News of Alumni

DJ Alstadt, 1999, has been at Naperville Central High School since 1999. Current teaching assignment includes Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band (1 & 3 of 4 concert bands), Jazz Studio Orchestra, music theory, and chamber ensembles. In 2001, I married Kate Fijalkowski, also a 1999 graduate of WIU (who has a minor in music). We currently reside in Romeoville.Visit DJ's website at www.nchsbands.info or email him at dalstadt@naperville203.org

Barry Applewhite, 1988, was recently promoted to Music Curriculum Supervisor with the Milwaukee Public Schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Stephen Babiarz is Director of Bands at Albright Middle School in Villa Park, Illinois.

Kelly Baker, Rehabilitation Therpist-Music, Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk, California

Chris Bianchetta, 1997, completed a Master of Music degree at Northwestern University in 1998. He has accepted a position with the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps in Washington, DC.

Tony Bianchetta, 1997, completed a Master of Music degree at Western Michigan University in 1999 and along with Eric Lopez, has won a position as Principal Trombone with the Midland-Odessa Symphony in Odessa, TX.

Joseph Butcher, 1999, accepted a position as Publications Manager with the Western Illinois Tourism Development Office in Macomb, Illinois

Melanie (Wright) Butcher, is the High School Choral Director at Macomb High School in Macomb, Illinois.

Jia Ming Chin, 1995, is Product Manager of the Classical, Jazz & Soundtrack Division at PolyGram Records in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Doug Claudius is the Band Director at Brown County School District in Mt. Sterling, Illinois.

Jennifer (Schmink) Claytor, is a 4th/5th grade music teacher, Genoa Elementary School, Genoa, Illinois

Patrick Connor, 1996, is the Inside Sales/Customer Service Representative with Gibson Strings & Accessories in Elgin, Illinois

Jacob Cox graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Music Education. I am currently in my second year of teaching. My first was spent in Antioch, IL, my hometown. After an interesting experience there, I resigned and searched for a new music position that would be close to Peoria, where my fiancee, Mary Rudd, resides. So, in July I was hired as a general music teacher in Galesburg, where I now teach second through fifth grade at King and Nielson Schools. I am loving every minute of it, so far - being that it is only my fourth day of school. Feel free to visit Knoxville, IL, my new home; my number is (224) 627-8874. If that doesn't float your boat, then you can drop a line via email - jacoblcox@hotmail.com

Justin Davis,1999, is currently the Associate director of bands atFreedomHigh School in OrlandoFL. He is excited to be back in the band world after two years as orchestra director atWinter ParkHigh SchoolWinter Park, FL. Justin also plays horn at Walt Disney World and around the Central Florida area.  His bands are doing well recently being ratedSuperior at the 2003 National Adjudicators Invitational inAtlantaGA.  He is married to Annie Pittenger Davis who works as a Guest Service Manager with the Walt Disney Company.   Davisj13@ocps.net  

Tim Dedert, is Director of Bands at Monroe City R-1 Schools in Monroe City, Missouri

Penny Engrav - Hoffland, MA 1974, Recording Artist, Piano & Vocal- new Music CD's coming in near future

Music Critic:
See Penny Engrav-Hoffland's Profile and Photo (as Music Reviewer,'Friend's of Distinction"-Gold, in music section of Amazon.com

Performs solo and with son, Lukas Anthony Engrav Hoffland,'72 Luther College ,B.A.Music. Lukas Hoffland works in Eau Claire in Music Media, is Promotions Directior and is on I-94 Online.com - listen to him 'afternoon drive' music program, WebMaster; and Author of book:"Spearhead Echo The Storm of 1980" - has own website:LukasLight.com

Penny has been Animal Rights Activist and Rescue since 1983. Her constant companion is rescued Albino Pekingese dog!

Penny continues to Perform & Teach -Piano (classical,jazz,composes, improvization,creates contemporary and standard arrangements, Sings in many vocal styles . . .
(art,traditionaljazz,popular standards)

Penny has performed through the years in many venues, such as the renowned Mandarin Club and The Cavalier. She has many musical colleagues, a friend of Carol King and others.

She speaks 5 languages, fluent in French, Italian and Farsi/(Persian)(thanks to her work in the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE at W.I.U. during her graduate study. Also Norse - she performed witn her son in NORWAY 2000
with high acclaim. pennymusicmama@yahoo.com

Betsy Ervin is currently a Manager for Disney Magic Music Days, which brings in bands, choirs and orchestras from all over the country for performances and educational clinics.

