Naples Concert Band » Guest Performers

Bill Barnett – Conductor

Bill Barnett

2011 marks Bill Barnett’s 38th year as a resident and property owner in the City of Naples. He has served on the boards of many local charities since 1973. To name just a few, he is a past president of the American Cancer Society, Mental Health Association of Collier County, and holds the esteemed honor of being a Board Member Emeritus of the Collier County YMCA. He is a charity auctioneer and has raised millions of dollars over the years for charities within our community. He is a past recipient of the Naples Daily News Citizen of the Year Award, and chosen as one of the Men and Women of the Year by Gulfshore Life magazine in 2005.

Bill started his business career in 1973 by opening a Scotti Muffler franchise, and in 1975 bought the Toyota Agency in Naples. In 1978 he added BMW to the dealership, and sold to Germain in 1983.

He started his political career in 1984 by being elected to Naples City Council where he served until 1992 when he was termed out. He returned to politics in 1996 as Mayor, and served until 2000 being termed out once again. He sat our four years and was elected Mayor again in 2004. His term ended in February, 2008, but because of an overwhelming voter referendum in 2006 allowing a Mayor to be able to serve the same term(s) as the Council Members, he ran for one more term as Mayor, and was elected by 85.5% of the vote and this term will expire in 2012.

Mayor Bill is married to Chris, has 5 children, Jeff, Lisa, Kim, Sheryl and the late Stephanie, eight grandchildren, six who live in Naples, and two who live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Michael Baron – Pianist

Michael Barron

An award-winning concert pianist, Michael Baron performs over 40 concerts each year, including annual tours of Europe and engagements throughout the United States, Asia, and South America. Equally at home as a recitalist, a soloist with orchestra, and a chamber musician, Baron commands a diverse repertoire, ranging from Baroque compositions to world premieres of contemporary pieces. Baron received his doctorate in Piano Performance from The Ohio State University where he studied with the legendary American pianist Earl Wild. He also worked extensively in Italy with the renowned pianist Orazio Frugoni.

Dr. Baron serves as Professor of Music and Head of Keyboard Studies at the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers, Florida. He is also Honorary Professor of Music at Yantai University and Hubei University in the People’s Republic of China. A distinguished educator, Baron has presented masterclasses and workshops at schools, festivals, and universities throughout the world. He regularly serves as a jurist on regional, national, and international piano competitions.

An acclaimed master teacher, Dr. Baron’s students regularly win competitions throughout the United States and abroad. He is a popular teacher and presenter for teacher groups. Baron is the director of summer music festivals in Italy. Recent performances have taken him to Peru, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, South Korea, and Serbia, as well as U.S. performances.

Glenn Basham

Glenn Basham has been a member of the artist faculty at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami since 1992 and the concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic since 1994. He also serves as the first violinist in the Bergonzi String Quartet, which is the quartet-in-residence at the Frost School of Music.

Glenn Basham is a native of Washington D.C., has a B.M. degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and an M.M. degree from Indiana University. Previously, he played with the Detroit Symphony under Antal Dorati and was a member of the Chester String Quartet.

He has served as Concertmaster at music festivals nationwide, including the Grand Teton Music Festival in Wyoming, the Colorado Music Festival, the Hot Springs Music Festival, and the Pine Mountain Music Festival. He has appeared as soloist with the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic, the Lansing Symphony, the Plymouth Symphony, the Oak Park Symphony, the North Carolina School of the Arts Festival Orchestra, the Blue Lake Festival Orchestra, the Manchester Symphony, the Marion Philharmonic, the Palm Beach Symphony, the Miami City Ballet, the Pine Mountain Music Festival Symphony orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

As a jazz musician, Glenn has performed with Ira Sullivan, Simon Salz, and John Blake, and is featured on the Miami Saxophone Quartet’s recording, “Four More Giant Steps” and on Skitch Henderson’s “Swinging with Strings” on the Arbors jazz label. He has produced two jazz CDs, “Blue Moon” and “Blue Bossa,” from a live concert given back in 2005 with Guitarist Simon Salz. His most recent recording was for the Naxos Label, featuring music of Michael Daugherty, and receiving critical praise from Fanfare Magazine.

