Allen, Mark Bild, Elliot Since that time, Elliot has performed with such people as Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Don Braden, Duane Eubanks, Tim Warfield Jr., Norman David and The Eleventet, Conrad Herwig, Randy Brecker, Mike Boone, Adam Neiwood, Bill Jolly, and Pablo Batista, at such venues as The Kimmel Center for the Arts, Chris’s Jazz Cafe, The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club and The Litchfield Jazz Festival. Elliot appears on recent releases by Bassists Richard Hill, Mike Boone, Nick Krolak, Organist Lucas Brown, Trombonist Nick Lombardelli, and Saxophonists Michael Hudson-Casanova and Skyler Hagner. Elliot’s album, “ISMS” was released in November 2020, which features a collection of all original material. In addition, he has released Volumes 1 & 2 of “Car Licks”; transcriptions of trumpeter John Swana. He currently teaches at The Philadelphia Orchestra Youth Lessons Program, Gwynedd Mercy Academy and The Litchfield Jazz Camp. Capolupo, Dr. James DiDonato, Ron Mr. D has been performing in the tri state area for over 40 years and has played drums with the Lakewood Jazz Ensemble, now Wilbur Wittemann Big Band, for over 30 years. During that time, Ron has performed with great local jazz musicians such as Dennis DeBlasio, Dave Pollick and Bob Gravener. He has also performed with legendary jazz icons Arturo Sanduval, Clark Terry, Bill Watrous, Phil Woods, Louis Bellson, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Dave Wekle, Wayne Bergeron. Performing and working in clinic with many of those musicians was an invaluable experience and helped shape Ron as a musician and educator. He continues to share his experiences through his performances, clinics, lessons and adjudications. He is recently retired from public school education but continues to work with music students through his affiliation with Music and Arts as an instructor and through his clinics and adjudication of local jazz festivals including Cavalcade of Bands events. Drobish, Mike A graduate of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Michael holds degrees in Jazz Performance and Music Education. As a saxophonist and woodwind doubler, he maintains an active performing schedule. He is a charter member of the Philadelphia Wind Symphony and President of the Doylestown Symphonic Winds. He subs with the Monday Blues Jazz Orchestra and plays in numerous pit orchestras throughout the region. In addition he manages a small studio of private students, many of whom have reached the All-State level. He lives in Chalfont with his wife and two daughters and is proud to call himself a music educator. Gallagher, Matt Matt is the prototypical lead trumpet player with extensive credits with professional bands and orchestras up and down the east coast. He has performed with several Broadway show productions and artists including The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Boston Symphony, The Baltimore Symphony, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Diana Krall, Hugh Jackman, Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Randy Brecker, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Lou Rawls, Bernadette Peters, The O’Jays, The Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, and many others. Matt is currently the principal trumpet player for The Philly Pops and has been a featured lead trumpet player with The Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition, Matt is a studio lead trumpet player at NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and has recorded for Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, R. Kelly, Jennifer Hudson, and LL Cool J. Matt was inducted into the Cavalcade of Bands Hall of Fame class of 2022. He is equally committed to both performing and teaching and is the chair of the trumpet department, “Z” Big Band director, and music education professor at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Kapralick, Randy He serves as the Ensemble Coordinator and Chair of the Trombone Department at University of the Arts where he also teaches Jazz Improvisation and Musicianship, and directs the dynamic 12-piece group Transfusion, which features diverse programming ranging from straight-ahead swing to newly commissioned, contemporary music. In addition, he is the Coordinator for the University of the Arts Pre-College Summer Institute, a two-week long intensive summer program presented in conjunction with the Kimmel Center, where high school instrumentalists and vocalists explore technique and repertoire while interacting with master-level jazz artists. Randy strives to bring people together by guiding them to search out and refine their individual voices in order to fully celebrate the spirit of music. Kenney, Dave Kerber, Ron Kinsey, Alan A native of Souderton Pennsylvania, Alan has completed both Undergraduate, and Master’s Level degrees from Temple University, Philadelphia PA both in education and percussion performance. Alan holds a DA in Jazz administration and percussion performance, from the University of Northern Colorado. He holds a certification to teach K-12 music in New Jersey public schools. He currently is involved with the Elementary Band program in Gloucester Township NJ, teaching 5th beginners