Past Newsletters from the Robbinsdale City Concert Band

Click on a issue to review....

1997

1996

1995

1994

Return to the RCB home page

1997

March

From the Podium
by Mike Serber

I keep hearing positive comments from people who heard our 90th Anniversary Celebration Concert. It was truly a memorable evening for all of us. I know it was special for our guest conductors as well. The expressions on their faces told us how meaningful it was for them to lead the band one more time.

Thank you all for your efforts in preparing for this event, not only musically, but also in planning, organizing, setting up, tearing down, serving food, selling tapes, decorating, and publicizing. Your work was noticed and greatly appreciated.

Thank you also for your most generous gift! It was certainly appreciated and definitely unexpected. Julie and I now have tickets to see "How to Talk Minnesotan" and will also be getting tickets for something this summer, either at Orchestra Hall or the Ordway. Thank you so much!

I'm so pleased that the Concert Band is in such strong shape. We have a very strong core group and interest in joining our group keeps expanding. Our newer members have certainly added to the fun.

I'd like to ask for your help with the Marching Band. The past few years, our numbers have been diminishing, even though the quality has not. This year, however, we will be without a few members who have been with us for several years. We need to increase our membership in all sections and find quality people to replace those who are not coming back this year. If you are interested or know of people who might like to join us, please let me know. I'd like to make sure the Marching Band continues to maintain the same "tradition of excellence" as the Concert Band.

Stay tuned!

New to RCB in 1997

Please welcome these members into the group.

Kristin Dahlberg,Minneapolis - Trumpet

Guy Haynes,St. Paul - Alto Saxophone

Harvey Moral,Golden Valley - Trumpet

Randy Salas,Maple Grove - Trombone

Return to the list of Notables

1996

February


From the Podium
by Mike Serber


The music world lost a very large figure this past February 4th. John Paynter, the director of bands at Northwestern University for over 40 years, passed away after suffering a stroke. He was my college band director, mentor, inspiration and friend.


Much of my development as a musician can be attributed to the influence of John Paynter. He taught me that if an activity was worth my time, whether it be practicing a piece of music or marching in the band or even just setting up chairs for rehearsal, it was worthy of my total dedication. His entire life was an example of this. Whatever activity Paynter pursued, he was completely immersed in it.


Paynter was passionate about everything he did. Just by looking at him, you knew he was passionate about food. He was also intensely passionate about the Wildcat football team, cheering for the occasional good play and showing frustration and even anger when they lost. (We saw this side of him a lot!) What a thrill it was for him to finally go back to the Rose Bowl after 47 years. I think he felt his life was finally complete at that point.


Mr. Paynter was a leader in the community band world, having founded the Northshore Concert Band in 1956 and developing it into a showcase performing group. This group of over 100 amateur musicians from the Chicago area was known around the world for its excellence and showmanship.


Paynter would hold this band up to his college ensembles as an example of maturity, both in musicianship and in attitude. He was extremely proud of the Northshore Band's responsiveness and would often comment, "All I need to do to get that band to crescendo is raise my right eyebrow."


He had very high expectations for all the groups he conducted and insisted that they work their hardest, no matter their skill level.

Paynter directly influenced thousands of people, not only through his teaching at Northwestern, but also through his work with countless All-State ensembles, community bands, music festivals and clinics. His influence will be felt for many years due to the impact he had on those of us who were fortunate enough to be his students.



Meet the French Horns
Percussion and Tubas


For the past year we've read about most of the individuals that make up the RCB. Here is the next to last installment. Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue as to who these people are and what they do outside of band. In normal seating order, they are:


French Horn

Jean Kramber joined the RCB in 1979. She lives in Plymouth and works at Viromed Laboratories as a medical technologist. Jean is a 1976 graduate of Robbinsdale High School and earned a BS in Medical Technology from the U of M in 1986. She enjoys cake decorations, sewing, cooking, needlework, practical jokes and collecting music boxes.

Judy Hangartner and husband Jerry live in Golden Valley. They have two children Vaughn and Garth and daughter-in-law Judy. Judy has been with the band since 1978 and works as a sales secretary for Weight Watchers. She graduated from Wyoming, Iowa High School and received a BA in Education from the University of Dubuque. Her interests include singing in the church choir, calligraphy, reading, and collecting angels.

Kay Anderson and Don have four children: Nancy, Brain, Scott and Laura, and a cat - Flicka. Kay has played in the band since 1972. She is president of the Lutheran Bible Institute. She graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1963 and earned a BS in Education from the U of M in 1968. Kay enjoys swimming, reading, gardening, people, farming and serving as a church volunteer.


Percussion

Jim Weinacht and Sue (from the clarinets) and son Michael live in Crystal. Jim is an inventory control supervisor at Key Method. Jim has been in the band since graduating from Robbinsdale High School in 1974. He went on to get a degree in electronics technology from Hennepin County Vo-Tech in 1977. He likes cars, music and house stuff.

Glenn Martin is a retired minister and free-lance musician. Glenn and Margaret raised five girls: Debbie, Christine, Judy, Carol and Jane. He lives in St. Anthony and has been with RCB since 1985. He received his high school education from Sheboygan Central, WI in 1942 and his BS in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. He is a 1949 graduate of the Boston Seminary. Glenn's interests include reading, travel and family.

Glorian Anderson is a nutrition supervisor at North Memorial Medical Center. She has been with the band since 1983. Glorian and Ron have three children: Kirk, Jeff and Mark. She is a 1956 graduate of McClusky High School in N. Dakota. She earned a degree in Home Ec and as a Diet Technician from N. Dakota St. University. She enjoys playing the bass drum and the many pleasures in living.

