Wind Clinicians
Jason K. Fettig is an internationally recognized conductor of wind band and orchestra and a highly sought-after educator and clinician. Performances under his baton have occurred in forty-nine U.S. states as well as Japan, the Czech Republic, Austria and The Netherlands, and live concerts have been regularly heard on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today,” and on national television broadcasts from the White House, on “The Today Show,” the “David Letterman Show” on PBS, NBC and CBS. He has worked with an incredibly wide array of artists from across the entire musical spectrum, from internationally renowned classical artists such as pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, violinist Joshua Bell, and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Broadway luminaries Norm Lewis, Jessica Vosk, and Lea Salonga, to pop superstars including Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Lady Gaga.
Fettig served as the 28th Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra, where he was the music adviser to the White House and regularly conducted the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the Executive Mansion. He led the musical program for the Inaugurations of President Donald Trump and President Joseph Biden and the State Funeral of George H.W. Bush. He also served as music director of Washington, D.C.’s historic Gridiron Club, a position held by every Marine Band Director since John Philip Sousa.
Fettig has conducted featured performances at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the international conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the national conventions of the American Bandmasters Association and the Music Educators National Conference. He has led concerts at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Severance Hall in Cleveland, and Boston Symphony Hall, and has twice partnered with the National Symphony Orchestra and their Music Director Gianandrea Noseda for special joint performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has also collaborated on numerous occasions with legendary composer and conductor John Williams, most recently sharing conducting with Maestro Williams of a gala concert of music at the Kennedy Center in July, 2023. In May 2019, Fettig and the Marine Band, in partnership with the All-Star Orchestra conducted by Gerard Schwarz, won an Emmy at the 62nd Annual New York Emmy Awards for a program entitled “New England Spirit.” Fettig also represented the Marine Corps at the White House when military bands were awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Trump in 2019.
Throughout his career, Fettig has been deeply committed to music education. He began an interactive Young People’s Concert series in 2006 and authored, hosted, and conducted this popular annual event until 2015. He has launched innovative new digital programs for world-wide audiences, including a video series entitled the Digital Rehearsal Hall, which provides viewers a behind-the-scenes view into the working rehearsal process of professional musicians. Fettig has served as a clinician or guest conductor at more than three dozen universities and colleges. He frequently teaches at conducting symposia both in the U.S. and internationally, and he has appeared as conductor for numerous national Honor and All-State festivals around the country, leading both bands and orchestras. He has presented at the Midwest Clinic on multiple occasions and has served as adjudicator for major competitions, including the Thailand International Wind Symphony Competition and at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
In addition to his many live performances, Fettig has conducted or served as lead producer for over 20 publicly-released albums of both traditional and contemporary band and orchestra repertoire. In 2014, Fettig launched an ambitious project to re-record all of the marches of John Philip Sousa and provide free performance and educational materials online to schools and ensembles worldwide. His steadfast focus on preserving and celebrating historic band repertoire and performance practice is complemented by a fervent advocacy for contemporary American music. He has commissioned and/or conducted the world premieres of more than forty works, including substantial new pieces by James Stephenson, Jacob Bancks, Jennifer Higdon, David Rakowski, Stacy Garrop, Narong Prangcharoen, Peter Boyer, Zhou Tian, Jessica Meyer, Michael Gilbertson, Dominick DiOrio, Donald Grantham, and Jonathan Leshnoff.
Fettig holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in both clarinet performance and music education, and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2014, he was elected as a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He serves on the board of directors for several national organizations and is the current President-Elect of The National Band Association.
Fettig served as the 28th Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra, where he was the music adviser to the White House and regularly conducted the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the Executive Mansion. He led the musical program for the Inaugurations of President Donald Trump and President Joseph Biden and the State Funeral of George H.W. Bush. He also served as music director of Washington, D.C.’s historic Gridiron Club, a position held by every Marine Band Director since John Philip Sousa.