on all band instruments. Alan is also advising several districts in New Jersey both in percussion and Jazz performance. Alan Kinsey is active in Percussive Arts Society, Jazz Educator’s Network, New Jersey Music Educator’s Association and the Technology Institute of Music Educators. Leitzel, Galen As a conductor, Dr Leitzel served as Music Director of the Lyric Band of Hanover for 20 years, and was invited to be guest conductor for several Honors Bands in the Central PA region. As a performer on saxophone and multiple woodwinds, Dr Leitzel played for the Mansfield State College “Esquires” Jazz Ensemble, the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble, the Bob Clay Jazz Band from York PA and is currently Lead Alto Sax with the Generations Big Band from Biglerville, PA. He has also performed for many years in several small combos in the central PA region. Additionally, he was a member of the Williamsport Sax Quartet and the White Rose Sax Quartet from York PA. He performs in Pit orchestras for School Musicals and Community theatres. Dr. Leitzel has performed in back-up bands with such artists as Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, Glen Campbell and The Spinners, and has performed as a soloist with the Williamsport Elks-Repasz Band, the Mansfield University Wind Ensemble, and the Lyric Band of Hanover. Dr. Leitzel has been an adjudicator for over 30 years, and has judged marching, concert and jazz bands throughout the Northeast region of the US. He held the offices of Music Caption Chair and Jazz Chair for the National Judges Association for 10 years. Marrella, Joe Joe has also been engaged to consult on various musical groups and has conducted seminars for music educators throughout the country. Further, he has conducted training for judges’ associations and assisted in the evaluation of them. Locally, Joe has taught workshops at West Chester University for music educators as they earn credits for their advanced degrees. He is a former member of the Advisory Council for the University of the Arts, located in Philadelphia. He has also written articles for musical publications that have been distributed to 35,000 high schools in the United States. He has been selected as a Hall of Fame Instructor, Arranger, and Judge to seven different Halls of Fame. Among them is the Cavalcade of Bands Hall of Fame. In addition to playing, judging and consulting in the musical arena, Joe has directed 22 theatrical musicals as well as being nominated for Best Direction twice by the Perry Awards of New Jersey. Joe has served for three years as a television color commentator for the broadcast of various competitions involving musical groups and served as the Cavalcade of Bands Education Director for four years. Meyers, Edward Muller, Danny Powers, Bill Professional affiliations to his credit include PMEA, the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, the American Federation of Musicians, and Phi Beta Mu. He served as President of Cavalcade of Bands from 2000-2008, and was the association’s Marching Band Administrator from 2010-2015. He was awarded Cavalcade’s “Director of the Year” award for 2007-2008, and is a member of Cavalcade’s Hall of Fame. He is a Past President of the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association and a former member of the Bill Dayton Orchestra and the Dave Stahl Big Band. Pursell, Dr. John Pusey, Bill Ragonese, Jonathan Rodgers, Kevin Shah, Minesh After College Mr. Shah began teaching in NJ and found success teaching with diverse populations from the inner city to Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon Schools. In Elizabeth, Minesh was the Music Caption Supervisor for the Elizabeth HS Marching Band in which time the band won State and National Championships for 5 consecutive year. While at Elizabeth Mr. Shah worked with some of the country’s top names in education, pageantry and composing including Wayne Dillon, Dennis Argul and Jim Prime Jr. Currently Mr. Shah is the director of instrumental music at The Borough School in Morris Plains NJ. When he is not a Public School educator, Minesh is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Ramsey Wind Symphony. This month marks the beginning of his 3rd season with the Community band from Bergen County NJ. In the short time he has been with The Ramsey Wind Symphony the group as seen extensive growth in the membership, musicianship and overall morale of the ensemble. One of the major focuses has been to cultivate new Wind Band Literature. This includes the commissioning of a new piece by Patrick Burns. Prior to Ramsey Wind Symphony, Minesh was the Athletic Band director for Manhattan College where he started the Symphonic Winds ensemble. This Spring Minesh will be conducting the newly formed Wind Ensemble for the Wharton Arts Institute which provides music education for Home School children from pre – k to college. Minesh is currently developing a supplemental series called Bursts of Band. Bursts of Band is a resource for young educators that are in time sensitive rehearsal situations. Using the knowledge that new teachers posses after graduation, Minesh guides teachers to use their College Experience and apply that to a shortened rehearsal times, unique rehearsal