Woodwinds

Andrew Carpenter – Saxophones                 

Andrew has presented solo recitals throughout the United States, including a performance on Chicago’s Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series that was broadcast locally on WFMT.  He has performed on saxophone and clarinet in numerous orchestral, chamber music, jazz band, and musical theatre engagements in the Chicago area. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s degree from Northwestern University.                      

                                                                                                                          Lauren Sprigg – Flute                                    

Lauren earned a Bachelors Degree in flute performance from Northwestern University and a Masters Degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  She has been an intern with the Dayton C. Miller Flute Collection at the Library of Congress, a member of the World Winds Woodwind Quintet, and principal flutist of the Bel Cantanti Opera Company.  She is currently on the board of the Chicago Flute Club serving as the Publicity Chair and is a freelance performer in the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas.                                                                                                   

January Muetz - Clarinet                                                 

After attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for instrumental music education, January has taught various bands and choirs ranging from the fifth grade level up to twelfth.She is currently directing the fifth grade band at Woodland Intermediate school.             

                                                                                             

                                                                             

Brasswinds

Gary Slavo                                                              

Garyhas a Bachelors Degree from Michigan State and a Masters Degree from Northwestern.  He has recorded, toured, or performed with such greats as Stan Kenton, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Tony Benett, and many more.  His college teaching experience includes nine years at Illinois Benedictine.  Gary is an active clinician and has several pieces published.                                                

Percussion

Joe Varhula                                                                                                     Joe has attended both the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University.  He has performed professionally with several big bands including Wes Covington and has played for such greats as Bob Hope, Connie Francis, and numerous other personalities.  He had taught at the College of Lake County on staff for over twenty years.                                                                                                                    

Strings

Jaimie Rukstales 

                                                                                                               

Guitar and Bass

Joe Cropin  

Joe has studied guitar under Robert White, Frank Ramoro, and Frank Portolese.  He is a professional working musician in the Chicago-Midwest region.  Beside performing professionally, Joe has recorded at Chicago Recording Studios, Comtrack Studios, and recently performed on the Grammy winning album by Pops Staples at Sonic Arts Studio.  Joe has performed with Mitch Rider, Erik Scott, Dave Bickler, Dennis Johnson, and Paul Wertico.              

Piano                    

Tara Singer                                                             

Tara, a current faculty member at McHenry County College, has been a professional pianist and music educator in the greater Chicago area for over 30 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in piano pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University, as well as a Master of Music degree in jazz studies and a post-graduate Certificate in jazz piano from Northern Illinois University.

 

Angie Ashmore                                                      

Angie has a Bachelors Degree from Carthage College with an emphasis in performance.She has been a church pianist and choir director for various churches for nearly twenty years and has over fifteen years of experience teaching piano.Currently she is the director of music at Assemblies of God.

 

Meileen Van Diggelen                                          

Meileen began teaching piano at the age of 15.  She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Millikin University.  She has taught both general music and chorus at Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.