Annette Moonen recently married Eric (from the Trumpets). They live in Brooklyn Center with Seamus (dog) and Clara (cat.) She joined the concert band in 1994. She graduated from Cherry Creek High School of Colorado in 1985 and earned a Bachelors in Piano Performance at the University of Missouri in 1992. Annette is in customer service at IDS Financial Services. She enjoys playing, teaching, fixing, tuning and rebuilding pianos; as well as reading and "playing as many different instruments as I possibly can."

Bev Regehr and her cat Kalika live in Plymouth. She is a music teacher for grades K-8 at the St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater. Bev has been in the band since 1993. She is a 1978 graduate of Southwest High School and earned her BA in elementary education and music from Bethel in 1983. She likes music, world travel, missions and collecting ethnic musical instruments from around the world.

Mary West is recently married to Mike Stuefen. They live in Brooklyn Center with three cats and a Brittany-Spaniel. Mary is a soil scientist with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. She joined RCB in 1993. She is a 1978 graduate of Wm. G. Mather High School in Michigan. She earned a BS in forestry in 1982 and a masters in business in 1984 from Michigan Tech. She likes music, hunting, fishing, foreign travel, herb gardening and is a Native American artifact collector.


Tubas

Mike Sanko and wife Ellen live in Corcoran with their dog Bandit. They have four children: Kimbra, Krissan, Carrie and Doug. Mike has been with the concert band since its inception in 1969. He also served many years as drum major in the marching band. He is president of Minnesota Foam & Upholstery Co. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1962 and received his degree in business administration and management in 1964. He relaxes by hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and playing in bands.

John Roll and wife Mary Hovden (from the flutes) and recent daughter Kari live in Crystal with their cats Tony, Cleo and Ptolemy. John joined RCB in 1984. He is a systems analyst with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. He is a 1982 graduate of Robbinsdale High School and earned his mechanical engineering degree from the U of M in 1987. He likes model airplanes.

Ron Sollie and Audrey have two children: Connie and Duane and one grandchild: Kristine. Ron lives in Eagan and has been in the band since 1974. He retired from the Federal Reserve Bank and now works with his wife at Sollie Travel. He is a 1955 graduate of Roosevelt High School and a 1958 graduate of the U of M. His hobbies include music and travel.

Keith Erickson lives in Wayzata. He and wife LeAnn have four children: Kari, Karl, Eric and Russ and pets Barkley and Bo. Keith joined the band in 1992. He graduated from Axtell, Nebraska High School in 1963 and earned his electrical engineering degree from the University of Nebraska in 1968. Keith works as an electrical engineer for Associated Consultants Engineers, Inc. His hobbies include ham radio, singing, living on Lake Minnetonka and Cross Lake and redoing his house.

New to RCB in the past Year

Will Brummit - Bari Sax

Dana Brummitt-Burton - Alto Sax

Paula Gunderson - Flute

Michelle Hienz - Clarinet

Matt Linkert - Trombone

Linda Schwartz - Flute

Jim Stoddard - Trumpet

Return to the list of Notables

June

Mike Sanko Says Goodbye


Dear Mike [Serber],

As of April 10th of this year, I had been with the City Band for 35 years. The time just seems to have flown by so quickly that it's hard to realize it's been that long. I've seen five directors come and go, along with hundreds and hundreds of players and marchers. I have had a good time for all these years, more fun than most people ever get. I have really been blessed to have been with such a QUALITY band for all these years. Aside from all the fun and personal satisfaction I have gotten, I have met some truly outstanding and talented people.


However, as with all good things, they have to end at some point. With this letter, I would like to inform you that I am resigning from active status effective following the concert on April 18, 1996. I have agonized over this decision for two years and this finally seems like the appropriate time to make the change. I didn't want to leave you in a lurch, but now with the band playing so well and at the size it is, I feel comfortable with my decision.


Mike, you have truly done a MAGNIFICENT job with the band since you took over! The quality of playing and rehearsing has been a complete turnaround under your leadership. You will be remembered by me as the best technical director for which I have ever played. It has been a great music lesson and a most enjoyable time. You are what this band needs. Your youth and vitality put the interest back in the band.

It is very important to me to make it clear that my reasons for leaving were strictly my own and not a result of any issues with the band. I have wanted to try some other avenues of playing for a long time. There are only so many hours that we amateurs can play in a week. I play with a number of different groups, sometimes traveling 200 miles to play Old Time music. It has also become harder to get away from my business on Thursdays and I frequently get to band tired and worn out from a long day. I have no regrets for the time spent with this band, but if I am to do some of the other things in life, this is the only way. I truly hope you will all understand.

The time spent with you, will always be considered "QUALITY TIME". I wish you all the best in your music and your lives. Thank you for a great gig!! If you're ever in a spot, please give me a call.


Sincerely,

Mike Sanko



Dear Fellow Band Members,

The above was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make. I will miss you all and the many things that we did as a band. When I look back on my life, I realize the importance of all the memories and the people that affected my life. I will always look back with affection and love for all of you! I truly had a great time and have many memories to go with it. Now that I can reflect back on the many years with the band, I realize that I was a part of you people for longer than my kids and immediate family. You might even say we grew older together.


Just a few of the highlights that come to my mind were the: Tear Em Up Twins Band, Roger Thompson's confusion over who was Dale, Richard, and Doug Reimann, leading and winning both Aquatennial Parades for many years, playing for the large crowds at the opening of the Little League season each year (har har), the great stories that were told and heard each Thursday at rehearsal, the exchange concert to Two Harbors Minnesota, the Sheldon Auditorium concert in Red Wing, Sousa's El Capitan Operetta at 18 below zero, and how could I ever forget the GREAT FRENCH HORN FLATTENING starring Jean Kramber. The list could go on and on.