spaces and situations where band directors do not see the students as often as necessary and still be able to foster achievement towards excellence. Minesh lives in Lake Hopatcong NJ with his wife Kara, two cats Bailey and Peanut and two dogs, Straxx and Davross. Sheeley, James Spanning a career of 44 years, Jim has worked as an administrator and a music teacher in rural, suburban and urban settings. He received a Masters in Instrumental Conducting and a Masters in Educational Leadership. His educational experience includes public and private schools, and he has enjoyed working with extraordinary learners. Jim is currently the CEO of the Laurel Education Group. A former High School music teacher Jim’s Jazz, Concert and Marching Bands consistently received superior ratings and rankings. Many of Jim’s students auditioned for and won positions in Regional and State Bands. Jim is an active adjudicator for Cavalcade and New York Band Conference. Twiford, Jeff Uibel, Steve Villella, Dr. John Wagner, Bob Hearing the call of the trumpet, however, Bob set aside corporate life in 2011 and dedicated himself full-time to his music career. Since then, Bob and his versatile blend of commercial & classical trumpet playing have performed to standing ovations across the country in some of the nation’s most prestigious concert halls – including New York’s Carnegie Hall. Locally, Bob is the director and trumpet soloist for the 18 piece “Jump City Jazz Orchestra” and the chamber brass ensemble “The Hickory Brass”. He is also a featured performer with Victor Records in Camden NJ. With his unique professional experience, Bob frequently serves as a guest speaker and clinician to secondary, collegiate, and professional audiences covering a broad range of topics in music, business and career guidance. Bob also maintains a strong commitment to service by volunteering with Bugles Across America, an organization dedicated to providing live performances of Taps for the families of deceased veterans. West, Tom Wittemann, Wilbur He has received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the New Jersey Association of Jazz Educators. During his 32 years as a Middle School Band director he was selected “Teacher of the Year” two times and was a finalist for the prestigious Princeton University Scholar Award. Visit his website: www.lakewoodjazz.com for information on upcoming performances, his summer music camp and Skype lessons for all instruments. You can view hundreds of educational and entertaining audio/video files featuring Wilbur on trumpet or conducting world famous musicians performing in a wide variety of musical ensembles that range in size from 3 – 50 musicians. Wilbur has conducted and performed with many world famous musicians like: Jose Feliciano, Little Anthony, The Platters, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, Slide Hampton, Louis Bellson, Bill Watrous, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Dave Weckl, Butch Miles, Wayne Bergeron and the Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. Visit his website: www.lakewoodjazz.com for hundreds of educational and entertaining audio and video files featuring Wilbur and his various orchestras. In 2015 he and his wife Beverly relocated to Middletown, Delaware where they recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. Wilbur enjoys practicing and teaching in his recording studio. Wilbur and Beverly travel around North America by bus teaching, performing and vacationing with “Sophie” their miniature long haired dachshund. Wolfe, Tim Tim holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from The University of the Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in music from Lebanon Valley College. In addition to keeping a busy performing schedule, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at Lebanon Valley College. Working with students of all ages, Tim teaches workshops, clinics, and master classes at high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey as well as keeping a busy private teaching studio. As a bandleader and composer he self-produced and independently released his debut CD, Topics of Conversation, in 2014. A new album with his brother, guitarist Matt Wolfe, titled DUETS, VOL. 1 is out now. Yataura, Brian
Saxophonist and multi-woodwind player Mark Allen has been an active member of the Philadelphia music scene for over a decade. Upon graduating with his Master’s Degree from the University of the Arts, Mark was asked to join the faculty, where he currently teaches saxophone, jazz history, and theory. He has had the privilege of studying with Joel Frahm, Ben Schachter, Chris Farr, and Ron Kerber. In addition to co-leading several ensembles, Mark is an active member of The Philly Pops, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Fresh Cut Orchestra (Ropeadope Records), and several other Philadelphia/New York ensembles. He has shared the stage and/or recorded with luminaries such as Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, George Garzone, Marcus Belgrave, Wycliffe Gordon, Dick Oatts, Orrin Evans, R Kelly, Lady Gaga, and Tony Bennett, among others. Mark is also active in the Philadelphia theater scene as a woodwind player, performing on saxophones, flutes, and clarinets.