Fettig has conducted featured performances at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the international conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the national conventions of the American Bandmasters Association and the Music Educators National Conference. He has led concerts at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Severance Hall in Cleveland, and Boston Symphony Hall, and has twice partnered with the National Symphony Orchestra and their Music Director Gianandrea Noseda for special joint performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has also collaborated on numerous occasions with legendary composer and conductor John Williams, most recently sharing conducting with Maestro Williams of a gala concert of music at the Kennedy Center in July, 2023. In May 2019, Fettig and the Marine Band, in partnership with the All-Star Orchestra conducted by Gerard Schwarz, won an Emmy at the 62nd Annual New York Emmy Awards for a program entitled “New England Spirit.” Fettig also represented the Marine Corps at the White House when military bands were awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Trump in 2019.
Throughout his career, Fettig has been deeply committed to music education. He began an interactive Young People’s Concert series in 2006 and authored, hosted, and conducted this popular annual event until 2015. He has launched innovative new digital programs for world-wide audiences, including a video series entitled the Digital Rehearsal Hall, which provides viewers a behind-the-scenes view into the working rehearsal process of professional musicians. Fettig has served as a clinician or guest conductor at more than three dozen universities and colleges. He frequently teaches at conducting symposia both in the U.S. and internationally, and he has appeared as conductor for numerous national Honor and All-State festivals around the country, leading both bands and orchestras. He has presented at the Midwest Clinic on multiple occasions and has served as adjudicator for major competitions, including the Thailand International Wind Symphony Competition and at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
In addition to his many live performances, Fettig has conducted or served as lead producer for over 20 publicly-released albums of both traditional and contemporary band and orchestra repertoire. In 2014, Fettig launched an ambitious project to re-record all of the marches of John Philip Sousa and provide free performance and educational materials online to schools and ensembles worldwide. His steadfast focus on preserving and celebrating historic band repertoire and performance practice is complemented by a fervent advocacy for contemporary American music. He has commissioned and/or conducted the world premieres of more than forty works, including substantial new pieces by James Stephenson, Jacob Bancks, Jennifer Higdon, David Rakowski, Stacy Garrop, Narong Prangcharoen, Peter Boyer, Zhou Tian, Jessica Meyer, Michael Gilbertson, Dominick DiOrio, Donald Grantham, and Jonathan Leshnoff.
Fettig holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in both clarinet performance and music education, and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2014, he was elected as a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He serves on the board of directors for several national organizations and is the current President-Elect of The National Band Association.
Richard Tengowski recently retired after thirty-six years as a music teacher for the School District of Kohler in Kohler, Wisconsin. He received his B.M. in Music Education from St. Norbert College and his M.M. from Northwestern University. He taught middle and high school concert bands, jazz ensemble, pep band, drumline and secondary general music.
Tengowski has taken leadership roles in the field of music education. Currently, he is the Immediate Past-President for the NAfME North Central Division and serves as the NAfME Small School Initiative Task Force Chair. Tengowski is the Past-President of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Past-President of the Wisconsin Association of Music Supervisors, Coordinators, and Department Chairpersons, and a member of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Project. His work has been published in Shaping Sound Musicians and MENC publications entitled Performance Standards for Music, Strategies for Teaching Beginning and Intermediate Band and Strategies for Teaching High School Band. He has also served on the NAfME Music Educators Journal Editorial Committee. Tengowski is an Herb Kohl Educational Fellowship Award Recipient, a School District of Kohler Teacher of the Year and has been inducted into the Wisconsin Bandmaster Association. Tengowski is an active clinician, conductor, master adjudicator, speaker and freelance performer. He has addressed numerous state, regional and national education groups including the Midwest Clinic and NAFME national conferences. He is married to wife Beth Ellen and has four sons, Ryan, John, Benjamin and Gregory – all musicians.