Thank you all for making my life so interesting and exciting! I wouldn't have missed a day of it! The photo of the band was my way of thanking you for all those years together. I will always cherish this souvenir picture and hope you will do the same. Our paths will meet many times along the way, I am sure. My phone numbers remain the same, please keep me in-formed of any-thing important. Keep up the great traditions!

Best wishes,

Mike Sanko



Meet the Rest of the Band

For over a year we've read about most of the individuals that make up the RCB. Here is the last installment. Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue as to who these people are and what they do outside of band. In normal seating order, they are:


Bassoon

Kate Anderson lives in Golden Valley and works as a systems engineer at Medtronic, Inc. She joined the band in 1984. Kate graduated from Lakeland High School in 1971 and earned her BS in Physics, Math and Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1974. She enjoys running and cross-country skiing.

Dick Peterson and his wife, Mary Lee, live in Bloomington. He joined the band in 1990.


Director

Mike Serber and Julie, their children David and Rachel and their cocker-spaniel Buffy live in Plymouth. Mike became director of the band in 1991. He is a computer programmer/analyst with American Express Financial Advisors. He is a 1974 graduate of Robbinsdale High School and earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern University in 1978. His interests include music and reading.


Oboe

Hugh Maynard and wife Faith Woodman have two children: Emily and Katie, two golden retrievers and one cat all living in Golden Valley. With the band since 1993, Hugh works as an attorney with Leonard, Street and Deinard. He graduated from Central High School in Phoenix, AZ in 1967. He earned his BA at Carlton in 1971 and his JD at Harvard in 1975. His interests include music, cross-country ski racing and canoeing in the BWCA.

From the Podium
by Mike Serber


The first person I met when I joined the Robbinsdale City Band in 1970 was Mike Sanko. He was the drum major for the marching band and commanded a great deal of respect and admiration. Mike has been a good friend to me all these years and I'll miss his contributions to our organization. We'll all miss you, Mike. You are welcome to sit in any time you like!

Image Enhancing Job Descriptions

example: Singer - Vocalization Expert

Janitor - Facilities and Sanitation Specialists

How many can you decipher?

1. Non-blinking disseminator of partial information.

2. Botanical expert specializing in removal of underfoot foliage.

3. Language-abusive sand dweller afflicted with spaghetti-armed deviations and detrimentally rapid head movements.

4. Nocturnally active pre-pubescent humanoid specializing in the rearrangement of normal sleep patterns of adults.

5. Musician with overdeveloped lungs assigned to the production of early blats, pfoomps and oom-pah-pahs through the use of an oversize brass instrument.



Answers:

1. Politician

2. Gardaner or lawn mower

3. Golfer

4. Baby

5. Tuba Player


Return to the list of Notables

November


From the Podium
by Mike Serber

It has been a great effort on the band's part working towards our 90th Anniversary Concert. The concert committee has done a great job putting together all of the details necessary for the event while all of the band members have put in the extra effort to ready the music for performance. While much of our recent focus has been on the anniversary concert, we did not want to let the year slip by without one more Noteables and a few other thoughts.


In January we need to think about any changes we might want to consider and decide how to achieve any new goals. In the past few years we've had a band council with several important missions that each council has embraced: new uniforms, service awards, annual award banquets and many more, less visible projects. The band council is only one way in which to adjust our plans. So if there are any social, musical or other topics, the new year brings with it the opportunity to plan for 1997.

Happy holidays and have a great new year!



New to RCB in 1996

Please welcome these members into the group.

Jin Ainley Flute

Kristin Dahlberg Trumpet

Matt Linkert Trombone

Gary Petersen Percussion

Mary Peyton Trumpet

Robin Reed Clarinet

Susannah Sherohman French Horn

Jim Stoddard Trumpet

Chris Tracy Trumpet

Matt Baltus Trumpet
Return to the list of Notables

1995

February


From the Podium
by Mike Serber

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. This is the granddaddy of music conventions and it draws band and orchestra directors from all over the country.

The opportunity arose because the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony was one of the featured performers and they needed people to help fill space on their chartered flight. Even though I had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to catch the flight and got home at 2:00 the next morning, this was indeed a treat for me, since I hadn't attended the Mid-West since my college days.

One of the highlights of the convention is the huge exhibit area, with hundreds of music industry exhibits. All the major publishers, instrument manufacturers, professional organizations, and uniform manufacturers as well as many other miscellaneous companies and groups were represented. I was able to walk around and pick up ideas for new music, equipment, supplies, and to chat with many exhibitors. I had a long conversation with Toni Ryon, the Executive Director of the Association of Concert Bands, our national organization of community bands. We talked about the upcoming ACB convention in Gainesville, Florida and our experiences with Col. Arnald Gabriel.

It was great fun for me to see so many of my old friends, some of whom I hadn't seen for over 15 years. I had dinner with my old college band director at Northwestern, John Paynter, and told him that we read through his arrangement of Four Scottish Dances. Incidentally, he knows John Roll's parents quite well (John's dad worked at Northwestern and plays in the Northshore Concert Band), so he filled me in on what they were doing. I gave him an update on Roger Thompson (Roger was a student of his in the 1950s).

Another highlight was the evening concert by the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony. Their program was incredibly challenging, especially after such a grueling day of travel and rehearsal, but these exceptionally talented high school students performed and conducted themselves with a maturity that is astounding and inspiring.


