAL Big Band, Swing Sisterhood Big Band, and the Caprice Saxophone Quartet. She is a member of Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA), and Women Band Directors International (WBDI).
Ms. Holmes is originally from Faribault, MN. She attended high school at Bethlehem Academy and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Music Education and an emphasis on saxophone. Her higher education was highlighted by unforgettable experiences including touring with concert bands as well as a trip to perform in Europe with the MSUM Saxophone Quartet. Ms. Holmes also attended Saint Mary's University achieving her Master of Arts in Education with the honors of Summa Cum Laude. Erin and her husband, Jon reside in Farmington, Minnesota with their three sons, William, Henry, and Duke.
Allison Jaeger is in her 17th year of teaching instrumental music in Wisconsin’s public schools, and is currently teaching at Oregon High School in Oregon, WI.
Ms. Jaeger has served as an adjudicator and guest clinician in the Dane county area, and as a Horn coach for the Wisconsin Middle Level State Honors Band. She was conductor of the South Central Honor Band in 2018, and a conductor for the Madison All-City Honor Band for five years. During the 2019-2020 academic year, Ms. Jaeger served as a Conductor of University Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ms. Jaeger also holds the position of Director of Residential Life and Student Engagement for the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic, where she welcomes hundreds of 5-12th grade musicians every summer.
Ms. Jaeger has presented at WMEA state conference on democratic education techniques in the large ensemble, and strategies for promoting successful student teaching experiences. She is an active member of WMEA, with whom she developed a new program called Dynamic Futures - an interactive project that provides high school students hands-on experiences to explore the field of Music Education as a potential career path. Ms. Jaeger also continues to work with the UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire Music Education Departments to host and mentor instrumental practicum students and pre-service teachers regularly.
Ms. Jaeger has been honored as a nominee for the “100 Black Men of Madison” Outstanding Educator Award, and the NBC15 Crystal Apple Award. Her curricular work has been featured in Teaching Today, on MMSD TV’s “Fine Arts Focus”, and in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Fine Arts Creativity Education newsletter. Ms. Jaeger completed her Bachelor of Music Education Degree at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and her Master’s Degree in Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a conducting minor in the studio of Professor Scott Teeple.
Ms. Jaeger has served as an adjudicator and guest clinician in the Dane county area, and as a Horn coach for the Wisconsin Middle Level State Honors Band. She was conductor of the South Central Honor Band in 2018, and a conductor for the Madison All-City Honor Band for five years. During the 2019-2020 academic year, Ms. Jaeger served as a Conductor of University Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ms. Jaeger also holds the position of Director of Residential Life and Student Engagement for the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic, where she welcomes hundreds of 5-12th grade musicians every summer.
Ms. Jaeger has presented at WMEA state conference on democratic education techniques in the large ensemble, and strategies for promoting successful student teaching experiences. She is an active member of WMEA, with whom she developed a new program called Dynamic Futures - an interactive project that provides high school students hands-on experiences to explore the field of Music Education as a potential career path. Ms. Jaeger also continues to work with the UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire Music Education Departments to host and mentor instrumental practicum students and pre-service teachers regularly.
Ms. Jaeger has been honored as a nominee for the “100 Black Men of Madison” Outstanding Educator Award, and the NBC15 Crystal Apple Award. Her curricular work has been featured in Teaching Today, on MMSD TV’s “Fine Arts Focus”, and in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Fine Arts Creativity Education newsletter. Ms. Jaeger completed her Bachelor of Music Education Degree at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and her Master’s Degree in Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a conducting minor in the studio of Professor Scott Teeple.