The Bay Singers – Vocalists

The Bay Singers

The Bay Singers, comprised of residents of Bonita Bay, began singing in 1998. Founders Dave McJoynt and Pati Patrick had a vision that continues to grow each year. Last year’s in-season membership topped 50 for the first time in the group’s history. Their performances include classical, sacred, show tunes and popular songs, sung in beautiful four-part harmony. The Bay Singers are pleased to join forces with the Naples Concert Band, and together they send best wishes for Happy Holidays to all!
The Bay Singers are conducted by Bruce Galbraith of Bonita Springs. Bruce was founding Conductor of the United States Collegiate Choir, a touring group of singers that made 12 European tours, and is a retired Headmaster of Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, IN. He has played with the NCB on several occasions, filling in on trombone, baritone, tuba and string bass. He is a former Director of the Interlochen Arts Academy, where his ‘boss’ was Roger Jacobi, a 20+-year member of the Naples Concert Band.

Jenny Bintliff – Vocalist

Jenny Bintliff

Jenny Bintliff began performing at age 12 when her family started a gospel singing group called “The Reynolds Family Singers.” The family mainly performed out west-close to where they lived, but they also went on short singing trips on the weekends, and a tour to various parts of the country once or twice a year.

Jenny went to college majoring in flute/vocal at Oklahoma Baptist University but missed performing with the group so much that she returned home after one year.

She married her husband, Gary (who also spent many years in the group), in 1980 and moved to Naples in 1988. She is very involved with the music at her church (Center Point Community Church), and helps lead worship.

She is a vocalist for the Dixieland Jazz Band who also performs here at Cambier on Sundays. She joined the Naples Concert Band in 2004 and states she is honored to sing with the band.

Amy Bright – Vocalist

Amy Bright

Musically, Amy refers to herself as a “Canary” in the Big Band Era sense: the age when a girl singer stood at the front of the bandstand and simply told a story through music. There are few things in life she enjoys more than engaging an audience in song – especially with a full band or orchestra!

Prior to making her residence in Florida, Amy performed in Nashville, TN as one of the original vocalists in Radio Daze, a 23-piece Big Band specializing in the classic 1940s Swing Era sound, as well as the front “girl singer” in a 17-piece jazz orchestra, and a 7-piece top-forty dance band that booked private party dates throughout the Southeast, including Florida.

Since moving to Florida, Amy has appeared as a guest vocalist with the Sarasota Jazz Band, the Sarasota Concert Band, and the Naples Concert Band. For two years, Amy was also front female singer for the Naples-based rock band, “Streettalk.”

Beginning this season, Amy is thrilled to have accepted the role as new Female Vocalist in Naples’ own Music Makers Big Band, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization striving to promote, preserve, and perform American big band music and financially support jazz education in Collier County high schools.

Amy performs for private events, country clubs, and restaurants throughout Collier and Lee counties as a soloist with backing tracks, and in the duo “Canary&Keys” with the very talented Stan Mlezcko. She is also becoming a favorite with Activity Directors as a regular daytime performer for Senior Living Centers of every variety all over SW Florida. Whenever possible, Amy also loves to work with the Danny Morgan Band on Sanibel and Captiva islands.

Although trained as a classical vocalist from the age of 15, Amy has discovered joy in singing all types of music over the years including pop/top-40/dance, jazz standards, Broadway, and rock.

Her background includes a wide array of studio session work, dramatic performances, spokes modeling, industrial film acting, and live appearances ranging from singing and dancing on the cruise ship circuit to National Anthem performances at sporting events, including the Florida Everblades! Amy has performed with groups of all sizes for club dates and private functions in various venues around the United States and Canada.