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Elliot Bild, trumpeter, educator, and composer got his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University, and his master’s degree from Temple University.
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Dr. Capoluposstarted as a band director in the organization then was the Music Caption Chief for two terms then he was the Judging Coordinator for two terms. Dr. Capolupo started his jazz music career by playing Lead Alto in the West Chester Criterions Jazz Ensemble. He went on to perform from New York to South Carolina with various jazz bands. He directed several award winning high school jazz ensembles and was director of the Cabrini College Jazz Band; the Lincoln University Jazz Band and the Princeton University Jazz Band. He will also be conducting the America Music Abroad Bronze Tour of Europe this summer for the 32nd year. Dr. Capolupo was the co-founder of the Pennsylvania All State Jazz Band. He served as the President of the Pennsynsyvai Chapter of the National Association of Jazz Educators. Besides his career in Instrumental Music, Dr Capolupo has served as a Coordinator of Fine Arts, Principal, Director of Elementary Education, Director of Teaching and Learning and Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Capolupo was named the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year by The National Association of School Superintendents and named the 2015 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. Dr Capolupo has recently co-authored a book on school leadership and is presenting workshops in several State Conferences and National Conferences around the country. In addition to judging jazz festivals, he also judges Marching Band festivals, the Miss America Pageant Parade and the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia. Over his career, he has judged over 1000 musical events.
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A graduate of West Chester University, Mr. DiDonato spent 30 years in public education. During that time, he served as Director of Bands at both the high school and middle school levels. He has had award winning school ensembles and musicians in many organizations under his direction. He has also directed several honors ensembles as well as the All Region jazz bands. Mr. D has been an active member of SJBODA, NJAJE and the Percussive Arts Society.
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Michael Drobish is currently Director of Instrumental Music at Lawrence High School in New Jersey. He teaches two band classes, string orchestra, percussion ensemble and piano. In addition, he directs the marching band, jazz band and pit orchestra. He’s previously held similar positions at William Tennent High School, Bensalem High School and Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School. Mr. Drobish also served as interim director of the Gwynedd Mercy University Pep Band and has taught at all levels, elementary thru college.
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Matt Gallagher is enjoying a career as one of the most sought-after lead trumpet players in Philadelphia, PA and on the east coast. Gallagher earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education from West Chester University in 1997 and earned a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts in 2001. Matt is a Trumpet Performing Artist for the Yamaha Corporation of America and is also a full-time university professor.
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Randy Kapralick is a Philadelphia-area trombonist, composer, and educator with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami School of Music and a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts. After completing his undergraduate degree, Randy toured with the Four Tops for five years while also playing frequently with the Temptations, the Spinners, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli, and KC & The Sunshine Band. Throughout his career, Randy has also had the chance to perform with jazz artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Tito Puente, Jimmy Heath, Dave Liebman, and Maria Schneider including recent performances with Randy Brecker, Joey DeFrancesco and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Randy is the lead trombonist and a commissioned writer for the Philly Pops Big Band, and he also performs as the lead trombonist for the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia and Norman David & The Eleventet.
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Dave Kenney is uniquely qualified by virtue of his talent, expertise, and experience to educate both students and teachers, and to evaluate the quality of their performances and programs. He has performed professionally on tenor saxophone and piano with the Glenn Miller Band, Jay and the Techniques, Marie Osmond, Shirley Jones, Clark Terry, Bobby Rydell and Aretha Franklin. He has also recorded for NFL Films. Mr. Kenney studied piano with the legendary jazz artist, Jimmy Amadie. He currently directs his own jazz trio, and also freelances with many local artists in the greater Philadelphia area. For over 20 years, Mr. Kenney was the principal pianist for the Brian Pastor Big Band. He has also been featured with the Dave Stahl big band. Mr. Kenney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master of Music degree in Performance, both from West Chester University. Mr. Kenney retired from the Quakertown Community School District after a career in which he taught every grade level of instrumental music. He is recognized as the founder and ‘architect’ of the very successful Jazz Band program in the Quakertown School District. His Jazz and Concert bands were renowned for their consistently high levels of performance. Mr. Kenney is one of the founders of the Bux-Mont Intermediate Honors Band for students in grades seven and eight. His greatest legacy, though, may be the number of his former students who now direct successful music programs throughout the country.