Eric Songer was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in nearby Wales. He began playing trombone in fifth grade and was always really into pop music. He enjoyed listening to American Top 40 in order to learn what the top songs of the week were. Eric attended college at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he earned his degree in music and math education. He participated in many performing groups including Jazz One, the symphony orchestra, the brass choir, the wind ensemble, the symphony band, the trombone choir, the Singing Statesmen, the Blugold Marching Band, the Andante Brass, and various jazz combos. Highlights of his college days included going to England with the jazz ensemble, organizing the UW-Eau Claire Jazz Festival, forming the nation’s largest collegiate chapter of International Association of Jazz Educators, performing officer duties in MENC and Phi Mu Alpha, and even DJing on the collegiate radio station. Eric completed his Masters in Education at St. Thomas in 2004. During the summers, Eric has performed in groups such as the Kids From Wisconsin, a performing group at Great Escape Fun Park in New York and the Beach Band at Valleyfair! Amusement Park in Shakopee.
This is Eric’s 26th year teaching at Chaska Middle School. He was named Teacher of the Year in District 112 in both 2007 and 2021 and was a semifinalist for 2008 Minnesota Teacher Of The Year. He was named Young Band Director of the Year in 2008 by the American School Band Directors Association. The Chaska Middle School-West Band Department was featured in the February 2009 issue of “The Instrumentalist”. Eric has also written articles for “Music Education Journal” and was featured in the first issues of “Modern Band Journal” in 2022. Eric was the runner up for Minnesota Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2009 and was inducted into the Kettle Moraine High School Hall of Fame in March 2010. In 2013, Eric was awarded the ing (now Voya) Unsung Heroes Second Prize Award for his project Music Education for the Next Generation which was a grant for $12,000 to his school music program. In 2014, Eric was named a quarterfinalist for the Music Educator of the Year Grammy Award. In 2015, he won a $5,000 grant from Century Link Foundation. In 2019, he was awarded a Give A Note Innovator in Music Education Award and presented at the NAfME National Music Education Conference with his co-award recipients. He has presented on music education at many conferences and colleges across the country. Most notably he presented “The Next Generation of Music Education” at the National Association of Music Educators National Conference in Dallas, Texas in November 2016 and at the Association of Popular Music Education National Conference in Boston, Massachusetts in June 2016, Denver, Colorado in June 2017, Nashville, Tennessee in June 2018, New York City in June 2019, Chicago, Illinois in 2021 and Detroit, Michigan in 2022. His modern band program has performed at the Minnesota State Music Education Conference in 2017 and 2022. Eric has also guest conducted for many district band festivals as well as regional and state honor bands.
Eric directs the 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands and elective course Music & The Image at Chaska Middle School-West. He has implemented elements of modern band, songwriting, music production, guitar and improvisation into traditional large ensembles. Eric also takes pride in running many co-curricular activities which benefit the students’ love of learning music. In his district, he directs and teaches jazz ensembles, the the middle school marching band, the middle school honor bands, the Latin/Mariachi Band, the Garage (rock) Bands, student and adult guitar courses, Music Production, Country/Bluegrass Ensemble, Movie Band, Pop Ensemble, and School Of Rock. Eric also organizes the CMSW Talent Show and his districts the middle school Solo/Ensemble Festival. Eric belongs to ASBDA, MBDA, NAfME and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He is on the board of the South Central Chapter of MBDA (Minnesota Band Director’s Association). He started and co-organizes the Minnesota Modern Band Festival which takes place every year for K-12 music programs that run modern bands.
Outside of teaching, Eric still loves to perform. He plays in the C5 Brass; Rank & Style Brass Band; Exodus Jazz Combo; Brass Menagerie; Power Tap, And Then There Were Eight (Genesis tribute band); subs in various popular and jazz ensembles; and has played in the BellaGala Big Band, The Wolverines, Kev’s Cool Gospel Orchestra. Along with his wife Heidi, Eric leads worship and plays at many churches around the Twin Cities. Eric also loves to bowl, golf and play volleyball. He loves to watch the Packers and Badgers, read, Disney, be outside, do anything related to technology, compose and arrange music, spend time with his lovely wife Heidi and his children Caleb and Abby and be with friends and family.