At Living Waters Community Church in Bonita, Amy is active as an in-home group study leader and vocalist/percussionist on the dynamic Praise & Worship team. She and her two children enjoy being silly at home, hanging out with friends, cooking, going to church, playing in the pool or gulf, reading, movies, and fun day trips whenever possible. Please visit Amy at http://www.canaryforhire.com/.

Flute Cocktail

Flute Cocktail began as a conversation between retired Cincinnati Symphony flutist Chellie Doepke and freelance flutist Wendy Willis. In 2006, Flute Cocktail was formed and is comprised of 6 professional and amateur flutists. Flute Cocktail venues have included The Dave Elliott Radio Show, Venetian Village, Naples Botanical Gardens, Bleu Provence Restaurant and Wine Bar, The Naples Music Club, the Naples Orchestra and Chorus, Live! At the Promenade (Art League of Bonita Springs), and various churches throughout SW Florida. Flute Cocktail would like to thank the Naples Concert Band for inviting us to perform with them this afternoon.

Performers

Wendy Willis, director
Marjorie Huelsman
Martie Miller
Maureen Steger
Sandy Stein
Nancy Frost Tate

Duncan and Janine Connell

Duncan and Janine Connell have been performing together for more than twenty-five years after having met at the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. There, they both graduated with degrees in voice and operatic performance.

They subsequently moved to New York City where they continued post-graduate work with faculty members of The Juilliard School. Additionally, they also studied with renowned voice teacher, Maestro Franco Iglesias. Among the highlights of their performing experiences was Duncan’s televised appearance as a guest soloist with Placido Domingo and The Mexico City Philharmonic to benefit victims of Hurricane Gilbert.

In addition to performing extensively on the operatic stage they have also appeared in hundreds of concerts performing hits from the operatic world, Broadway, and song. This is Janine’s fourth appearance with the Naples Concert Band, and Duncan’s third. They have been residents of Naples since 1995, are the proud parents of their nine year old daughter, and in 2008 purchased a large preschool in Naples, Windmill Creek Academy, where, naturally, the arts are a joyful focus.

Lisa Federico

Lisa Federico from Cleveland, OH. is a music education and performance graduate from Ohio’s Heidelberg College. She also studied further at Ohio State University, Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Fine Arts School in Willoughby, Ohio. Her instruments of study include voice, piano, and trombone.

Lisa is a music teacher for Collier County Public Schools since 1994. She also is an Instructor and Music Director with Kidz Act at The Sugden Community Theater.

She was a member of the Naples Philharmonic Chorale and is currently a member of Naples Music Teachers Association, Florida Music Educators Association, the Naples Players, and has been a National Anthem soloist for the Miracles Baseball Games in Ft. Myers.

Lisa has appeared in various roles with The Naples Players. She has two sons; Joseph age 17, a senior at Gulf Coast High School, and Frankie age 11, a 5th grade student at Laurel Oak Elementary.

Peggy Fredrickson

I have always had a deep love for music. I started singing as soon as I was able to operate the “record player”. In Jr. High School I began playing guitar. I also started singing in the school and church choir at that time and have enjoyed singing since.

I now sing and play the 12-string guitar with the worship team in our church, and with the worship team at Community Bible Study. I also enjoy playing together with Jenny Bintliff, a friend flutist every opportunity we are given.

I have lived in Naples since 1981 and have two grown children three awesome grandchildren.

Geoffrey Gallante – Trumpeter

Geoffrey Gallante

Eleven year old Geoffrey had just turned four when he picked up a trumpet for the first time. He was at his grandma’s for Thanksgiving dinner, when he found his older brother’s trumpet lying on a chair and asked ‘What’s this?” His mom told him what it was and showed him how to blow it; she had played trumpet herself back in middle school. Geoffrey blew into it the way mom showed him and out came a big note and it immediately captured Geoff’s imagination. He was so tiny at the time–and the trumpet so big in comparison–that he had to sit on the sofa and prop the bell end of the trumpet on his little feet stretched out in front of him!