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Ron Kerber is one of Philadelphia’s first call musicians, with a career that has crossed genres and styles. He was formerly saxophonist, composer and producer for Blue Note recording artists “Pieces of a Dream”. He has also recorded with Jimmy Bruno, Phil Woods, Gerald Veasley, Jim Ridl, Melody Gardot, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Lou Rawls and Teddy Pendergrass among others. He has toured with Burt Bacharach, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross and performed with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Ben Folds, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Tony Bennett, Lang Lang, Manhattan Transfer, Randy Brecker, Rufus Wainright, Michael Buble, Jane Monheit, New York Voices, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Johnny Mathis to name a few. Ron has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Orchestra 2001, The Royal Ballet, and The Russian National Orchestra. He is a member of The Philly Pops, and has played in the orchestras of the Forrest, Walnut Street, and Merriam Theaters, Ron is Associate Dean of Performing Arts at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He has served on the Board of Trustees of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and as President of the Philadelphia Chapter. He continues to be active in the Grammy process serving on several committees for the Academy. Ron is a D’Addario Woodwind Artist and plays Silverstein Ligatures.
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Alan Kinsey is in demand as a clinician, teacher and adjudicator. He has an in-depth and varied career in jazz performance and education as demonstrated by his engagements with Bob Brookmeyer, Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Gary Foster, and Frank Mantooth. Alan has also worked in concert with Tori Amos, Joel Grey, Maureen McGovern, the New York Voices, Rare Silk, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr, and Toni Tenille. He has also performed with road productions of the shows 42nd St, Chicago, and Cats. Mr Kinsey has directed many College Jazz ensemble appearances and has presented clinic’s at music educator’s conventions, in Kansas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and jazz festivals, such as Notre Dame Jazz Festival, North Texas Jazz Festival, University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival, and the University of the Arts Jazz Festival.
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Dr. Galen Leitzel has been a music educator, conductor, performer, administrator and adjudicator for over 45 years. He holds degrees from Mansfield State College, Ithaca College and Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University. He spent 26 years as a High School Band Director at Loyalsock Township and Hanover School Districts in Pennsylvania. Bands under his direction achieved numerous 1st place and Superior Awards in Marching, Concert, and Jazz Band competitions and Festivals. Dr Leitzel also served as Supervisor of Music at Conestoga Valley School District in Pennsylvania for 10 years. The Music Department was consistently recognized nationally for Excellence in Music Education. Following his retirement from Public Schools, Dr. Leitzel served as Adjunct Professor of Music at West Chester University and Elizabethtown College. He has also maintained an active Private Studio, where many of his students have achieved the PA All-State Band & Orchestra level.
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Joe Marrella has over twenty-five years judging experience involving musical performers. He has been asked to adjudicate groups in all parts of the United States and Canada. Joe was an individual Snare Drum Champion and has also instructed five National Champion Percussion Ensembles. Recently, he was elected to another Drumming Hall of Fame joining the great Jazz Drummer, Buddy Rich, who is considered one of the most influential Jazz drummers of all time.
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Edward Meyers studied Bass Trombone at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School. His private teachers include members of the Philadelphia, Boston, Metropolitan Opera, Baltimore Symphony Orchestras as well as the New York Philharmonic. He has also studied arranging and composition with Hank Levy. Instructor, arranger, and drill writer for many marching bands and drum and bugle corps competing in the Drum Corps International, Drum Corps Associates, Cavalcade of Bands, Tournament of Bands, and USBands marching circuits. After a freelance career in both the United States and Europe Mr. Meyers is currently a band and orchestra director for Baltimore County Public schools in Maryland.