This is Eric’s 26th year teaching at Chaska Middle School. He was named Teacher of the Year in District 112 in both 2007 and 2021 and was a semifinalist for 2008 Minnesota Teacher Of The Year. He was named Young Band Director of the Year in 2008 by the American School Band Directors Association. The Chaska Middle School-West Band Department was featured in the February 2009 issue of “The Instrumentalist”. Eric has also written articles for “Music Education Journal” and was featured in the first issues of “Modern Band Journal” in 2022. Eric was the runner up for Minnesota Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2009 and was inducted into the Kettle Moraine High School Hall of Fame in March 2010. In 2013, Eric was awarded the ing (now Voya) Unsung Heroes Second Prize Award for his project Music Education for the Next Generation which was a grant for $12,000 to his school music program. In 2014, Eric was named a quarterfinalist for the Music Educator of the Year Grammy Award. In 2015, he won a $5,000 grant from Century Link Foundation. In 2019, he was awarded a Give A Note Innovator in Music Education Award and presented at the NAfME National Music Education Conference with his co-award recipients. He has presented on music education at many conferences and colleges across the country. Most notably he presented “The Next Generation of Music Education” at the National Association of Music Educators National Conference in Dallas, Texas in November 2016 and at the Association of Popular Music Education National Conference in Boston, Massachusetts in June 2016, Denver, Colorado in June 2017, Nashville, Tennessee in June 2018, New York City in June 2019, Chicago, Illinois in 2021 and Detroit, Michigan in 2022. His modern band program has performed at the Minnesota State Music Education Conference in 2017 and 2022. Eric has also guest conducted for many district band festivals as well as regional and state honor bands.
Eric directs the 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands and elective course Music & The Image at Chaska Middle School-West. He has implemented elements of modern band, songwriting, music production, guitar and improvisation into traditional large ensembles. Eric also takes pride in running many co-curricular activities which benefit the students’ love of learning music. In his district, he directs and teaches jazz ensembles, the the middle school marching band, the middle school honor bands, the Latin/Mariachi Band, the Garage (rock) Bands, student and adult guitar courses, Music Production, Country/Bluegrass Ensemble, Movie Band, Pop Ensemble, and School Of Rock. Eric also organizes the CMSW Talent Show and his districts the middle school Solo/Ensemble Festival. Eric belongs to ASBDA, MBDA, NAfME and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He is on the board of the South Central Chapter of MBDA (Minnesota Band Director’s Association). He started and co-organizes the Minnesota Modern Band Festival which takes place every year for K-12 music programs that run modern bands.
Outside of teaching, Eric still loves to perform. He plays in the C5 Brass; Rank & Style Brass Band; Exodus Jazz Combo; Brass Menagerie; Power Tap, And Then There Were Eight (Genesis tribute band); subs in various popular and jazz ensembles; and has played in the BellaGala Big Band, The Wolverines, Kev’s Cool Gospel Orchestra. Along with his wife Heidi, Eric leads worship and plays at many churches around the Twin Cities. Eric also loves to bowl, golf and play volleyball. He loves to watch the Packers and Badgers, read, Disney, be outside, do anything related to technology, compose and arrange music, spend time with his lovely wife Heidi and his children Caleb and Abby and be with friends and family.
Alexander Gonzalez is the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he conducts the Tuesday Night University Band, assist the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, directs the Men’s Hockey Band, and teaches courses in conducting.
Prior to his appointment at UW-Madison, Alexander previously taught conducting at Capital University Conservatory of Music (OH), served as Music Director of the Professional School Orchestra (OH), served as the director of the Middleton Symphony Orchestra’s Wind Octet (WI), taught music history at Hillsborough Community College (FL), and was a public-school educator in Florida and Colorado where he taught an array of courses at the middle and high school levels. His current research centers around the body of works commissioned by Robert Boudreau for the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. In partnership with Editions Peters, Alexander has created a critical edition of Eugène Bozza’s Children’s Overture and will create forthcoming editions of other works in this unique catalogue.