Although it was a long day, it was a very uplifting day for me that I hope to be able to repeat soon.


Stay tuned!



Meet the Trombone and Baritone sections


Who are these people and what do they do outside of band? Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue. In the order they normally sit, they are:

On Trombone:

Doug Erickson of Minneapolis started with the band in its second year of existence, 1970. Doug is married to Nancy and has a pet dog and companion named Nikki. Doug works as a test engineer making good use of his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He graduated from high school in Dallas, Texas. Doug enjoys music, folk dancing, traveling, photography, fixing things and computers.

Ray Petersen and his wife Lu from Golden Valley have two grown children, Nancy and Dale, and a pet cat. Ray is a retired dentist, graduated from Murray High School and the University of Minnesota with a BS in dentistry. He joined the RCB in 1979 and continues to enjoy music by participating in four different bands and playing baritone uke. He likes woodworking, skiing, workouts and bicycling. He is proud to have biked 4,000 miles in 1994, surviving a "century" (100 miles in one day.)


Dale Abrahamson of Minneapolis started with the RCB in 1991. He is married to Nancie and is a self-employed property manager. Dale graduated from Bloomington High School and the University of Minnesota with a BA in economics. He enjoys music, photography and woodworking.


James Griggs of New Hope joined the band in 1990. He is married to Lila with one child, Mathew. James is a CPA with Holiday Companies. He graduated from high school in Atlanta, Georgia and received his BBA from the University of Georgia. His hobbies include woodworking and in-line skating.


Don Forte and wife Mary have retired to Hillman, MN. They have three grown children, Michael, Rita, and Mary Lee and a dog. Don went to high school in Eveleth, MN, received his electrical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and worked at Honeywell until his retirement. He joined RCB in 1978. His leisure activities include hunting and fishing.


Deb Anderson and husband Mark live in Robbinsdale. Deb, who joined the band in 1992, is a former dog groomer and now a full-time mom with new son Scott and dog Katina. She graduated from high school in Belgrade, MN and the Willmar Area Vo-Tech with training in accounting. Besides her family and dog grooming, she enjoys reading and sewing.

Steve Strickland of Plymouth joined the band in 1994. He is married to Beth.

Jess Hartley has been traveling from Shoreview to play with the band since 1992.

On Baritone:

Doug Reimann of Robbinsdale, is one of the original members of the present adult concert band, starting with the first rehearsal in 1969. Doug and wife, Janet have a daughter, Judy, who also plays with the RCB. He graduated from North High School and received his BA in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota. In his retirement, Doug enjoys their dog, Mitzi, photography, model railroading and computer hacking.

Kurt Patroll started with the band in 1992. He and his two cats live in Robbinsdale. Kurt is a physician at North Memorial Hospital. He graduated from Aquin High School in Freeport, Illinois, received his BS from Creighton and his MD at the University of Illinois. His hobbies include singing and cross country skiing.


Bill Hopkins hails from Minneapolis. He and his wife Joan have two children, Mary and John. He joined the band in 1979 and is retired from the Courage Center. He graduated from Wynnewood High School and received his accent and BA from Louisiana State University. He enjoys gardening, birdwatching, photography and cook-outs.


David Schaupp of Maple Grove started with the RCB concert band in 1989. He has a pet dog named Brandy, works as an account executive for Prudential Insurance, graduated from Cooper High School and the University of Minnesota with a BS in Business Administration. Besides marching band, he enjoys volleyball, softball, music, sports card collecting and wallyball.


Return to the list of Notables

April


From the Podium
by Mike Serber

It's spring, and I'm starting to focus my thoughts on the marching band's upcoming season.

Those of you who are members of the marching band should have already received my annual letter.


If you're not a member of the marching band, I'd like to encourage you to consider joining us this year. This group has a lot a fun and we really want to increase our membership this year. We have needs for people in all sections, including percussion and color guard.

We rehearse every Tuesday, starting April 4 through the end of July, from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. This year, we'll be playing "National Emblem," "Night Train," "Tennessee Waltz," and possibly "Never Been To Spain."

We'll be marching in Columbia Heights, Robbinsdale, both Aquatennial parades, Northeast Minneapolis, and Crystal. I'm also planning on marching in Hinckley and taking an overnight trip to Telemark Lodge in Cable, Wisconsin. This trip has been a traditional highlight for the marching band.

There's a good mix between high school, college-aged and adult members of the band. In fact, the great majority of the band is of post-high school age. We have several members who have been with the band for 10, 15 and even 20 years.

I hope you'll consider joining marching band this year!

Stay tuned!

RCB at the NATIONAL BAND CONVENTION

For the past 17 years, the Association of Concert Bands has been holding a four-day national convention somewhere in the US the week after Easter. This year the convention is in Gainesville, Florida from April 19-23. This will be the third convention that one of our members, Glenn Martin, has attended since he joined the the organization. His first convention was in Naperville, Ill, and last year he attended the meeting in Burlington, VT.

During these music-filled days, nine of the finest community bands from the Southeast will perform full concerts. The featured band this year will be the Gainesville Community Band, conducted by Richard Hord. There will also be workshops and seminars on various topics lead by nationally known musicians, such as James Christiansen of Disney Productions, and Warren Barker, Hollywood composer and arranger.

One of the rich experiences for the nationwide participants is the opportunity to play in an 85-piece convention band which rehearses and performs at the convention. This year, the special band will perform in full concert and for a clinic on the work "Corsican Litany" by Vaclav Nelhybel. Both of these will be conducted by guest conductor Col. Arnald D. Gabriel, now retired, who once was in charge of all Air Force Bands in Europe. Glenn Martin will play in the percussion section with the convention band.