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Danny Muller is an accomplished saxophone performer who has played with the Philadelphia Boys Choir, pianist Joanne Brackeen, trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Michael Brecker, Ralph Bowen, guitarist Jimmy Bruno, drummer Greg Fields, singer Wayne Newton, alto saxophonist Greg Osby, singer Dennis Rowland, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, trumpeter Bobby Shew, bassist Gerald Veasley, saxophonist Grover Washington Jr, as well as performances in the Philadelphia, Atlantic City and New York areas. Danny Muller attended the University of the Arts and received a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance and a Masters Degree in Music Education Danny was the 2001 Philadelphia High School Grammy Band Assistant Director and was with LaSalle College High School for Boys teaching jazz improvisation and woodwinds since 2002. He has also been at the University of the Arts teaching saxophone since 2003.
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Bill Powers is a retired band director and music educator/administrator who taught elementary, high school, and college bands at West York Area High School, Gettysburg College, and the Hempfield School District. He holds degrees from Gettysburg College, The Pennsylvania State University, and Millersville University. Additional graduate studies were completed at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, West Chester University, Catholic University of America, Temple University, Capitol University, Villanova University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Illinois State University, and the University of Hartford. He has served as a guest conductor, clinician, program evaluator, and adjudicator in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Dr. John Pursell has been referred to as “the best of the brass” and “a brilliant trumpeter” in the print media. He has had a musical career spanning over 4 decades, including a 21 year career as the Senior Ceremonial Trumpeter with the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC. After his retirement from the Air Force in 2003, he became a Yamaha Trumpet Artist and has appeared as a soloist and clinician throughout the eastern and mid-western US with high school, college and community groups; he has been a presenter at dozens of state music educator conferences across the country. He has performed with such notable performers as Peter Nero, James Earl Jones, Lou Rawls, Claudio Abbado, Robert Trevino, Vince DeMartino, Chris Vadala, Awadigan Pratt and others. He has performed with the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Wilmington Grand Opera Orchestra, Shippensburg Festival Orchestra and the 12th Night Big Band. He has taught at Gettysburg College, Frederick Community College and currently teaches at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland. Dr. Pursell holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland, BM and MM degrees from West Chester State College and studied trumpet with Mel Broiles, Seymour Rosenfeld, Emerson Head and Kenneth Laudermilch. Dr. Pursell is a published author, with dozens of articles appearing in national journals.
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Bill Pusey is a graduate of the Philadelphia Musical Academy in 1974 (Univ Of Arts) with a Bachelor of Music. He has toured with the Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis Big bands along with headliners Burt Bacharach, Anthony Newley & Ben Vereen. Pusey has also toured Europe, Australia & South America in the ’80’s with various European big bands performing, recording and tv performances with Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman & Howard Johnson. Bill Pusey has been first trumpet in Philadelphia, NY & Atlantic City performing for Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Johnny Mathis, Louie Bellson, Natalie Cole. Mr. Pusey has performed on Broadway as well as Philadelphia theatres with shows such as: Grand Hotel, Cats, Meet Me In St.
Louie, Fosse, Saturday Nite Fever, A Chorus Line, Kismet & Bubblin’ Brown Sugar. He was First Trumpet with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for 3 yrs. He was co-producer, arranger & contractor for the Musical Christmas Tree performing in Phila. for 12 yrs. Leader of the jazz trumpet ensemble Trumpets East. He was on the faculty at University of the Arts for 10 years directing the jazz trumpet ensemble along with the Rick Kerber tribute ensemble and the ” Z “jazz big band.