Dr. Gonzalez received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University, where he studied with Dr. Russel Mikkelson. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Florida and a Masters in Wind Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Additionally, Alexander is an active member in the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, the National Association for Music Education, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma.
Prior to his appointment at UW-Madison, Alexander previously taught conducting at Capital University Conservatory of Music (OH), served as Music Director of the Professional School Orchestra (OH), served as the director of the Middleton Symphony Orchestra’s Wind Octet (WI), taught music history at Hillsborough Community College (FL), and was a public-school educator in Florida and Colorado where he taught an array of courses at the middle and high school levels. His current research centers around the body of works commissioned by Robert Boudreau for the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. In partnership with Editions Peters, Alexander has created a critical edition of Eugène Bozza’s Children’s Overture and will create forthcoming editions of other works in this unique catalogue.
Dr. Gonzalez received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University, where he studied with Dr. Russel Mikkelson. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Florida and a Masters in Wind Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Additionally, Alexander is an active member in the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, the National Association for Music Education, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma.
Jason Gillette is the Director of Bands at Oconomowoc High School. Currently in his first year at OHS, Gillette served as the High School Band Director in Elmbrook for the last 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a Masters in Educational Technology degree from Marian University. During his tenure at Brookfield Central High School, Mr. Gillette directed the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Marching Band, and Pep Band.
Mr. Gillette has been a guest clinician at Carroll University and Cardinal Stritch University along with a Guest Conductor at the Iowa City Regional Honors Jazz Ensemble and UW-Milwaukee Summer Institute. In addition to his teaching career, Gillette has an impressive list of professional performance experiences including the Milwaukee Symphony, several Broadway performances at the Marcus Center, and Summerfest. He's also worked with entertainers like Josh Groban, Eric Benet, Frankie Valli, Cheap Trick, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Clay Aiken.
Mr. Gillette has been a guest clinician at Carroll University and Cardinal Stritch University along with a Guest Conductor at the Iowa City Regional Honors Jazz Ensemble and UW-Milwaukee Summer Institute. In addition to his teaching career, Gillette has an impressive list of professional performance experiences including the Milwaukee Symphony, several Broadway performances at the Marcus Center, and Summerfest. He's also worked with entertainers like Josh Groban, Eric Benet, Frankie Valli, Cheap Trick, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Clay Aiken.
Paul Budde is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he teaches Introduction to Music Education, General Music Methods, Elementary Music Methods, Secondary Music Methods, Music for Elementary Teachers, Popular Music, World Music, First Year Adventures, and Applied Tuba. In addition, he supervises music students during Student Teaching. He currently serves as President Elect for the Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) and is a member of the WMEA Wisconsin Music Standards Revision Committee.
Previously, Budde served as an adjunct Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College, Inver Hills Community College, Mankato State University, St. Cloud State University, and the University of St. Thomas. In addition, he taught middle and high school music in the public schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota for eight years. As an instructor, Budde is passionate about finding ways to blend the best of traditional music education with forward-looking ideas that align with the ever-changing needs of students in the 21st century.
Dr. Budde’s current research centers on the use of the National Music Standards by music educators in Wisconsin and Minnesota as well as Action-Based Research. His dissertation study, An Analysis of Methods for Teaching Middle School Band Students to Articulate (2011) represents another area of research.
Dr. Budde is an active performer (tuba) and clinician. In addition to his experiences as a tuba soloist, he is a member of the Stone Arch Brass, an ensemble that represented the United States during performances at the 2014 Harbin Summer Music Festival in China. He has also performed in numerous Twin Cities ensembles, including the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, National Lutheran Chorale, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, Lake Wobegon Brass Band, and VocalEssence. Budde’s collegiate tuba quartet, The Pistons, was the first-place winner of the first-ever International Tuba/Euphonium Quartet Competition in 1992. His primary tuba instructors have been Jerry Young and Ross Tolbert, but he has also studied with Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian, and Patrick Sheridan. Budde was the creator and chairperson of Tubonium, a two-day tuba-euphonium workshop that brought low-brass enthusiasts and world-renowned guest artists to this Minnesota event. He also released an album titled Practice Room Grooves, which is made up of accompaniment tracks that serve as a means to improve fundamentals during independent practice.