All concerts this year will be performed on the stage of the new Performing Arts Center on the University of Florida campus.

Like all conventions there will be ample time for eating, sight-seeing, an awards banquet, and fellowship.

Glenn's wife, Margret, will accompany him this year, on what will become a five-week, over 3000 mile trip to see friends and family. They will leave on April 12 and return May 15.

Meet the Clarinet Section

Who are these people and what do they do outside of band? Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue. In normal seating order, they are:

B-flat


Al Flom and his wife Marvella live in New Hope with their cat Sinbad. They have three children: Steve, Nancy and Mike. Al has been with the concert band since 1979. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1944 and received his BS in Music Education from the University of Minnesota in 1951. He retired from the IRS several years ago and enjoys music and travel.

Sue Weinacht and fellow band member and husband Jim reside in Crystal with their son Michael. She joined the concert band in 1983. Sue is a 1978 graduate of Robbinsdale High School and attained an Associate of Arts degree from North Hennepin Community College in 1980. She works for Lawson Software as a marketing coordinator. In her spare time Sue enjoys sports, music, car shows and "taking care of the baby .... and Michael, too!"

Mary Ward of Minneapolis joined the band in 1977. She is married to John Quimby and they have two cats: Sweet Pea and Tasha, and a dog named Sabre. Mary works as an information systems consultant with Anderson Consulting. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1977 and earned both a BS in Economics and a Masters in Information Systems from the University of Minnesota in 1981 and 1984, respectively. Her interests include sailing, bicycling, travel and wine tasting.

Audrey Johnson and husband Brad live in Crystal with their Chinese Shar-Pei. They have two grown boys: Greg and Bruce. Audrey retired as a registered nurse and now works at Dayton's. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1957 and received her RN at Swedish Hospital in 1960. Her interests include music - particularly organ and piano.

Liz Schulte joined the band last year. She lives in Brooklyn Park and works for School District 281 as a music teacher. One of her assigned school is the Language Immersion School where she teaches in the band room we use for rehearsal.

Karen Walton lives in Minneapolis with husband Gerry and their children Ada and Jared. She works at the Federal Reserve Bank. Karen graduated from Indiana's Lake Central High School in 1977 and attended Purdue University. She is a big jazz fan.

Jan Symicek and fellow clarinetist and husband Rolly Symicek live in Crystal. They have two children: Greg and Kristin. Jan joined the band in 1985. She is a registered nurse at North Memorial Hospital. Jan graduated from high school in Arcadia, Wisconsin in 1957 and received her RN at St. Francis in 1960. Rolly started with the concert band in 1977. He retired from Soo Line Rail Road as an Accounting Manager. He graduated from high school in Independence, Wi.

Kari Moreau joined the band in 1994. She lives in Golden Valley with husband Troy. Kari is a service technician with Nabanco Merchant Services. She is a 1985 graduate of Armstrong High School and earned a Business Administration/Marketing degree from Mankato State in 1990. Kari enjoys camping, remodeling and cross-stitch.

Gene Thompson and wife Mable reside in Robbinsdale with their cat, Shima and dog, Spunky. They have five grown children: Lindy, Cindy, Gene II, Cheryl and Bonnie. Gene started with the band in 1989. He is a 1942 graduate of Nathan Hale High in Wisconsin.

E-flat


Lee Ann Hanson recently rejoined the band after moving to Maple Grove. She has five children. Lee Ann is a legal secretary for Leonard, Street & Deinard. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School and attended the U of M. She enjoys music and needlework.

Bass Clarinet

Barb Hanson and husband Gordy, dog Yenta and cat Sasha live in Golden Valley. They have two children: Nicole and Scott. Barb started with the RCB in 1973. She is a billing clerk with Langford Electric Corp. She graduated from high school in Trempealeau, Wisconsin in 1965 and received a BS in Music from Winona State in 1969. She enjoys sewing, knitting and walking.


Return to the list of Notables

June


From the Podium
by Mike Serber

Editor's Note: At the May 11, 1995 combined concert at Armstrong High School, Mike Serber made the following remarks.

I'd like to thank Mr. French and Mr. Burkholder for inviting us once again to Armstrong. It's always a pleasure for us to share your stage.

You know, Americans all over the country were deeply touched by the recent events in Oklahoma City. We experienced a wide variety of emotions, from shock, to horror, to fear, to anger, to compassion, to sympathy.

Many of us were inspired by the courage and compassion shown by those people, who despite their own difficulties, went out of their way to assist others. These people unknowingly have given inspiration to countless others throughout America.

It's this idea of inspiring others that has great meaning to us tonight.

Students, through your accomplishments in music, you also have been given the opportunity to inspire other people. Through your music, you have the capability to enrich not only your own lives, but also the lives of those people around you. To help others overcome sadness, tragedy, depression. To uplift their spirits. To instill pride, compassion, and benevolence.

This is a great gift that you have to offer other people. To improve their lives. And the great part about it is that it doesn't have to end at high school. It's a gift you can keep giving your entire lives. Just as these people in back of me are doing. Yes, they play for their own fun, but they also love to see audiences moved by their music. And they're very much looking forward to performing our next selection, the very moving and inspirational America The Beautiful.

Shalom!
by Ron Solie

In late January, together with approximately 140 other travel agents, I had the opportunity to participate in a "Seminar at the Source" 11 day familiarization tour of Israel. Sponsored by Isram World of Travel in New York, the itinerary included extraordinary sight-seeing by bus throughout the country, walking tours and lectures at numerous historical sights, stays in Jerusalem, Tiberias, and Tel Aviv, with dinners and entertainment at outstanding and historic hotels.