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Jonathan Ragonese, composer-arranger-saxophonist, is a native of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He is the Director of Jazz Studies and Saxophone Professor at the Wells School of Music at West Chester University. As a saxophonist he has performed and recorded with a wide array of musicians including Steve Wilson, David Liebman, Jon Faddis, The Sirius Quartet, Gideon Alorwoyie, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Tim Warfield, Tin Can Buddha and Steve Rudolph. As a composer his works have been commissioned and premiered by The New York Film Festival, saxophonist Steve Wilson, Jazz @ Lincoln Center, The Museum of Modern Art, the Vermont Mozart Festival Orchestra, the Harrisburg Symphony, the The Righteous Girls, Bucknell University, Messiah University, West Chester University and the Harrisburg Youth Symphony. Pandora’s Box, a new film score for G.W. Pabst’s iconic film, was commissioned by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and premiered at Alice Tully Hall in October of 2017, with Jonathan conducting a 17-piece ensemble. In 2014 Ragonese premiered his ‘Not-this’ for two saxophones, at Carnegie Hall. His Concerto for Saxophone and Wind Ensemble was premiered in 2021, and in April of 2022 portions of letters from an unknown woman to an unknown people, a double concerto for Trumpet and Marimba was premiered by William Stowman and the Messiah University Symphony Orchestra. Active educational endeavors include lectures, writings, and the development of Music Before Words, a music program for infants with educator Renee Bock. His first recording, Ardent Marigolds, was released in 2013, a duo with musical father Steve Rudolph. two men, singing, a duo album with saxophonist Tim Warfield was released the summer of 2018. For more information, visit: www.jonathanragonese.com
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Kevin Rodgers has performed as an accompaning musician with Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Nancy Wilson, The Temptations and a wide variety of notable performers. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Ocean City “Pops” Orchestra, The United States Army Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble, Abstract Truth, and the Jazz Ensembles of Temple University and University of the Arts. As an Educator, he has conducted Jazz and Concert Ensembles at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, St. Joseph’s University and Swarthmore College. He is currently serving in his tenth year as a Cavalcade of Bands adjudicator.
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Minesh Shah is a professional Music Educator and Conductor from the NY/NJ area. Minesh Holds a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During his time at UML, Minesh studied Trombone with Mark Cantrell & Willis Traphagan and Conducting with Dan Lutz and David Martins. Minesh Focused his education on Brass Pedagogy extensively while being Professor Traphagan’s final Trombone student. Currently Mr. Shah is finishing his Master’s of Arts with a concentration in Trombone Performance from Montclair State where he studied Trombone with R. Clyde Wigness and James Markey while also completing his Master’s in Educational Leadership.
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James Sheeley graduated from Mansfield State College with a Bachelor’s of Music Education. He was a trombone major. Jim studied privately with Steven McCuen and Richard Chamberlain, trombonist with Chuck Mangione, The Buddy Rich Band and The New York City Ballet Orchestra. Jim currently performs with the Highland Swing Orchestra and the Whitehouse Wind Symphony. In addition, he performs with a brass quartet.
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Mr. Twiford served as director of the Methacton High School Jazz Band, Fairview Village, Pennsylvania, from 1973 to 1984. The band won many awards in local, national and international festivals, including first place in the 1979 International Music Festival in Toronto. The ensemble was also honored by being selected to perform at the 1979 conference of the National Association of Jazz Educators (now IAJE). Presently, Mr. Twiford performs regularly with the Jazz Duo “Joyful Noise” throughout the Philadelphia area. He served as Army Bandmaster, director and trombone soloist of the 276th Army Band, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, from 1971 to 1984 and was recognized as an “Outstanding Jazz Educator” in 1979 by the National Association of Jazz Educators. Mr. Twiford received his jazz education at Penn State University, Beaver College, the United States Navy School of Music, and with Hank Levy and Dick Shearer at the Stan Kenton Jazz Clinic. From 1984 to 2007 Mr. Twiford was a school administrator in the Souderton Area, North Penn, and Boyertown Area School Districts. He is now retired from public schools and is the Preschool Director at Storehouse Church in Plymouth Meeting. He has judged high school jazz festivals since 1980 and served as the Cavalcade of Bands Association Jazz Judging Coordinator 2007-2015.
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Bio – Steve Uibel Steve Uibel has been an educator and free lance musician in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania for the last 35 years. Upon graduating from Towson University (Md) where he studied in the jazz program under Hank Levy, Mr. Uibel served for13 years as a high school band director in the Willingboro and Lenape Regional School Districts in New Jersey. His high school duties included jazz, concert and marching band. He directed jazz bands that participated in NJ state finals on multiple occasions. For the past 23 years he has served as the Haddonfield (NJ) Middle School instrumental music teacher and as thedepartment chair for the district music program. He has served as a jazz band adjudicator at both the local and state level in New Jersey for the past 20+ years and completed a Masters in Education Administration at Rider University in 1990. Mr. Uibel’s free lance trumpet experience includes a wide variety of ensembles throughout the tri-state region over the past thirty years. He has performed with a wide range of artists and performers including Manhattan Transfer, Allen Vizzutti, Phil Woods, Patti Austin, Linda Eder, Bill Watrous, Marvin Hamlisch, the rock group YES, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and the Lakewood Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Wilbur Wittemann. He resides with his family in Marlton, New Jersey.