Dr. Budde, who currently lives in Lakeville, MN with his wife Kimberly and their four boys, earned a Bachelors Degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1993), a Masters Degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Minnesota (2004), and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota (2011).
Previously, Budde served as an adjunct Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College, Inver Hills Community College, Mankato State University, St. Cloud State University, and the University of St. Thomas. In addition, he taught middle and high school music in the public schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota for eight years. As an instructor, Budde is passionate about finding ways to blend the best of traditional music education with forward-looking ideas that align with the ever-changing needs of students in the 21st century.
Dr. Budde’s current research centers on the use of the National Music Standards by music educators in Wisconsin and Minnesota as well as Action-Based Research. His dissertation study, An Analysis of Methods for Teaching Middle School Band Students to Articulate (2011) represents another area of research.
Dr. Budde is an active performer (tuba) and clinician. In addition to his experiences as a tuba soloist, he is a member of the Stone Arch Brass, an ensemble that represented the United States during performances at the 2014 Harbin Summer Music Festival in China. He has also performed in numerous Twin Cities ensembles, including the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, National Lutheran Chorale, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, Lake Wobegon Brass Band, and VocalEssence. Budde’s collegiate tuba quartet, The Pistons, was the first-place winner of the first-ever International Tuba/Euphonium Quartet Competition in 1992. His primary tuba instructors have been Jerry Young and Ross Tolbert, but he has also studied with Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian, and Patrick Sheridan. Budde was the creator and chairperson of Tubonium, a two-day tuba-euphonium workshop that brought low-brass enthusiasts and world-renowned guest artists to this Minnesota event. He also released an album titled Practice Room Grooves, which is made up of accompaniment tracks that serve as a means to improve fundamentals during independent practice.
Dr. Budde, who currently lives in Lakeville, MN with his wife Kimberly and their four boys, earned a Bachelors Degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1993), a Masters Degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Minnesota (2004), and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota (2011).
Peter Haberman serves as the director of bands and associate professor of music at Concordia College where he conducts The Concordia Band. He also leads the Echo Band, works with student conductors, teaches music education courses, and coordinates the comprehensive band program. Prior to his appointment at Concordia, Haberman held similar positions as director of bands at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Bucknell University. Haberman maintains an active schedule as a conductor, guest conductor, and clinician, having worked in more than 10 states and on five continents. His ensembles have performed at both national and international conferences and music festivals. He also has served as music director for many community ensembles including the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony.
Prior to his college career, Haberman spent several years teaching at the Mercer Island School District in Washington and the Maple Lake School District in Minnesota. He was honored to be the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award and the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Teaching at Mercer Island, and the Maple Lake Employee of the Year Award. Haberman is an active board member of the Minnesota Band Directors Association. He is also a member of the College Band Directors National Association, Minnesota Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. His honorary memberships include Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
A native of Minnesota, he has earned degrees from Concordia College, the University of Montana, and the University of Minnesota where he completed a Doctor of Music Arts in conducting. Peter lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, with his wife, Erika Tomten, and their daughter, Claire.
Prior to his college career, Haberman spent several years teaching at the Mercer Island School District in Washington and the Maple Lake School District in Minnesota. He was honored to be the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award and the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Teaching at Mercer Island, and the Maple Lake Employee of the Year Award. Haberman is an active board member of the Minnesota Band Directors Association. He is also a member of the College Band Directors National Association, Minnesota Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. His honorary memberships include Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
A native of Minnesota, he has earned degrees from Concordia College, the University of Montana, and the University of Minnesota where he completed a Doctor of Music Arts in conducting. Peter lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, with his wife, Erika Tomten, and their daughter, Claire.