Richard Ervin is currently the Associate Director of Bands for Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Florida. The Winter Park Wind Ensemble was recently chosen to perform at the 2006 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.

Dennis Eveland, B.A. 1984, is a new composer with both the C.L. Barnhouse & TRN Publishing Companies. His first work entitled "Stillmeadow Overture" was released this past fall by C.L. Barnhouse. Dennis' second composition entitled "Wingfoot March" will be out this spring with the TRN Publication Co. He has 2 brand new selections being released this coming fall by C.L. Barnhouse. They are entitled "Calypso Carnival" and "An American Journey". Both are included in the Command Series for Young Bands. After graduating in 1984 from Western Illinois University, Dennis taught for 3 years in Illinois before earning a Master's Degree from Vandercook College of Music. He moved to Laredo, Texas and was assistant director of Bands at United High School. For four years, he was the Director of Bands at Alexander High School, also in Laredo. Currently, he is Director of Bands at George Washington Middle School and is working on an administration certificate from Texas A&M International University. One of his newest compositions entitled "An American Journey" was recently perfromed by the Summitt Parkway 8th grade Honors Band at the 2002 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, in Chicago. The selection is published by CL Barnhouse.

My 20th band composition "Day in the Country" will be published soon by TRN Music Publications. I still live in Laredo, Texas where I am starting my 22nd year as a Band Director in the United Independent School District. I am married to my wife Felisa, and have two children; Willie (age 13) and Tammy (age 9).

My website address is: www.denniseveland.com and my email address is dfeveland@stx.rr.com

It would be great to hear from fellow alumni that I attended WIU with.

His e-mail address is develand@stx.rr.com.

David Fairchild, Director of Bands, Ed A. Fulton Junior High School, O'Fallon, Illinois

Jerry Fess, 1995 graducate with a B.A. in Music Performance - Cello. Currently back in school working on my pre-pharmacy courses. Eventually want to persue a doctorate in pharmacy. jerry.fess@gmail.com

Laurel Kay Filzen, Horn Graduate Assistant, Western Michigan University

Jeff Fryer, B.A. 1999, is the Label Relations and Content Development Manager for Knitting Factory Entertainment, the nation’s leading authority on live emerging music.

In this role, he builds relationships with independent and major record labels & drives innovative content development initiatives that extend the reach of the company beyond its venues in NY & LA. Additionally, he manages their new relationship with XM Satellite Radio’s XMU channel, building promotional plans for the new weekly program “Live from the Knitting Factory.”

http://www.knittingfactory.com

Julie Golden, Artist Coordinator for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Chicago, Illinois

Kenneth (Ken) Gould. After 35 years of teaching instrumental music in high school and middle school, I retired from teaching in 1998. Four of those years were spent in Illinois, two at Alexis and two at Hamilton, teaching instrumental music from grades 5-12. In 1967, I accepted the position of instrumental director in the middle school at Tipton Community Schools in Tipton, Iowa. I spent the next 31 years teaching there until my retirement. In the fall of 1998, I registered as a student at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids to take courses in the Communications-Mass Media Department. At the same time, I applied for a student internship at the FM Jazz Radio Station, KCCK, on the Kirkwood Campus to train to be a DJ. I eventually was hired as the evening DJ for the 6-midnight shift on Monday through Thursday realizing a life long dream of mine. I spent five years doing this and then resigned the position in March of 2004.Sylvia and I have been married for 42 years and we have three children and five grandchildren. We both enjoy being doting grandparents. Sylvia taught middle school general music and assisted me with instrumental lessons after receiving her degree at the University of Iowa. She is presently employed at the United Methodist Church in Tipton as church organist and secretary and she teaches piano also. I am enjoying retirement very much. It gives me a chance to pursue my ham radio hobby and to read and write about things of interest. .Please let us know how you are doing. Our e-mail address is: kensylv@netinslnet Ken And Sylvia Gould

Frank Grzych (1972, 1979). I received my BME in 1972 and my MA in 1979. After serving years as an educator in Illinois and 23 years in the United States Air Force, most recently as the Associate Conductor of the United States Air Force Band, Washington, DC, I've retired from the Air Force and am currently serving as Professor of Music and Chair, Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas. E-mail FGrzych@stx.rr.com

Christianna (Genrich) Hagen, 1990, is a Sales Representative at Karnes Music Company in Schaumburg, Illinois

Craig Hahn, 1998, completed his internship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Atlanta, Georgia and has accepted a position as Director of Operations with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Dottie Hahn, 1992, is the Executive Assistant in Marketing & Sales at Arista Records in Nashville, Tennessee

Joshua Hahn, Director of Bands, Orion High School, Orion, Illinois

David Hane website www.streamwoodchoirs.tk

Jason Hawkins, 2003, is the Director of Choirs at Plainfield North High School in Plainfield, Illinois

Sara (Norway) Hawkins is the 5th-8th grade band director at All Saints Catholic School in Davenport, IA.