Tengowski has taken leadership roles in the field of music education. Currently, he is the Immediate Past-President for the NAfME North Central Division and serves as the NAfME Small School Initiative Task Force Chair. Tengowski is the Past-President of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Past-President of the Wisconsin Association of Music Supervisors, Coordinators, and Department Chairpersons, and a member of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Project. His work has been published in Shaping Sound Musicians and MENC publications entitled Performance Standards for Music, Strategies for Teaching Beginning and Intermediate Band and Strategies for Teaching High School Band. He has also served on the NAfME Music Educators Journal Editorial Committee. Tengowski is an Herb Kohl Educational Fellowship Award Recipient, a School District of Kohler Teacher of the Year and has been inducted into the Wisconsin Bandmaster Association. Tengowski is an active clinician, conductor, master adjudicator, speaker and freelance performer. He has addressed numerous state, regional and national education groups including the Midwest Clinic and NAFME national conferences. He is married to wife Beth Ellen and has four sons, Ryan, John, Benjamin and Gregory – all musicians.
Jason Gillette is an instrumental music educator at Marquette University High School. His previous teaching experience included Director of Bands at Oconomowoc High School as well as Elmbrook High School in Wisconsin. He is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire and the leader of the Jason Gillette and the Big Time Show Band. More about Jason coming soon.
Thomas Gamboa serves as the Director of University Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. At UW-Milwaukee, Dr. Gamboa oversees all aspects of the band program, guides the graduate wind conducting area, and serves as music director of the New Music Ensemble and the Wind Ensemble, the University’s premier wind band.Previously, Dr. Gamboa was the Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Wind Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He served as the music director of the CCM Wind Ensemble, taught undergraduate- and graduate-level conducting courses, supervised music education interns, taught graduate-level wind literature courses, and directed the Doctoral Cognate Program in Wind Conducting.
Dr. Gamboa is originally from San Diego, California and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and Music Performance in bassoon from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also earned a Master of Music degree in Conducting from Northwestern University studying with Mallory Thompson, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the University of Michigan studying with Michael Haithcock.
An accomplished conductor, Gamboa previously held the rank of Captain and served active duty as Conductor and Commander of the United States Air Force Band at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He later served as Associate Conductor and Flight Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He earned his commission from Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama in February 2011. He traveled with the USAF Band on numerous national and international tours including Spain, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, and Kuwait. In 2011, Gamboa was involved with the planning, execution, and editing of the final television broadcast of the band for their “Holiday Notes from Home 2011” performance, which featured guest artists Little Big Town and Lee Ann Womack. The Band of the Air Force Reserve celebrated a historic second nomination for an Emmy Award in Entertainment Programming for this broadcast. The performance was viewed by 1.1 million in 174 countries.
Dr. Gamboa’s scholarly and creative activities include peer-reviewed publications in the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Journal, contributed to The Horizon Leans Forward: Stories of Courage, Strength, and Triumph of Underrepresented Communities in the Wind Band Field, presentations throughout the United States and internationally, producing recording albums through Klavier Records, and various guest conducting engagements with honor bands and professional ensembles worldwide including the West Point Band at the U.S. Military Academy.
A seasoned educator, Gamboa taught and served as the Instrumental Music Director and Music Department Chair at West Adams Preparatory High School in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Central Los Angeles. During his tenure, he founded and conducted the high school’s marching band, wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, and symphonic orchestra. He was also an instructor of conducting and chamber music for the National High School Music Institute where he served as Assistant Conductor for the Wind Ensemble. Dr. Gamboa also served as co-conductor of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble Symphonic Winds and music director of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble Chamber Winds. Additionally, Gamboa teaches drum major camps as a Head Instructor with the United Spirit Association during the summer. He currently serves as the Chair of the Conducting Curriculum Team where he designs the conducting program and trains drum major camp instructors. Dr. Gamboa continues to be in demand as a speaker, presenter, and conductor throughout the United States and abroad.
Dr. Gamboa is originally from San Diego, California and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and Music Performance in bassoon from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also earned a Master of Music degree in Conducting from Northwestern University studying with Mallory Thompson, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the University of Michigan studying with Michael Haithcock.