Phil Ostrander is Professor of Trombone at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he conducts the Symphony Band and teaches private trombone and trombone ensemble. Dr. Ostrander completed his doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Ostrander received master's degrees in both trombone and wind conducting from the New England Conservatory, as well as a bachelor's and Performer's Certificate from Eastman. He has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic, the Kansas City Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic and the popular chamber group Burning River Brass Ensemble. Currently, he is a member of the IRIS Chamber Orchestra in Memphis, Tennessee under Michael Stern and also Principal Trombone of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. An accomplished jazz trombonist, Dr. Ostrander has collaborated with jazz artists Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Jimmy Heath, Claudio Roditi and Rich Beirach. He teaches jazz at the Shell Lake Arts Camp in northern Wisconsin. He has recorded on Sony Classical with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Naxos with the IRIS Orchestra. Dr. Ostrander is a clinician for the Conn-Selmer Musical Instrument Company.
Glenn C. Hayes is in his thirty-second year as Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds and the Warhawk Marching Band. Dr. Hayes' teaching areas include graduate and undergraduate conducting, graduate music education, wind literature, secondary instrumental music methods, student teacher supervision and marching band techniques. His previous teaching positions include Moorhead (MN) State University, Bowling Green (OH) State University, Greater Muskegon (MI) Catholic Schools and Grand Blanc (MI) Community High School.
Under his guidance, the UW-W band program has received regional, national and international acclaim for excellence in performance both in the concert hall and on the marching field. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has performed by invitation at conventions of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles, College Band Directors National Conference and the Music Educators National Conference. On February 20, 2013, Dr. Hayes led the Symphonic Wind Ensemble in a performance at Carnegie Hall to great acclaim - the first Wisconsin university band to perform in the legendary hall. That performance has led to an invitation to perform at Symphony Center in Chicago as the featured ensemble for the Chicago International Music Festival. Prominent composers and guest conductors have critically acclaimed the ensemble. The Warhawk Marching Band has performed eleven times for the Green Bay Packers, three times for the Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day ceremonies and hosts the Wisconsin State Marching Band Championships.
Dr. Hayes has presented at international, national, regional and state music conferences on topics ranging from ensemble development, sensitivity of performance, literature selection and conducting. He has been an instructor at various workshops and served as a consultant to school districts throughout the Midwest. Dr. Hayes is the President of the College Band Directors National Association North Central Division and a member of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Committee.
Dr. Hayes has guest conducted and adjudicated throughout the United States and has given hundreds of clinics for high school and middle school bands. His primary conducting teachers have been John P. Paynter, Elizabeth A. H. Green and Norman C. Dietz. Dr. Hayes earned his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and his graduate degrees from Northwestern University.
Under his guidance, the UW-W band program has received regional, national and international acclaim for excellence in performance both in the concert hall and on the marching field. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has performed by invitation at conventions of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles, College Band Directors National Conference and the Music Educators National Conference. On February 20, 2013, Dr. Hayes led the Symphonic Wind Ensemble in a performance at Carnegie Hall to great acclaim - the first Wisconsin university band to perform in the legendary hall. That performance has led to an invitation to perform at Symphony Center in Chicago as the featured ensemble for the Chicago International Music Festival. Prominent composers and guest conductors have critically acclaimed the ensemble. The Warhawk Marching Band has performed eleven times for the Green Bay Packers, three times for the Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day ceremonies and hosts the Wisconsin State Marching Band Championships.
Dr. Hayes has presented at international, national, regional and state music conferences on topics ranging from ensemble development, sensitivity of performance, literature selection and conducting. He has been an instructor at various workshops and served as a consultant to school districts throughout the Midwest. Dr. Hayes is the President of the College Band Directors National Association North Central Division and a member of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Committee.