Within a month, he was playing along to the melody of his favorite Children’s gospel songs CD’s. Soon after that he began lessons–after half-a-dozen trumpet teachers each told dad “four-year-olds can’t play trumpet,” “it’s a waste of time and money,” or some other discouraging remark. What did they know? After just six months of lessons — still just four and not even in kindergarten yet– he showed up at the Fairfax County Summer Band Camp. While the camp was geared for middle and high school students, Geoff auditioned and placed in the top 15 out of 15 trumpet players. He earned a spot in the most advanced ensemble, the symphonic band. When performance day came at the end of camp four weeks later, the Washington Post was there to capture the moment and a front page story appeared in the following morning’s edition.

Since then Geoff has performed with: the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble on the steps of the U.S. Capitol; the Washington Symphonic Brass; jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson; the U.S. Naval Academy Concert Band; the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Allentown (PA) Band, America’s Oldest Civilian Band. He has played at the White House and the Kennedy Center. Geoff has also played with other trumpet luminaries Phil Driscoll, Arturo Sandoval, Hugh Masekela and Wynton Marsalis.

He has performed the “National Anthem” for about 400,000 sports fans in 14 professional sports venues across the country: 6 NBA arenas, 7 MLB stadiums and 1 NHL arena. About 30,000 fans at the championship game of the Little League World were treated to Geoff’s anthem performance last August as well.

Geoff practices his trumpet every day for about an hour, and he is also a talented pianist. He started playing piano at about six years old, two years after beginning his trumpet career. He dutifully practices piano every day, usually combining his trumpet and piano practice, switching back and forth from one to the other.

Craig Greusel – Vocalist

Craig Greusel

Craig Greusel is a 27.-year music specialist for Collier County Public Schools as well as the Director of Music at Marco Lutheran Church. He has been singing as a soloist with the Naples Concert Band since 1989. Craig is active as a member of the Arts Advisory Committee as well as the Director of Red Walk, an annual drug prevention awareness event.

The Hance Family

Adren Hance, III, Trace, is a senior at Gulf Coast High school and 4-year member of the Naples Concert Band. He plans to pursue a career in Music Education and performance. He has received numerous Superior ratings at District and State Solo & Ensemble festivals on solos and Jazz Band. He is a 4 year member of the All- County High School Band and is the lead trombone with the Naples Youth Jazz Orchestra. He is an Eagle Scout, Brass Captain, Cross Country runner, 2-time Sport Car Club of America (SCCA )race champion in Sebring, FL as well as a 2 year Autocross class champion. He also plays in a local big band with his father as well as the First Baptist Church orchestra. Trace is the son of Amy and Adren Hance Jr.

Adren Hance Jr. is the band director at East Naples Middle school and has taught music for 18 years in Collier County. As a professional musician, Adren has performed with the Cincinnati Pops, Naples Philharmonic, Owensboro Symphony, Naples Jazz Orchestra and many other professional musical organizations. He has performed with artist such as Pavarotti, Bob Hope, George Burns, Jonny Mathis, Brian Wilson, and Bernadette Peters.

Amy Hance is an Instructional Technology Specialist with Collier County Public Schools and teaches teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum. She is currently the site administrator for ANGEL, the district’s Learning Management System. She has played trombone since elementary school, and met her husband in the University of Florida Marching band. Amy is a six year member of the Naples Concert band and enjoys performing with her all-trombone family.

Todd Henderson

Todd has been interested in music from an early age. In high school, he began playing the guitar and quickly formed a band. He served as the lead singer, chief songwriter and rhythm guitar player. He also was a member of his high school’s chamber choir. Todd attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville where he continued to be actively involved in leading and performing music in a variety of ways on campus and in the community. In 2005 Todd became the Worship Leader for Center Point Community Church in Naples. He is in charge of leading music during Sunday morning worship services and also in the high school youth programs. In Todd’s free time he enjoys going to concerts, watching movies and sports, playing and writing music, reading and spending time with his lovely wife, Hope and their two large dogs.