An accomplished conductor, Gamboa previously held the rank of Captain and served active duty as Conductor and Commander of the United States Air Force Band at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He later served as Associate Conductor and Flight Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He earned his commission from Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama in February 2011. He traveled with the USAF Band on numerous national and international tours including Spain, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, and Kuwait. In 2011, Gamboa was involved with the planning, execution, and editing of the final television broadcast of the band for their “Holiday Notes from Home 2011” performance, which featured guest artists Little Big Town and Lee Ann Womack. The Band of the Air Force Reserve celebrated a historic second nomination for an Emmy Award in Entertainment Programming for this broadcast. The performance was viewed by 1.1 million in 174 countries.
Dr. Gamboa’s scholarly and creative activities include peer-reviewed publications in the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Journal, contributed to The Horizon Leans Forward: Stories of Courage, Strength, and Triumph of Underrepresented Communities in the Wind Band Field, presentations throughout the United States and internationally, producing recording albums through Klavier Records, and various guest conducting engagements with honor bands and professional ensembles worldwide including the West Point Band at the U.S. Military Academy.
A seasoned educator, Gamboa taught and served as the Instrumental Music Director and Music Department Chair at West Adams Preparatory High School in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Central Los Angeles. During his tenure, he founded and conducted the high school’s marching band, wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, and symphonic orchestra. He was also an instructor of conducting and chamber music for the National High School Music Institute where he served as Assistant Conductor for the Wind Ensemble. Dr. Gamboa also served as co-conductor of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble Symphonic Winds and music director of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble Chamber Winds. Additionally, Gamboa teaches drum major camps as a Head Instructor with the United Spirit Association during the summer. He currently serves as the Chair of the Conducting Curriculum Team where he designs the conducting program and trains drum major camp instructors. Dr. Gamboa continues to be in demand as a speaker, presenter, and conductor throughout the United States and abroad.
Elizabeth Jackson Kirchhoff has been active as an instrumental music educator, conductor, and clinician in the United States, Norway, and Canada for over 35 years. She has enjoyed teaching and collaborating with music makers from beginners at the elementary level to highly talented instrumentalists at the university level. Jackson completed a B.A. in Music Education at St. Olaf College, an M.M. in Conducting at Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education at The Ohio State University. She taught at Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota from 1998 to 2022. The EPHS Wind Ensemble enjoyed multiple performances at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Convention and the Music For All National Concert Band Festival.
Dr. Jackson has enjoyed working with a wide variety of honor bands, including the Arkansas All-State Symphonic Band, the Alabama Middle School All-State Band, the Colorado All-State Concert Band, and the North Dakota Junior High All-State Band. She has served on the MMEA Board of Directors and as the editor of Minnesota’s professional journal of music education. She is a past-president of the Minnesota Band Directors Association and was named the 2010 MMEA Educator of the Year.
Dr. Jackson has enjoyed working with a wide variety of honor bands, including the Arkansas All-State Symphonic Band, the Alabama Middle School All-State Band, the Colorado All-State Concert Band, and the North Dakota Junior High All-State Band. She has served on the MMEA Board of Directors and as the editor of Minnesota’s professional journal of music education. She is a past-president of the Minnesota Band Directors Association and was named the 2010 MMEA Educator of the Year.
Betsy McCann is the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Marching and Athletic Bands at the University of Minnesota. In this position, she directs the “Pride of Minnesota” Marching Band, conducts the University Band, instructs undergraduate conducting, and manages the comprehensive Athletic Bands program. McCann is the first woman to head a Big Ten Marching Band and Athletic Bands program. She has guided the program to great success on and off the field, including internationally renowned performances in the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show and World Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE. McCann is active nationally as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and speaker. She has presented on leadership, group culture, and other topics at a variety of academic, community, and corporate events. She has served as a guest conductor and clinician with bands from the United States and Canada. McCann is a strong supporter and active conductor of new music, receiving positive acclaim from composers, performers, and audiences for her interpretation and conducting artistry. Prior to McCann’s current appointment at the University of Minnesota, McCann served as the Assistant Director of the University of Minnesota Marching Band and as a high school band director in Minnesota and Illinois. McCann earned a Doctorate in Conducting at the University of Minnesota, with research and performance emphasis on conducting contemporary music. She earned a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. She lives in the Minneapolis area with her husband and two children.