Dr. Hayes has guest conducted and adjudicated throughout the United States and has given hundreds of clinics for high school and middle school bands. His primary conducting teachers have been John P. Paynter, Elizabeth A. H. Green and Norman C. Dietz. Dr. Hayes earned his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and his graduate degrees from Northwestern University.
Corey Pompey was appointed associate director of bands at UW-Madison, succeeding longtime director Mike Leckrone in the spring of 2019. Most recently, Dr. Pompey was assistant professor of music, associate director of bands/director of athletic bands at the University of Nevada-Reno. Prior, he served as the assistant director of bands at Pennsylvania State University, where he assisted with the Penn State Marching Blue Band and Athletic Bands, conducted the Concert Band, taught undergraduate conducting, and assisted with student teacher supervision.Dr. Pompey also served as an assistant instructor with University Bands at The University of Texas at Austin. He was involved in all creative and administrative aspects of the program, some of which include The University of Texas Wind Ensemble and The Longhorn Band. Dr. Pompey taught in the public schools of Alabama for seven years prior to moving to Texas. Dr. Pompey holds the bachelor of science degree in music education and the master of arts degree in music education from The University of Alabama. He earned his doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting at The University of Texas. Principal conducting teachers include Jerry F. Junkin, Kenneth Ozzello, and Gerald L. Welker. Professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha.
John R. Stewart is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Concert Bands at the University of Wisconsin –Eau Claire where he conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches courses in conducting and repertoire, supervises student teachers, and coordinates the concert band program. Dr. Stewart maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the upper Midwest. He completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Music Education (2013) at the University of Minnesota while studying conducting with Craig Kirchhoff. Dr. Stewart earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida (1996) and a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of South Florida (2009). Prior to his appointment at UWEC, Dr. Stewart was Interim Conductor of the St. Cloud State University Wind Ensemble (Minnesota). Dr. Stewart served as Director of Bands at Saint Cloud High School (Florida) from 1996-2010 where he directed the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Percussion Ensemble and Marching Band. In 2006, he earned his National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and in 2008 was named the St. Cloud High School "Teacher of the Year."
Percussion Clinicians
Cindy Terhune earned her bachelors degree in music education from UW-Madison and completed her masters in music performance under the direction of Anthony DiSanza at UW-Madison. She owns the Terhune Music Studio where she teaches private piano and percussion lessons to about fifty students. She has performed as a section percussionist with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Madison Symphony Orchestra, and principal percussion in the Beloit-Janesville Symphony. She teaches the Sun Prairie High School percussion ensemble and is assistant director of the Sound of Sun Prairie Marching Band in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Cindy freelances as a percussion clinician (concert and rudimental) at many area school districts including Beaver Dam, Beloit Turner, Lodi, and Waukesha West.
Tammy Fisher has served as a member of the music department at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse since August 2001. She is the Director of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band, Conductor of the Symphonic Band, instructor of percussion studies and instrumental music education classes. She also serves as a supervisor of student teachers in the School of Education.
A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Fisher holds the BS in Music Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, the MM in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the PhD in Music Education from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She maintains membership in National Association for Music Education, Percussive Arts Society, College Band Directors National Association, and the Wisconsin Music Educators Association.
As an active percussionist Dr. Fisher serves as principal timpanist for the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and performs with numerous jazz bands including the 7 Rivers Jazz Band and Grumpy Old Men Big Band. She has appeared as a percussion soloist with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, La Crosse Concert Band, numerous high schools and community bands. Dr. Fisher has presented sessions in percussion pedagogy at the Wisconsin National Band Association conference, Wisconsin Day of Percussion, and the Wisconsin Music Educators Association annual conference. Dr. Fisher is a frequent guest clinician and adjudicator of concert bands, marching bands, and percussion ensembles.
A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Fisher holds the BS in Music Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, the MM in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the PhD in Music Education from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She maintains membership in National Association for Music Education, Percussive Arts Society, College Band Directors National Association, and the Wisconsin Music Educators Association.