Highlights in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas included visits to the Old City and the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Garden of Gethsemane, the Via Dolorosa, Mt. Zion, and a traditional Friday night dinner (shabbat) at the historic King David Hotel. A visit to Masada, Herod's stronghold overlooking the Dead Sea, was quite impressive.

In Tiberias, we stayed on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, took a morning boat ride across the Sea, toured and lunched with members of Kibbutz Kfar Haruv in Golan Heights (upper Galilee), and visited Nazareth, where Jesus spent most of his youth.

During our stay in Tel Aviv we drove to Jaffa, the world's oldest port city, explored Megiddo, where archaeologists have un-earthed 20 levels of civilization, and visited the excavated Tel which inspired Michener's "The Source".

The trip was an exper-ience that will last a lifetime.

(Ron Sollie and his wife Audrey operate Sollie Travel in Eagan.)

Meet the Flute Section

Who are these people and what do they do outside of band? Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue. In normal seating order, they are:

Becky Haapanen

Joined the band in 1984, married Brian and has two children, Joseph and Laura. Becky graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1980 and received her BSB in accounting from the University of Minnesota in 1984. She works at AgriBank as an accountant and enjoys music, reading and sports. She and Brian live in Brooklyn Park.

Beth Anderson

Beth and husband Rick are residents of Robbinsdale. They have one child, Madeline and a dog, Patsy. She has been with the band since 1984. Beth graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1980 and attained her BA in Biology and an MS in Nutrition from St. Thomas in 1984 and 1989, respectively. She enjoys music, reading, tennis and dancing.

Cindy Raver

Cindy and husband Marv raised tow children, Vicki and Scott. They live in Plymouth. She has been with the band since 1978. Cindy works as an audiologist at Minnesota Otolaryngology. She received her BS in 1995 and her MA in 1985 from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include biking, reading, travel and band.

Susette Meldaus

A Robbinsdale-Cooper graduate from 1983, Susette has been with RCB since 1988. She lives in Robbinsdale and works as a sales account representative for Vicom, Inc. She received her BA in International Relations from the University of Minnesota in 1988. Susette enjoys music, cooking, singing, piano, reading and canoeing.

Mary Hovden

Mary and fellow band member and husband John Roll live in Crystal with their daughter, Kari and three cats: Tony, Cleo and Ptolemy. Mary has been in the band since 1985. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1981 and received here BA from Luther College in 1985. She is a CPA with Blanski, Peter, Kronlage & Zoch.

Judy Reimann

Judy, daughter of baritone player Doug, has been with the band since she graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1981. She received her BS in Health Education from the University of Minnesota in 1989 and an AAS from Lakewood Community College in 1992. Judy works as a health educator/chemical dependency counselor. Her favorite activities include music, boating, going to the lake cabin and taking care of her "two teenage parents."

Irene Kaplan

Irene and husband Edward reside in Golden Valley. They have three grown children: Mark, Andrew and Katianne. Irene joined the band in 1978. She graduated from high school in Catskill, N.Y., received her BA at the University of Rochester, N.Y. and her Masters from Washington University in St. Louis. Irene teaches for District 281 Schools. She relaxes with reading, boating and traveling.

Cheryl Wayne

Cheryl, husband Stuart and children Jessica and Nicole live in Maple Grove. She joined the band in 1992. She graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1979 and Anoka Tech in 1980. She is a medical secretary at Minneapolis Orthopaedics & Arthritis Institute. Her favorite past-times include church, piano, "my kids & husband too!"

Penny Buck

Penny has been with the band since 1991. She lives in Plymouth. She graduated from Edgewood Hi in Colesburg, Iowa. She works as a nanny. Her interests include: music, reading, ceramics, cross stitching, walking

Carny Berg

Carny and her husband Dan live in New Hope with their children Kevin and Brian, their dog Barney and their cats Sylvester and Milo. She joined the band in 1993. She graduated from Mahtomedi High School in 1974, Bethel College in 1978 and Northwestern University in 1993 with a degree in Psychology. She is employed by District 281 Schools as a substitute para-professional.

Betsy Hoium

Betsy joined the in 1992. She lives in Plymouth and and works as an attorney.

Jan Fridgen

Jan and her two cats, Sasha and Caramel live in Minneapolis. She joined the band last year. She graduated from high school in Wheaton, MN in 1977. She received her BA in Home Economics in 1981 from Concordia College and her BA in Art Education from the University of Minnesota in 1982. She is the office manager at Garber & Metcalf, P.A. Jan's hobbies are gardening, sewing and reading.

Kerry Hoverson

Kerry and husband Doug just had a baby girl: Claire Lee, born May 22, 7 lbs - 1 oz, 22-1/2 inches. Kerry, from Minneapolis, joined the band last year. She Graduated from Washburn High School in 1982 and the University of Minnesota with a BA in mathematics in 1986. She is an accountant with IDS. She enjoys tennis, biking and handbells.

Michelle Hess

Michelle lives in Plymouth with her dog. She joined the band in 1994 after moving to the USA. She attended high school and college in Zurich Switzerland. She is a travel agent with Preferred Travel. Her interests include: music, reading her dog, rollerskating and downhill skiing.

Return to the list of Notables

October


From the Podium
by Mike Serber
(From remarks made at the Concert Band Banquet,September 14, 1995)

As most of you know, we actually began our concert season early, on August 28th at Sunny Hollow School. To those of you who were able to arrange your schedules to play for this, thank you so much. It was hot, the acoustics were marginal, and it didn't seem like we had too many people listening to us. But, our sound carried throughout the entire school and we added the perfect touch to their orientation/open house.