Anne Heaton Bonnet is working towards teacher certification at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Keith Heim,1999, band director at Donelson Middle School in Nashville, TN. E-mail: heimjazz@aol.com

Molly (McGuire) Heim, 1999, is currently Manger of Broadcast Licensing Administration at SESAC, Inc. in Nashville. E-mail: musbiz99@aol.com

Jeremy Hill, 1999, (drumline, steel band, etc.)

Monike Hill (Craff), 2000, is Director of Bands at Walcott Intermediate School (Davenport Community School District) in Walcott, IA.  Previously I was Director of Bands at Heritage High School in Saginaw, MI.  I loved having a very competitive and exceptional marching (winterguard and drumline), concert and jazz programs but I needed to "be there" while our 4 year old grew up.  We, moved back last year to be closer to our families.  We are still busy though... I am also a percussion instructor for Rock Island High School Marching and Winter Percussion programs and play my beautiful steel drums in the area.  Jeremy just started as a supervisor at John Deere and we both play in the Quad City Wind Ensemble.  You can email us at mcraff@hotmail.com or jhill1995@yahoo.com

Angella Howard is a 5-12 Instrumental and Vocal at Bismarck-Henning School District in Bismarck, Illinois.

Donna (Hesterberg) Jones, 1994, is Sales Leader at MUZAK in Peoria, Illinois

Erin Kapple, (2001), is a 6th grade choir director and general music teacher at Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois E-mail Erin at ekapple@learningcommunity202.org

Gaylon Karstens, 1997, is the Educational Sales Representative at Karnes Music Company in Elk Grove, Illinois

David Kelley, 1993, was recently promoted to North American Educational Sales Supervisor at Sabian Ltd. in Marshfield, Massachusetts

Tim Krug, 1993, is the Director of Music at St. John's United Methodist Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Susan Lamberson is a 2nd year masters student at The Eastman School of Music studying Vocal Performance and Literature.

Jonathan Landvick is currently acting professionally in Chicago and the surrounding area. Most recently, he has performed in "Die Fledermaus" & "Fiddler on the Roof" (Nachum, the Beggar) with Light Opera Works and "Cabaret" (Herman & "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" soloist) with Porchlight Music Thatre. E-mail: JLandvick@hotmail.com

Susan (Crane) Lewin, 1996, recently accepted a position as Road Representative with Musicians Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, California

Michael R. Link, 1986, After graduating from WIU in 1986, Mike taught instrumental, choral, and elementary music in Roseville, Illinois. He then went to VanderCook College of Music and received an M.M.E. degree in 1989. Thereafter, he became Director of Percussion/Asst. Band Director at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana from 1989-1992. He then moved to Austin, Texas where he was the Head Band Director at Dobie Middle School for one year, then he moved to Corpus Christi, Texas to Tuloso Midway Independent School District, where he was an assistant band director from 1992-94, then became the Head Middle School Director from 1994-99. From 1996-present he also conducted the high school choir. Both bands and choirs have received numerous Division One - Superior Ratings at Concert Band and Choir Contest along with Best of Class Awards at band and choral festivals. Currently, he is the District Music Coordinator, and still directs the high school choir. He is also the Director of Music at Grace United Methodist Church where he directs the adult choir, youth choir, youth handbell choir, and adult handbell choir. He sings with the Corpus Christi Chorale, and is working on a second master's degree in Administration. E-mail: Mikerlink@aol.com

Jeff Loper, 1996, is currently Marketing Manager at MCA Records in Nashville, Tennessee

Eric Lopez, 1996, completed a Master of Music degree at the Eastman School of Music in 1998. He has recently won a position with the Midland-Odessa Symphony in Odessa, TX.

Marty Mably, 1992, is the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Illinois

Timothy J. Maguire, 2000, has recently completed his internship with Bands of America (BOA), located in Schaumburg, IL. Tim has been hired on as BOA's Marketing & Merchandise Coordinator, and now resides in Hanover Park, IL. He can be contacted at maguire_tj@hotmail.com.