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Dr. John Villella is the Chief of Staff and Executive Deputy to the President at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he has been a member of the administration or faculty for over thirty years. Prior to this appointment served seven years as the Associate Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. During his teaching tenure Dr. Villella directed the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Marching Band. His other duties included working in the music education department as a supervisor of student teachers and instructor of instrumental methods and techniques. His jazz performance experience includes membership in the Criterion Jazz Ensemble at West Chester University and at one time he was the student director of the second jazz ensemble the Statesman. In addition, he serves as an adjudicator for jazz festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region and as an adjudicator of instrumental ensembles for Festivals of Music and Music in the Parks. Dr. Villella holds a B.S. and M.M. in Music Education degrees from West Chester University and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University. Dr. Villella is also the President of Vivace Productions, Inc. The national leader of summer camps including Band Leadership Training and the Marching Band Workshops. He frequently serves as a guest conductor, adjudicator, guest lecturer, and director of music festivals in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, he reviewed new band music for each issue of the Pennsylvania state music education magazine, PMEA News from 2006 to 2015. His professional affiliations include membership in the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National and State organizations, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma, and Sigma Alpha Iota.
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Bob Wagner is well known around the Philly music scene as an in-demand lead trumpeter, soloist, and bandleader. He also holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and spent the first 18 years of his career traveling the globe in sales and marketing roles for fortune 500 technology companies.
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Thomas J. West is an active music teacher, composer, adjudicator, and clinician in the greater Philadelphia area. He has over twenty years experience as a concert band director, marching band director, jazz band and jazz improvisation instructor, choral director, orchestra director, private instructor, and freelance composer/arranger. He is currently the instrumental music teacher and online fine arts learning coordinator at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, a unique school which is part of the innovative Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from The Pennsylvania State University. He holds a teaching certificate in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. He is a member of NAfME, PMEA, the Jazz Education Network, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
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Wilbur Wittemann retired as Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Georgian Court University after 28 years. He was also an adjunct professor at The College of NJ. Wilbur is one of the country’s most requested clinicians, festival judges, guest conductors and teacher professional development presenters. Wilbur Wittemann Orchestras perform all styles of music. He has been arranging and coordinating successful concert series and music festivals for over 30 years.
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TIM WOLFE, JR. keeps a busy schedule as a performer, recording artist, and educator based out of Philadelphia. Equally comfortable on double bass and electric bass, Tim has played in a variety of settings and styles all along the Eastern seaboard and internationally. Tim has performed with Tim Warfield, Odean Pope, John Swana, Bill Goodwin, Jimmy Bruno, Andrew D’Angelo, Denis DiBlasio, George Rabbai, Ron Thomas, Steve Rudolph, The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, The Electric Farm, Berks Opera Company Orchestra, and many others.
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Brian received his Bachelor of Arts in Education and Percussion performance from the College of New Jersey. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued his education at the College of New Jersey receiving a Master of Arts in Education. Brian has over 35 years of professional musical experience as a music educator and performer. Having studied with local professionals such as Tony DeNicola (Harry James Band) and Joseph Nero (University of the Arts) he began performing professionally while in college as a drummer and vibraphonist. Performing in his own jazz combo and playing in area big bands he continued working throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore circuit. After college, he spent a decade teaching in public school education while maintaining a large group of private percussion students and continued to perform with a diverse group of professional players in a variety of music genres including Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin. Brian’s career has brought him to the national music company “Music & Arts Centers” where he works as a School Services District Manager throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Known for his versatility as a performer he has been closely involved with New Jersey music educators as an adjudicator and clinician for their jazz ensembles. Over the years Brian has given numerous workshops on percussion repair and clinics in percussion performance. Highly regarded as a drummer and percussionist when time allows he continues to perform with a diverse group of musicians ranging from vibraphone duos and horn bands, through to combo and big band jazz.
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