I also want to thank you for performing the school song so well. I'm not surprised that you could sight-read it, and I'm grateful for your enthusiasm. It was a real thrill to see my "baby" born!

Several of you asked me about how I came to compose this and what process I went through. It was an interesting experience and, with your indulgence, I'd like to share with you some of my thoughts about it.

It actually goes back to last year's banquet, when some of you asked me if I was ever going to write any more music again. My last attempt was quite a few years ago. I like to write, but I just haven't had the time or motivation to do it recently. But, ever since that evening last year, I've been thinking that it'd be fun to do some composing or arranging again sometime, probably after my kids are grown and out of the house.

What really spurred me to write this song was my daughter, Rachel. She had gone to the same elementary school, Pilgrim Lane, since kindergarten and was looking forward to spending her last year there. Then came the school board's decision to change the boundaries and Rachel was assigned to attend Sunny Hollow. She was devastated and depressed. All her friends were staying at Pilgrim Lane and she felt all alone and miserable.

I figured, though, that she wasn't the only student feeling that way, since all the kids going to Sunny Hollow were coming from different schools and leaving their friends and familiar surroundings behind. What they needed was an identity, something they could call their own, something that could rally them together and make them feel like a community.

One night, at about midnight, as I was washing the dishes, the idea just came to me how I could help out. Wouldn't it be neat to compose an original school song, something they could call their own that nobody else would have? Now, I'm not very handy - I can barely hammer in a nail straight. But, I figured I could help the school out by making a musical contribution.

I wanted it to be a song that would stick in people's heads, that they would remember easily. And I wanted it to be something that their 5th grade band could perform sometime.

The question often comes up to a songwriter, "Which came first, the tune or the words?" In this case, the answer is "Both." I wanted to have the words "Sunny Hollow" be an important part of the song and I thought about how people would normally say "Sunny Hollow," where the accents would be. From that, the melody just kind of popped out and I started singing it. Then, I went down to the piano to try to figure out the harmony.

After I had the melody and the harmony, I then tried to fit in the rest of the lyrics. I didn't want this to be a fight song (go team, fight team, hit 'em hard and low). After all, this is an elementary school. Instead, I wanted to words to suggest everyone coming together from different backgrounds and experiences, joining together and helping each other excel in not only athletic accomplishments, but also academic pursuits. Plus, it had to have a good beat that you could dance to!

I think I succeeded in creating a catchy tune. I sometimes catch Rachel dancing around the house singing, "Sunny Hollow, Sunny Hollow..." Also, I was pretty shocked and gratified that some of you requested to play this again at our last rehearsal. I don't know, maybe it's an addiction.

Although I lost a lot of sleep in writing this music, there's much that I gained. One learning in particular I want share with you because it applies directly to what we do with the City Band.

Through this experience, I've gained a real appreciation and respect for the sheer number of decisions a composer has to make. Every aspect of the melody, rhythm, harmony - there's thousands of decisions that must be made, and that's in just creating the tune. Then, there's the decisions to make in arranging the piece. What key should I use, who plays the melody, what about underlying rhythm and countermelody, what do I do with percussion? These are all decisions a composer needs to make, they can't be left to chance.

I think it's important for us, and for me in particular, to take the time to figure out the reasons why the composers wrote what they did. For the director, this leads to an interpretation that's truer to the wishes of the composer.

For the performers, it means realizing that the notes that you're reading all have a purpose. A specific decision was made about each and every marking that's on the page. Because of this, we all have an obligation to the composer to play with the utmost integrity. You can expect me to be a bit pickier this year!

Meet the Trumpet Section

Who are these people and what do they do outside of band? Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue. In normal seating order, they are:

Eric Moonen recently wed Annette Pekarek from the percussion section. They live in Brooklyn Park with their dog Seamus and cat Clara. Eric has been with the band since his high school graduation from Robbinsdale High School in 1976. He is the warehouse manager for Lathrop Paint Supply. Besides Annette, he enjoys baseball, big bands, travel, marching bands and history.

Lynn Bakken resides in Spring Lake Park with wife Jeane-Marie, daughter Elasondra and their labrador - Sadie. Lynn joined the band in 1994. He works for Mark IV in beverage sales. He is a 1973 graduate from Rushford High School and earned a BA in Marketing and Music from Metro State U in 1994. His interests include literature, boating, motor sports and adventure.

Roger Bergman and wife Lynn have three grown children: Barbara, Brian and David. They live in Golden Valley. Roger joined RCB in 1978. He graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1955 and earned an ALA degree from the University of Minnesota in 1968. Once retired, he now works part-time for the MN Orchestra and as operations manager for Kennsco. He enjoys old cars, bicycling, skiing, photography, stamps, music woodworking, yard work, housework, traveling, hiking and camping.

Russ Nordstrom and his wife Ruth raised two children, Janice and Judy, in their current Robbinsdale residence. Russ joined us in 1994.

Bruce Kittilson lives in Golden Valley with wife Elizabeth. He graduated in 1950 from Prescott High School in Wisconsin, received his BA at Macalester in 1955 and went on to earn Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Minnesota in 1961 and 1971 respectively. Bruce is a teacher with District 281. He interests include "too many things."

Shari McNamara joined RCB in 1994. She lives in Minneapolis with husband Ron and son Daniel. She is a 1983 grad from Lake Forest High School and is working on her Nutrition degree from the University of Minnesota. Shari works as a registered dietetic technician. Her interests include swimming, boating, school and skating.