Joe Malmquist, Hoffman Estates, orchestra director, was given the Mary Hoffman Award as Illinois Music Educator of the year and also received the award from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra league for Outstanding Contributions to Education. Joe also has done a Youth Orchestra recording of "classics for all children," a CD to be sent home with all newborns so they will be raised with music in their ears from the VERY beginning.

Patricia (Melcher) Martin, 1991, recently accepted a position as Assistant Director of Development, Information Systems, at Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio

David McCafferty teaches music in his hometown, Rochester, Illinois (outside of Springfield). He teaches Grade 4-6 Vocal Music and is also the district Percussion Coordinator (starting percussion students in 5th Grade - High School). He is also on staff at Rochester United Methodist Church - there he directs and arranges music for "The Bridge" a diverse praise band. He also plays piano in the jazz combo - "Jazz Central". He married to Tish and they have two children: Lucas and Chloe.

Joshua McGuire (2000) is the Director of Choirs at Sachse High School (Garland ISD) in Sachse, TX. He was the Director of Choirs at Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood, IL for three year before moving to Baton Rouge, LA in 2003 to begin his MM in Choral Conducting at Louisiana State University. He completed his Masters Degree in 2005, upon which he moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He can be reached at jjmcguir@garlandisd.net.

Derrick Murphy, B.A. Music Education, 1990
Since leaving WIU in 1990, Derrick has earned an M.A. in Music Education at the University of Iowa. His current position is Director of Bands, Burlington Community High School, Burlington, Iowa, and his e-mail address is dmurphy@burlington.k12.ia.us

Matt Murphy is a performing musician in Vegas and LA. He is also an adjuct teacher/clinician on Drumset for University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His endorsements include: Drum Workshop, SABIAN Cymbals, Regal Tip Sticks, Aquarian Drumheads, Audix Microphones, and Humes and Berg Cases.

Brett Myers, 2004, Head Band Director, Hillsboro R-III Schools, Missouri.

Jerry Myers, M.A., 1999, is the Associate Director of Choral Activities at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, a position he has held since 1999. He is pursuing the DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He and his wife, Laura (B.S. Music Therapy 2000), welcomed their first child Ella Louise Myers, born on 10/31/2005 at 3:02am in Salem, VA. At birth she was 6 lbs. 15.5 oz. and 19". Web page: http://music.wlu.edu/myers.htm

Laura (Werry) Myers, B.S., 2000, received her MT-BC certification in 2002 and is a Music Therapist at Catawba Hospital in Virginia. She and her husband, Jerry (M.A. 1999), welcomed their first child, Ella Louise Myers, was born on 10/31/2005 at 3:02am in Salem, VA. At birth she was 6 lbs. 15.5 oz. and 19".

Keith Ozsvath (1996) currently teaches band at Rotolo Middle School in Batavia, IL. He is pursuing a master's degree in music education from Northern Illinois University. Keith was recently named to "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" in 2004 and 2005. Email keith.ozsvath@bps101.net

Ronald Paniak, 1997, accepted a position as Technical Director with the Office of Student Activities here at Western Illinois University

Nicholas Piscopo, (2002) completed a B.A. in Music Composition. He earned an M.S. in Information Systems Engineering from Western International University in November of 2004. I have been happily married to my wife Shandra since June of 2002 and we have a son named Caleb. I am working for the Apollo Group, Inc. as an Information Security Analyst dealing with computer security and forensics.

Rod Reed, has been the director of bands at John T. Hoggard High School since July 1998. He directs Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Band. He married Diane Sledden in November 1998 and has 2 boys, ages 3 and 7. Rod thoroughly enjoys his teaching career, and living near the beach.

Eric Saidat is the Band Director at Discovery MS in the Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida. Eric is married to Amanda (formerly Cox) who also graduated in 2000. They have lived in Orlando since 2001 after spending a year in Milwaukee, WI. They are getting ready to celebrate their daughter's 2nd birthday this summer.

Nickolet Pohorsky-Sand is an Elementary Music Specialist for Muscatine CSD in Muscatine, Iowa

Terri (Johnson) Sarlas, 1994, is Marketing Specialist at Shure Brothers Inc. in Evanston, Illinois

Rosetta Sellers-Varela, 1999, is the Associate Conductor of the Oak Park and River Forest Childrens Chorus. She also teaches private voice and sings with professional choruses in the Chicago area. Email: rlsellers99@yahoo.com.