Zofia Maria Majewski – Vocalist

Zofia Maria

Eleven year old, Zofia Maria Majewski has been interested in singing from a very early age and has a lovely sweet voice. Zofia has sung in the Children’s choir at St. Linus in Natick, MA, St. Peters Catholic Church choir, St. Williams Catholic Church choir and the Philharmonic children’s chorus all in Naples.

She performed with the Naples Players in their 2010 production of Annie and 2011 production of Wonderland, Opera Naples performances of H.M.S Pinafore, Amahl and The Night Visitors (as the understudy), Carmen, Mikado and Gretel in in the Opera’s production of Hansel & Gretel. Zofia received a scholarship form Opera Naples in the fall of 2011.

Zofia currently performs mini versions of Hansel & Gretel at local schools- including UCC children’s daycare. She has also sung at the Naples’ Festival of Lights in Naples’ Cambier Park and the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Naples

James Moore – Xylophonist

James Moore

Dr. James Moore began his musical studies in the Jackson Public School Music Program. At the University of Michigan he obtained his Bachelor (1956) and Master (1957) Degrees in Music Education; and in 1970 he earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Theory from The Ohio State University. Dr. Moore was an instructor of percussion at the Armed Forces School of Music in Washington, D.C. from 1957- 1960; and later became a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra while teaching percussion at Butler University from 1960 – 1964. He was appointed the head of percussion studies program at The Ohio State University in 1964 holding that position until 1992; and from 1981 – 2004 he was the percussion instructor for the OSU Marching Band. In 1976, Dr. Moore founded Per-Mus Publications, LLC., which specializes in publishing music for percussion. During his years at OSU, he served as Principal Percussionist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and was a founding member of The Brass Band of Columbus, which won first place in the championship division of the North American Brass Association competition nine times. In addition, he taught at the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan, the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden, North Dakota! Manitoba, and the OSU Marimba-Vibe Camp that he founded and directed for 13 years.

Gale Waterland Scott – Conductor Laureate

Gale Waterland Scott

Gale Waterland Scott is no stranger to the Naples Concert Band. She served as Conductor/Music Director for 20 years of the 40-year history of the band, serving in that capacity from 1982 through its 30th anniversary in 2002.

Gale graduated from Western Washington State University with a Masters of Music in Performance & Conducting and began a career as a band director in the Seattle area for several years. Her career path later led to work in the legal and financial industries, but she continued her music as a life-long avocation.

Under her leadership, the NCB experienced considerable growth in the size and quality of the band, increased audiences to nearly 3,000 in peak season, and national recognition. The ultimate accomplishment during this time was working in partnership with the City in the design and construction of the band shell in Cambier Park and the later renovations to which the band contributed over $500,000. Each brick in the front of the stage (part of the fundraising efforts) was laid by members of the band.

Gale is now proud to hold the title of Conductor Laureate and enjoys occasional opportunities to return to the podium with this fine organization.

Jessica Stone

Jessica Stone of Naples has been performing since the age of four in recitals, theatre, school and church. While in middle school, Jessica had the role of Elphaba in the Sugden Theatre Kidz Act performance of Wicked. At the age of 14, she sang and danced in Disney Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

In 2009, Jessica appeared in Children for the Arts Foundation local presentations of The Wizard of Oz, a Musical Comedy and Peter Pan. Jessica has “wowed” locals and visitors during vocal performances on 5th Avenue at the annual Naples Mardi Gras, Chalk Art Festival, Evenings on 5th, and the Pink is Power breast cancer charity event.

At the Collier County Fair, she sang main stage both solo and duet selections from Phantom of the Opera, Westside Story and Grease. Jessica played the role of Miss Hannigan in her high school’s presentation of Annie, and sang and danced in Children for Arts Foundation’s The Hollywood Kids. In addition, Jessica sang our national anthem at the Winged Foot Scholarship Foundation 22nd annual awards banquet and performed at the Cancer Alliance of Naples 3rd annual benefit. At Italian Fest in Fort Myers, Jessica sang an Italian aria representing Opera Naples.

