Mark Crump

SAXOPHONE / CLARINET - Mark joined the band in late 2021 as the band's lead alto saxophonist, also doubling on clarinet as needed. A resident of Valdese, he is a graduate of South Caldwell High School and  Appalachian State University from which he holds a Bachelors in Music Education, a Masters in Music Education, and a Masters in Music Performance. He has been a music educator in the Caldwell County Public School System since 1998.

SAXOPHONE - A graduate of Lenoir High School, Robert joined the orchestra as the primary tenor saxophonist in 2021. A founding member of Lenoir Sax,  he performs with the Lenoir-Rhyne Concert Band, the Western Piedmont  Symphony, and the Centerpiece Jazz Combo. He is also the recipient of  two Emerging Artists Awards from the Caldwell Arts Council to further  his jazz studies at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Clinic.   

SAXOPHONE - A resident of Hudson, NC, alto saxophonist Caleb Craig has been with the orchestra since 2016. He is a 2008 graduate of South Caldwell High School and 2021 graduate of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (A. F. A.). Caleb also serves as an assistant properties manager with the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra. 

SAXOPHONE - Jill joined the orchestra in mid 2022 as a tenor saxophonist. Check back later for photo and more information.    

SAXOPHONE - Baritone saxophonist Terry Triplett was with the orchestra from 2005 until 2008 and returned for a second stint in 2016. He and wife Elisa reside in Lenoir. Terry also leads the choir at his church.    

TRUMPET -  Russell joined the orchestra in 2014. A 1984 graduate of East Burke High School, he attended Appalachian State University for pre-pharmacy and later graduated from Medical University of South Carolina with a B.S. degree in Pharmacy. He and wife Leigh Ann are both pharmacists and reside in Connelly Springs.   

TRUMPET - Steve hails from Parkersburg, West Virginia and has been with the orchestra since 2014. He graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Chemistry and an M.D. degree. While at WVU, Steve was active in the jazz ensemble, symphonic band, and others. He has been practicing family and long-term medical care in the Hickory area since 1991.       

TRUMPET - Kendra is a native of Morganton and a 2007 graduate of Freedom High School. In 2012 she graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with B.A. s in Studio Art and Music and in 2015 she completed her M. F. A. in 2D Animation from Academy of Art University, San Francisco.     

TROMBONE / VOCALS - Garrett joined the orchestra in 2019 as a trombonist and has since become one of its key vocalists. He is a 2015 graduate of East Burke High School in Icard and the owner of  Recover-It Sewing and Upholstery in Valdese.      

TROMBONE -  A 2020 graduate of East Burke High School in Icard, Brycen joined the band in early 2022. He currently attends Catawba Valley Community College and is pursuing an Associates (and soon Bachelors) degree as a Respiratory Therapist.    

TROMBONE - Reid has been with the orchestra since the mid 2000s and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. He and wife June are both active members of the Harper School Concert Band in Lenoir.  Reid plays a King 3B.  

  PIANO - Kelly has served as the orchestra's pianist since 2014. She and husband, Parke reside in Connelly Springs.       

GUITAR - Fred has been the orchestra's guitarist since 2015. He grew up in Gastonia and attended Mars Hill College where he played in the college stage band (jazz ensemble) while earning a degree in chemistry. He later earned a degree in classical guitar from UNC-Greensboro. In addition to performing, Fred loves teaching guitar while continuing his work in chemistry.     

BASS - A resident of Hickory, Phil has been a bassist with the orchestra since the mid 2000s. He has also been part of the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra since 1964.    

BASS - Larry joined the band as a bass guitarist in the Fall of 2020. He is retired and enjoys amateur radio as a hobby in his free time. He and wife Linda Jo have made their home in Lawndale.  

DRUMS - VACANT

VOCALS - During the big band era, the girl singers were affectionately known as, "canaries." Our "canary" is no stranger to the local big band scene and has performed with numerous other groups through the years. Born to Air Force parents, she has lived and traveled throughout the U.S. She holds a degree in music from Montevallo University, AL, and a Master's degree in Education from ASU, NC. Denise enjoys writing songs and poetry, using photography to illustrate her work, fiber arts, and painting.