Tak Pin Seng, 1997, is a Marketing Executive with Rhythm Consolidated in Penang, Malaysia

Jason Sivill, 1999, accepted the position of Director of Bands at Charleston High School in Charleston, IL.

Jeremy Smith, 1994, is Director, GL, Research & Analysis at BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) in Nashville, Tennessee

Sandra (Fulton) Smith, B.A., 1996, M.A., 2000, teaches elementary band for school district U-46 in Bartlett, Elgin and Carol Stream, plays with the Arlington Heights Band and sings with The Elgin Choral Union.

Curtis Spencer, is a Customer Service Representative with the Nashville Symphony Company in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jim Spenner, 1991, is the Director of Admissions at Christian Life College in Mt. Prospect, IL . Jim is also owner of Spenweb Designs, a web design firm: www.spenweb.com

Joanna Spenny, 1998, Assistant Branch Sales Manager, One Bank, Elk Grove Village.

Becky Stekl (Music Business, 1994) is working on her Master's in Music Education and her Teacher's Certification at Illinois State University. She's a graduate assistant in the Music Education department and works part-time at Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America. She's also playing (trumpet) in the University Symphony Orchestra and the Graduate Brass Quintet. rlstekl@mail.ilstu.edu

Brian Swanson, 1994, is an Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher with the San Diego City Schools in San Diego, California

Heidi Swanson, 1998, completed her internship with the Atlanta Opera in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently is the Ticket Service Associate with the Atlanta Opera

You Seng Tan, 1996, is the Business Development Executive with Rhythm Consolidated in Penang, Malaysia

Gina (Sobczak) Torbett, 2001, currently teaches music at Wolf's Crossing Elementary School in Oswego, IL. Email gtorbett1213@oswego308.org

John Versluis, is a Middle School Band Director at Geneseo School District 228, in Geneseo, Illinois. His e-mail address is johnversluis@hotmail.com

Kimmie (Balich) Wallace, is working in general music at Fieldcrest Elementary School. She married Clay Wallace in 2002. She currently is also working with DJ Alstadt at Naperville Central High School.

Matt Walter, 1996, is currently working as a Band director for Music Education Services which is based in Elmhurst, IL. He teaches Junior High Band at 9 schools on the South side and South Suburbs of Chicago. This will be his 3rd year.

Amy Walters, 1996, completed a Master of Music degree at DePaul University in 1999. Currently beginning her 7th season as Principal Flute of The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Minneapolis.  Amy also works as a business solutions consultant in Minneapolis, MN.

Christy (Hall) Warren, 1997. After 5 years in Management at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), she has moved into Higher Education Administration at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She is wrapping up her Masters of Education also at Belmont - hopefully her thesis will be finished by May or August 2006.

Heath Warren, 1996, is the Concessions Manager at TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) in Nashville, Tennessee, and also serves the Nashville Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Librarian

Adam Weems, 1993, working for the Avedis Zildjian Company as the Manager of Education overseeting all educationl trade shows, marching percussion, drum set education, product and business development as it relates to the educational industry.

Patricia Welzen, 1999, completed her internship at Lyric Street Records (Disney's country music label) in Nashville, Tennessee, and recently accepted a position as Account Coordinator with Country Weekly in Nashville

Jennifer Jackson White is a 1984 graduate of WIU in Music Ed. (vocal/general) and is currently in her 15^th year as Choir Director for Grayslake Community High School District #127, where their music department is currently ranked 3^rd in the state by the IHSA for all Class AA schools.

Brandon Williams, 2003, is the vocal music director at Ladue Middle School where he also teaches Music Through Technology and General Music. Brandon is also an Assistant Director with the St. Louis Children's Choirs.

Jill (Cougill) Windy, 1996, Grad U of I 2000 with DVM degree. I am married to Matt Windy, teacher and coach at Elkhart Central, we have 2 sons, Ty and Jacob. I am a partner at Noah's Landing Pet Care Clinic, LLC in Elkhart IN. I also sing and play in our church band at First Presbyterian. You may reach me at noahdoc@yahoo.com

Nicole Wojczynski is currently working towards getting a nursing degree. She teaches private horn lessons, as well as plays in the community theaters.
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Kerry (Lemaster) Yadgar, B.A. 1998, M.A. 2000, is Administrative Assistant to the President and the Board of Trustees at Western Illinois University.

Eric Zadnik, 1991, is Marketing Manager of the Band & Orchestra Department at Holze Music in Waco, Texas

Jonathan Zeng, is in the first year of his MM in Vocal Performance at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.