In the summer of 2011, she attended a musical theatre workshop at UCLA where she had the opportunity to train with award winning actress Karen Morrow. Jessica studied classical voice at Naples Royal Conservatory of Music and is now training with Opera Naples. Her wide ranging repertoire of classical, Broadway, jazz, R & B and pop songs showcases her vocal versatility.

Franklin Summers

Dr. Franklin Summers recently retired as director of the Voice and Opera Program at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where he had joined the faculty in 1976. During his tenure he also served for nine years as Chairman of the Department of Vocal Performance. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, he received a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary, Master of Music Degree in vocal performance from Indiana University and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Michigan. He taught applied voice, opera history and literature and was responsible for the production and stage direction of opera at the University of Miami. He also taught voice and directed opera programs at Eastern Michigan University, Southeastern Louisiana University and the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan.

Before Dr. Summers began his academic career, he was active as a professional singer in the United States with such companies as The Metropolitan Opera Studio, Turnau Opera, Sarasota Opera, Florida Grand Opera and the Opera Orchestra of New York. In Europe he was principal bass at the Stadttheater in Bern, Switzerland, performed with Austrian National Television in Vienna and recorded for Telefunken-Decca. His extensive operatic background includes hundreds of performances of more than 35 bass roles.

In 1997, Dr. Summer’s book, Operas in One Act: A Production Guide, was published. It is currently available and is widely used by college and university opera programs as well as by professional companies.

Peter Thomas – Narrator

Peter Thomas

Peter Thomas is a World War II veteran. He served with the First Infantry Division in five major campaigns including the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Last year Peter was awarded the Legion of Honor from the French Government for his service in World War II. He is a well-known freelance narrator of television programs including “Forensic Files,” many PBS documentaries and commercials.

The Troubadours

The Troubadours are a traveling offshoot of The Bach Ensemble of Naples. The Troubadours perform classical, opera, pop music, show tunes, jazz and holiday music for private parties, country club gatherings, fundraising and other events. Their repertoire can be modified for your specific needs and includes modern music ranging from Gershwin to Cole Porter and Broadway show tunes to Irving Berlin—the classic popular music you’ve always loved.

For information regarding the Troubadours current programs and availability, please call 239-948-5290.

Malinda Zenor

Malinda Zenor has enjoyed a career as a performer, composer and teacher. A native of Indiana, she began study of piano at age 5, and later became proficient on clarinet, trombone, baritone and French horn. Her early musical education was greatly influenced by her father, J. Howard (Windy) Lynn, a professional Vaudeville trombonist.

Malinda received both Bachelor of Music (Education) and Master of Music (Composition) degrees from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. While at DePauw she studied with renowned composer Dr. Donald H. White. After retiring from a teaching career of some 15 years, Malinda has focused on composing for brass quintet and concert band. She and her husband now live in Punta Gorda, FL where she is a resident composer for the North Port (FL) Concert Band, and the Charlotte Co. (FL) Concert Band. She plays trombone in both bands, sings soprano in the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church Choir, and plays piano frequently with various musical ensembles in the area.

The Zumbrun Trombones

Four Generations of trombone players. Bill Zumbrun, 90, started playing trombone in high school. After retiring from the U.S. Navy and Internal Revenue Service in 1977, he moved to Naples and joined the Naples Concert Band. This is his 35th year in the band.

His daughters, Connie (Zumbrun) Cappelli, a trombonist with the Heritage Pops Orchestra in MA and Guidance Secretary for Amherst Regional Public Schools, Wendy Zumbrun, the band director at Pine Ridge Middle School and a 5 year member of NCB, and Amy (Zumbrun) Hance, all followed in their father’s musical footsteps. The next generation continued the trombone tradition with Connie’s sons, Peter and Andrew and Amy and Adren’s children, Brittany and Trace, all playing trombone. Andrew’s son Owen, 3, makes the 4th generation of Zumbrun trombones.

Guest Performers