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 - Dave was first with the band during the 1990-91 season at age 15 and returned in the winter of 2024 as the principal tenor saxophonist. He is a former public school system band director and was the director of the Western Piedmont Youth Symphony. David and wife, Tammy (also a former band director) reside in Hickory. Dave's son, Benjamin (age 15) recently joined the orchestra, following in his father's footsteps!
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 - Benjamin joined the orchestra in the winter of 2024 and at age 15 is currently the youngest member of the band. Benjamin's father is the primary tenor saxophonist with the band and also joined when he was 15 (1990).
SAXOPHONE - Jill joined the orchestra in mid 2022 as a tenor saxophonist. She has performed with numerous local bands through the years including the Lenoir Rhyne University Wind Ensemble and the Unifour Jazz Ensemble.
SAXOPHONE - Baritone saxophonist Terry Triplett was with the orchestra from 2005 until 2008 and returned for a second stint in 2016. He was also formerly associated with the Silvio Martinat Orchestra. A church choir director, Terry and wife, Elisa reside in Lenoir. Terry's daughter, Heather was also with the band briefly as a saxophonist in the mid 2000s.
TRUMPET - Russell joined the orchestra in 2014, assuming the role of lead trumpet in 2023. 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. As 2nd trumpet, he covers many of the solos. 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 - Josh is a 2000 graduate of East Burke High School and Liberty University Class of 2018 with a B.S. in Data Networking and a minor in Cyber Security. He's currently employed as an I. T. Support Specialist and resides in Connelly Springs with wife, Chelsey and their five children.
TRUMPET - A graduate of Maiden High School and Lenoir Rhyne University, Justin joined the orchestra in the winter of 2024. He is a resident of Hudson.
TROMBONE / VOCALS - Garrett joined the orchestra in 2019 as a trombonist and has since become the primary male vocalist. 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 graduate of Hildebran High School, Chuck Joined the orchestra in 2023. Chuck is also a longtime member of the Hickory Choral Society. He and wife, Denise (our female vocalist) are both happily retired and reside in Newton.
TROMBONE - A Hickory High School and N.C. State University graduate, Chuck has been a dedicated member of the orchestra for over 20 years. Recently retired from the construction industry, he's also a long-time member of the Extraordinaires of Hickory, NC.
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 - Our talented pianist Kelly Strong has been with us since 2015. Kelly serves as the pianist in her church. 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!
DRUMS - John joined the orchestra in the winter of 2024. A solid drummer, he has played for a variety of other bands through the years including the Frank Love Orchestra. John is employed with Catawba County as a ranger at Baker's Mountain Park in Hickory.
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. She and husband, Chuck (a trombonist with the band) make their home in Newton.
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