Matthew Gregg is the Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and is the Director of the Marching Pioneers, in addition to teaching Music Theory and Instrumental Conducting. Prior to holding this position, Mr. Gregg was a Band Director at Oconomowoc High School where he was listed twice in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. He has conducted and performed at several music conventions including the National Band Association – Wisconsin Chapter, Wisconsin Music Educators Association and the College Band Directors National Association. Prior to his work in Oconomowoc, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin. He has also served as the Director of Bands at Cambridge High School and Nikolay Middle School. Matthew’s performance and instructional experience include a long history in the drum & bugle corps circuit where he was a performer and soloist with the Madison Scouts from 1988-1994 and a brass instructor and administrator from 1995-2003. In 2007, he served as the corps’ Program Coordinator. He was also involved in the administrative, creative, educational and performing elements of the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project that performed in Camp Randall Stadium in August of 2006. Mr. Gregg was also a brass instructor and designer for Capital Sound Drum & Bugle Corps and served as the Corps Director from 2001-2002. In 2002, he won the Drum Corps International Division II Director of the Year award. His teaching experience has allowed him the opportunity to travel across the United States and abroad as an instructor, performer, and clinician. Matthew has a number of musical arrangements and compositions to his credit including works for orchestra, concert, marching and jazz band, as well as various chamber ensembles. Mr. Gregg has also earned a number of credits as a horn player. He is currently a member of Ensemble Nouveau and Rountree Ensemble, professional chamber groups in residence at UW-Platteville. He has won several competitions, scholarships, and awards for instrumental performance including six consecutive years as a Drum Corps International Solo & Ensemble Champion.
Chip De Stefano received both his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance and Master of Music Education Degrees from Northwestern University. Since 1996, he has been Director of Bands at McCracken Middle School in Skokie, Illinois making multiple appearances at the Illinois Music Educators Association Music Education Conference, University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival (9 selections as Honor Band), NAfME North Central Division Conference, and National Band Association (NBA) North-Central Division Conference.. In 2006 and 2013 the Symphonic Band was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference. Other prestigious recognition include the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Silver Cup (2006) and the NBA’s Programs of Excellence National Award (2015).
Mr. De Stefano is active nationally as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator. He's conducted honor bands, festivals and camps in Singapore, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and throughout Illinois. In addition, he has presented conference sessions at the Midwest Clinic (2008, 202,. 2022, and 2025 scheduled), Colorado Bandmasters Association Summer Convention (2020), ILMEA All-State Conference (2003, 2005, 2008, 2016), Iowa Bandmasters Conference (2010, 2024), Nebraska Music Educators Association State Conference (2011, 2021), New England Band Director Instituted (2016), Arkansas Tech University Band Director Workshop (2013), NBA/IGSMA Band Director Workshop (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024), Illinois State University Band Director Workshop (2012), DuPage County Music Clinic (2009, 2014) and numerous online panels. Mr. De Stefano was awarded the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2001, the IGSMA Barbara Buehlmann Young Conductor Award in 2004, the IGSMA Cloyd Meyers Memorial Award in 2011, and the Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence in 2016.
Mr. De Stefano is active nationally as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator. He's conducted honor bands, festivals and camps in Singapore, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and throughout Illinois. In addition, he has presented conference sessions at the Midwest Clinic (2008, 202,. 2022, and 2025 scheduled), Colorado Bandmasters Association Summer Convention (2020), ILMEA All-State Conference (2003, 2005, 2008, 2016), Iowa Bandmasters Conference (2010, 2024), Nebraska Music Educators Association State Conference (2011, 2021), New England Band Director Instituted (2016), Arkansas Tech University Band Director Workshop (2013), NBA/IGSMA Band Director Workshop (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024), Illinois State University Band Director Workshop (2012), DuPage County Music Clinic (2009, 2014) and numerous online panels. Mr. De Stefano was awarded the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2001, the IGSMA Barbara Buehlmann Young Conductor Award in 2004, the IGSMA Cloyd Meyers Memorial Award in 2011, and the Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence in 2016.