As an active percussionist Dr. Fisher serves as principal timpanist for the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and performs with numerous jazz bands including the 7 Rivers Jazz Band and Grumpy Old Men Big Band. She has appeared as a percussion soloist with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, La Crosse Concert Band, numerous high schools and community bands. Dr. Fisher has presented sessions in percussion pedagogy at the Wisconsin National Band Association conference, Wisconsin Day of Percussion, and the Wisconsin Music Educators Association annual conference. Dr. Fisher is a frequent guest clinician and adjudicator of concert bands, marching bands, and percussion ensembles.
Jeffery Crowell is a Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he teaches applied percussion and percussion techniques, conducts the UW-Eau Claire Percussion Ensembles, and leads Jazz Ensemble III, part of the outstanding UW-Eau Claire award-winning jazz area. Before joining the faculty at UW-Eau Claire, Dr. Crowell taught on the faculties of several colleges, including Purdue University.
Dr. Crowell received his DMA in percussion performance (classical/contemporary) with minor fields in jazz performance and electro-acoustic media from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. He is active throughout the United States as a performer, clinician, adjudicator, and educator with performances internationally and nationally including South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, and at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
A versatile artist and a champion of diverse music of many genres, Dr. Crowell's performance and recording credits include such artists as Bobby Shew, Louie Bellson, David Samuels, Henry Mancini, Joan Rivers, Lou Harrison, Kent Nagano, David Garibaldi, Buddy Baker, Glen Velez, and John Bergamo. He has performed at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Green Umbrella Series, presented and performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention several times, is in the motion picture "The Majestic" starring Jim Carrey, marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and has taught on the staffs of numerous award-winning groups including the Tournament of Roses Marching Honor Band.
He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, currently on the Percussive Arts Society University Pedagogy Committee as well as having served on the Music Technology and Education Committees. Dr. Crowell is also serving as a member of the Wisconsin PAS Chapter Advisory Committee in addition to having been the Wisconsin Chapter President.
Dr. Crowell is also active in the publishing realm. He has an arrangement, Nanafushi for percussion trio, published through Tapspace Publications, LLC and has recent articles in School Band and Orchestra magazine and Percussive Notes, the journal of the Percussive Arts Society.
Dr. Crowell is a performing artist/clinician for Tama/Bergerault Concert and Marching Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets, Tycoon World Percussion, and REMO Drumheads. He is also an Ensemble Artist and Educator Network member for Black Swamp Percussion.
Dr. Crowell received his DMA in percussion performance (classical/contemporary) with minor fields in jazz performance and electro-acoustic media from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. He is active throughout the United States as a performer, clinician, adjudicator, and educator with performances internationally and nationally including South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, and at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
A versatile artist and a champion of diverse music of many genres, Dr. Crowell's performance and recording credits include such artists as Bobby Shew, Louie Bellson, David Samuels, Henry Mancini, Joan Rivers, Lou Harrison, Kent Nagano, David Garibaldi, Buddy Baker, Glen Velez, and John Bergamo. He has performed at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Green Umbrella Series, presented and performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention several times, is in the motion picture "The Majestic" starring Jim Carrey, marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and has taught on the staffs of numerous award-winning groups including the Tournament of Roses Marching Honor Band.
He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, currently on the Percussive Arts Society University Pedagogy Committee as well as having served on the Music Technology and Education Committees. Dr. Crowell is also serving as a member of the Wisconsin PAS Chapter Advisory Committee in addition to having been the Wisconsin Chapter President.
Dr. Crowell is also active in the publishing realm. He has an arrangement, Nanafushi for percussion trio, published through Tapspace Publications, LLC and has recent articles in School Band and Orchestra magazine and Percussive Notes, the journal of the Percussive Arts Society.
Dr. Crowell is a performing artist/clinician for Tama/Bergerault Concert and Marching Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets, Tycoon World Percussion, and REMO Drumheads. He is also an Ensemble Artist and Educator Network member for Black Swamp Percussion.