Dean Glattly from Minneapolis and his wife Carla raised five children: Meg, Chris, Camilla, Alison and Beth. He has been with the band since 1983. He graduated from high school in Spencer, Iowa in 1948 and earned his DDS from the University of Iowa in 1954. Dean is a self-employed orthodontist and enjoys racquetball, golf, fishing and music.

Dorothy Hanle has been with the RCB since 1987. She lives in New Hope with husband Joe. Together they raised five children. Dorothy graduated from high school in Frederic Wisconsin in 1943 and attended the University of Wisconsin. She is retired from North Memorial Medical Center. Her interests include bridge and (not long distance) cross country skiing.

Denny Huston raised two children, Tim and Kathy, with his wife Joan. They have two grandchildren. Denny lives in Crystal and has been with the band almost since its inception, starting in 1970. He graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1948 and earned his AA degree from the University of Minnesota - Duluth in 1959. He is a retired research analyst from Honeywell and is currently the Executive senior branch manager at Minnekada Golf Course. He likes skiing, bowling, music and sings in two choirs.

Kim Koehnen joined the band in 1980. She lives in Plymouth with her cat A.G. She is a 6th grade teacher in the Buffalo School District. She is a 1975 graduate of Shakopee High School and earned her BS of elementary education from the University of Minnesota in 1979 and a masters degree in 1988. Kim's interests include travel, U of M alumni band, church activities and playing with her niece and nephew.

Return to the list of Notables

1994

December

First Edition!

This is the first issue of the RCB Noteables - a newsletter for and about the Robbinsdale City Concert Band.

The newsletter name is only temporary until the full band has an opportunity to vote on the final name in January. Finalists for the newsletter name were selected by band members at the November 17, 1994 rehearsal. The following were the vote ranges. RCB Noteables was the highest with 12 votes. The names are listed in order of the most to least votes.

5 or more votes

3-4 votes


Regular features will include an up-to-date schedule of band concerts and events, upcoming member birthdays and other concert band news and information. We will also profile each of the band sections with a short biography of each member. To contribute articles or ideas, contact Sheldon.

From the Podium
by Mike Serber

I'm excited about the birth of our new newsletter! It's a wonderful way for us to communicate with each other, to get to know each other better, and to share our thoughts, ideas and experiences. One of the goals I had for our group this year was to get this project off the ground and I'm very pleased to see it "take flight."

We can make this newsletter whatever we want it to be. I'd like to see it include information about upcoming concerts, birthday lists, profiles of new members, and contributions from several of our members.

We can also include musical stories or jokes we've heard, information on concerts that people have attended or plan to attend, practice or performance tips. We can include special events that are going on in our lives or reflections on a particular performance or on just being a member of the band. The possibilities are limited only by our own creativity! I'd like to encourage all of you to feel comfortable contributing.

Another one of my goals for this year was to significantly expand our music library. I've already shared with you several selections that we've added. I'm pleased to tell you that we've recently purchased several more excellent pieces, including these old, classic chestnuts:

America the Beautiful, arr. by Cameron Dragon

William Tell Overture

Pictures at an Exhibition

American Overture for Band

Polka and Fugue, from Schwanda the Bagpiper

Variations on "America," by Ives

I'm looking forward to trying these new pieces out in the coming months (and years). Many of you have requested pieces you'd like to play. I'm still searching for many of them, and I'll pick them up when I find them.

Stay tuned!


Meet the Saxophone section

Who are these people and what do they do outside of band? Culled from Sheldon's secret computer files, the following may give you a clue. In the order they normally sit, they are:

On Alto Sax:

Sheldon Silberman of Golden Valley started with the band in 1970, is married to Melissa and has a poodle named Kirby. Sheldon works for Northern States Power Co. as a Consulting Engineer, Substation Services. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School and the University of Minnesota. He enjoys handball, computers, music, hiking, building/fixing things and work.

Jay Cline of New Hope started with the band in 1986. Jay is married to Jeanne with two children, Cathryn and Alison. He is a retired dentist and enjoys music, stained glass and sleeping.

Stephanie Hawes of Golden Valley started with the concert band in 1993. Stephanie is engaged to be married in 1995 to Scott Hegstad. She has a cat named Catcher, works as an accountant with Carlson Companies, and graduated from Cooper High School and the University of Minnesota. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys volleyball and music.

David Swanson, from Golden Valley, is married to Catherine and has three kids: Ingrid, David and Thomas. They have numerous pets including a dog, a parakeet, fish and a gerbil. Dave is a physician at North Clinic, P.A. He graduated from Bloomington Lincoln High School, St. John's and the University of Minnesota. What does Dave do to relax? - "What day is it?"

On Tenor Sax:

John Luckow is from Golden Valley and married to Gloria and has three daughters: Leeann, Mary Beth, and Suzann. John is a self-employed optometrist. He graduated from Henry High School and the University of Minnesota. His favorite past-times are fishing and golf.

Mike Bartholomew from Maple Grove is new to the band in 1994. Mike's family includes his wife CJ, daughters Megan and Angela, a dog named Bourbon and a bunny named Ashes. He works as an auditor for IDS, graduated from Rochester John Marshall and the University of Minnesota. Mike likes to collect cards in his spare time.


The Band Council

The Band Council is elected in the spring of each year by the members to represent each section. The council elects a president to lead the council in selecting and working on projects for the whole band. Examples of past efforts are: New uniforms, alternate concert sites, music ideas and numerous smaller suggestions.

The Band Council is a good place to suggest any changes or social activities for the band. As always, our leadership ultimately stems from the band director.

Return to the list of Notables

Return to the RCB home page