Peter Haberman is a conductor and educator who serves as the director of bands and professor of music at Concordia College where he is the conductor of The Concordia Band. He also leads the Echo Band, works with student conductors in the Conducting Certificate program, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, and coordinates the comprehensive band program.
As a conductor, Dr. Haberman works to share music that engages audiences and performers in deeply meaningful ways. In doing so, his career spans multiple continents, musical genres, and he works with educational, professional, and community ensembles. Currently Peter serves as the Artistic Director for the Encore Wind Ensemble in the Twin Cities and the Conductor of Bands at the Red Lodge Music Festival in Red Lodge, Montana. He is also a co-host for the podcast Beyond Artless. Known for his collaborative approach to rehearsals and performances, he seeks many opportunities to perform with guest composers, musicians, and artists. His ensembles have been selected to perform at many national and international conferences and music festivals. Dr. Haberman is a committed advocate for artful music education and continues to be a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and presenter around the world. Prior to his college teaching 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.
As a conductor, Dr. Haberman works to share music that engages audiences and performers in deeply meaningful ways. In doing so, his career spans multiple continents, musical genres, and he works with educational, professional, and community ensembles. Currently Peter serves as the Artistic Director for the Encore Wind Ensemble in the Twin Cities and the Conductor of Bands at the Red Lodge Music Festival in Red Lodge, Montana. He is also a co-host for the podcast Beyond Artless. Known for his collaborative approach to rehearsals and performances, he seeks many opportunities to perform with guest composers, musicians, and artists. His ensembles have been selected to perform at many national and international conferences and music festivals. Dr. Haberman is a committed advocate for artful music education and continues to be a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and presenter around the world. Prior to his college teaching 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.
Phil Ostrander is Professor of Trombone and Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He 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, and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Currently, he is Principal Trombone of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. He has also performed on broadway shows in Minneapolis – most recently on Wicked and Some Like It Hot. He recently recorded with the Minnesota Orchestra on Mahler Symphony No. 8. Dr. Ostrander has collaborated with jazz artists Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Jimmy Heath, Claudio Roditi. He teaches jazz and created the Trombone Workshop at the Shell Lake Arts Camp in northern Wisconsin.
Holly Guenther is in her 11th year as the 5th grade band director in Owatonna, servicing four elementary schools. She is also the Assistant Director of the Owatonna High School Marching Band. Prior to teaching elementary band, Holly has taught in Red Wing, MN, teaching 6-9th grade band and Cannon Falls, MN, teaching 9-12th grade concert, jazz and marching band. She is married to Pete Guenther, a fellow music educator in the same school district. Together they share their expertise as woodwind and brass specialists, working to strengthen the district’s music program and inspire the next generation of musicians. Holly earned her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is an active member of the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), the Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. In addition to teaching, Holly is an active music adjudicator, clinician, and honor band director throughout Minnesota. She performs with the Bloomington Medalist Concert Band and the Owatonna Community Band and Symphony Orchestra. One of Holly’s biggest passions is encouraging students to continue playing music as a lifelong hobby. Outside of teaching, Holly enjoys camping and hiking with her family, visiting various national parks every summer—her favorites being Denali, Acadia,and Glacier. She has five children, seven grandchildren, and a loyal British Lab—Lucy.
Peter Guenther is in his twenty-fourth year as Director of Bands at Owatonna High School. Previous to this position he was the director of junior and senior high bands at Lake City High School from 1993 to 2001. At Owatonna High School,
Peter conducts three concert bands, marching band, pep band, and jazz ensemble.
He holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Winona State University. He is a past recipient of the Owatonna Teacher of the Year and the Owatonna Community Arts Award. He is currently a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the National Band Association, the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), the Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA), and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. Peter currently conducts the Owatonna Community Band and Owatonna Community Orchestra, and is a member of the Medalist Concert Band in Bloomington, Minnesota. He is active as a performer, adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. He enjoys teaming with his wife, Holly, in their shared vision and approach to educating the students in Owatonna. Peter enjoys golfing, camping, and spending quality time with Holly, their five children, and their seven grandchildren. Peter loves music, teaching kids, and making a difference. He says, “Music is always a journey, full of challenge, success, growth and aspiration. We never stop learning….Music is for life!”
Peter conducts three concert bands, marching band, pep band, and jazz ensemble.
He holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Winona State University. He is a past recipient of the Owatonna Teacher of the Year and the Owatonna Community Arts Award. He is currently a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the National Band Association, the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), the Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA), and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. Peter currently conducts the Owatonna Community Band and Owatonna Community Orchestra, and is a member of the Medalist Concert Band in Bloomington, Minnesota. He is active as a performer, adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. He enjoys teaming with his wife, Holly, in their shared vision and approach to educating the students in Owatonna. Peter enjoys golfing, camping, and spending quality time with Holly, their five children, and their seven grandchildren. Peter loves music, teaching kids, and making a difference. He says, “Music is always a journey, full of challenge, success, growth and aspiration. We never stop learning….Music is for life!”
John R. Stewart is 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, coordinates the concert band program, and serves as the Wind and Percussion Area Coordinator. Under his leadership, the Wind Symphony performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, the CBDNA/NBA North Central Division Regional Conference, the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic, and his ensembles have performed across Europe and Southeast Asia. Dr. Stewart maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and clinician across the United States. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (2013) at the University of Minnesota while studying conducting with Craig Kirchhoff. Dr. Stewart earned his Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of South Florida (2009) and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida (1996). Dr. Stewart contributed to Teaching Music through Performance in Band: Solos with Wind Band Accompaniment published by GIA Publications, Inc., has published articles in Contributions to Music Education, the Minnesota Music Educators Association Journal, the NBA Journal, and presented sessions at the Society for Music Teacher Educators bi-annual conference, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association State Conference, the National Band Association – Wisconsin Chapter State Conference, the MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic, the Florida Music Educators Association Convention, the Colorado Music Educators Association Convention, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles Conference in Prague, CZ.. His current research interests include Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) and repertoire.
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 been a member of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse music department since August 2001. She is the Director of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band, Conductor of the Symphonic Band, instructor of percussion studies and leads the music education program. 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. Dr. Fisher has studied conducting with Jack Stamp and John Locke. Percussion instructors include Gary Olmstead, Cort McClaren and Rich MacDonald.
Dr. Fisher performs with numerous jazz bands including the 7 Rivers Jazz Band, the Jazz Foundation and Grumpy Old Men Big Band. She held the position of Principal Timpanist in the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2020. Dr. Fisher is a frequent guest clinician and adjudicator of bands and percussion ensembles throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. In 2023, Dr. Fisher was one of seven UWL faculty to receive the Eagle Teaching Excellence Award. Faculty are nominated by students and selected by a university committee.
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. Dr. Fisher has studied conducting with Jack Stamp and John Locke. Percussion instructors include Gary Olmstead, Cort McClaren and Rich MacDonald.
Dr. Fisher performs with numerous jazz bands including the 7 Rivers Jazz Band, the Jazz Foundation and Grumpy Old Men Big Band. She held the position of Principal Timpanist in the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2020. Dr. Fisher is a frequent guest clinician and adjudicator of bands and percussion ensembles throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. In 2023, Dr. Fisher was one of seven UWL faculty to receive the Eagle Teaching Excellence Award. Faculty are nominated by students and selected by a university committee.
Jeffery Crowell is an Emmy Award winning percussionist and 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, instructs the Blugold Marching Band Drumline, 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, Arturo O'Farrill, 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, and is in the motion picture "The Majestic" starring Jim Carrey.
Dr. Crowell has over 32 years of experience in the marching arts, having taught numerous award-winning high school programs, marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and has taught on the staffs of other groups including the Tournament of Roses Marching Honor Band. He has also been a consultant for the Open Class Drum and Bugle Corps River City Rhythm. He is currently the Front Ensemble Supervisor for the World Class Drum and Bugle Corps The Academy from Tempe, AZ. He has been active member of the Percussive Arts Society, having served on many PAS Committees including the University Pedagogy Committee, Education Committee, and the Technology Committee. Dr. Crowell has also served as a member of the Wisconsin PAS Chapter Advisory Committee in addition to having been the Wisconsin Chapter President for several years. Dr. Crowell is also active in the publishing realm. He has an arrangement, Nanafushi for percussion trio, published through Tapspace Publications, LLC and has had many articles in School Band and Orchestra magazine and Percussive Notes, the journal of the Percussive Arts Society. The most recent issue has his newest contribution. 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 has over 32 years of experience in the marching arts, having taught numerous award-winning high school programs, marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and has taught on the staffs of other groups including the Tournament of Roses Marching Honor Band. He has also been a consultant for the Open Class Drum and Bugle Corps River City Rhythm. He is currently the Front Ensemble Supervisor for the World Class Drum and Bugle Corps The Academy from Tempe, AZ. He has been active member of the Percussive Arts Society, having served on many PAS Committees including the University Pedagogy Committee, Education Committee, and the Technology Committee. Dr. Crowell has also served as a member of the Wisconsin PAS Chapter Advisory Committee in addition to having been the Wisconsin Chapter President for several years. Dr. Crowell is also active in the publishing realm. He has an arrangement, Nanafushi for percussion trio, published through Tapspace Publications, LLC and has had many articles in School Band and Orchestra magazine and Percussive Notes, the journal of the Percussive Arts Society. The most recent issue has his newest contribution. 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.
Patrick Coughlin has performed with numerous marching and athletic musical ensembles, including the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Edgewood College Athletic Band, and Green Bay Packers Tundra Line. He has also performed as a pit musician in regional theatre companies, as a percussionist with community wind bands and symphony orchestras, and on drum set with numerous rock bands and jazz ensembles.
As an educator, Coughlin has taught and consulted with countless marching programs across the state of Wisconsin, and groups under his direction have consistently garnered high music and percussion awards. He spent ten years working as a field assistant for the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, teaching under legendary band director Michael Leckrone. He also has the distinct honor of being the creator and director of the Tundra Line, the official drumline of the Green Bay Packers. This group has been an integral part of the fan and gameday experience at Lambeau Field since 2007. He has composed and arranged music for marching, concert, and popular musical ensembles, and had adjudicated solo, chamber, and marching festivals across southern Wisconsin.
Patrick holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied percussion performance with his mentor, Anthony DiSanza. He is a student of sacred and secular music from Brazil and the Caribbean, and has studied with Michael Spiro, Roberto Vizcaino, John Santos, and Jorgi Alabe. When not working, Patrick can be found either golfing or camping in the Northwoods. He currently lives in Middleton, with his wife Darlayne and two children Danicka and Derrick.
As an educator, Coughlin has taught and consulted with countless marching programs across the state of Wisconsin, and groups under his direction have consistently garnered high music and percussion awards. He spent ten years working as a field assistant for the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, teaching under legendary band director Michael Leckrone. He also has the distinct honor of being the creator and director of the Tundra Line, the official drumline of the Green Bay Packers. This group has been an integral part of the fan and gameday experience at Lambeau Field since 2007. He has composed and arranged music for marching, concert, and popular musical ensembles, and had adjudicated solo, chamber, and marching festivals across southern Wisconsin.
Patrick holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied percussion performance with his mentor, Anthony DiSanza. He is a student of sacred and secular music from Brazil and the Caribbean, and has studied with Michael Spiro, Roberto Vizcaino, John Santos, and Jorgi Alabe. When not working, Patrick can be found either golfing or camping in the Northwoods. He currently lives in Middleton, with his wife Darlayne and two children Danicka and Derrick.