Jerry Wennes (1970 – 1971)

Jerry is one of the four co-founders of the St. Albert Community Band in 1970. Jerry was educated in Holland and Germany where he learned his clarinet skills. He received a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Alberta and is well remembered as the leader of the Happy Wanderers, a German Oom-Pah-Pah ensemble in the 70’s. Jerry also directed the third PPCLI Military Band and taught with the Edmonton Public Schools until 1974 when he moved to Burnaby to establish a mechanical business. He says he ‘revitalized’ himself three years ago when he resumed his clarinet playing almost full time, and now performs at numerous charitable and professional functions in the Vancouver area. Jerry frequently returned to play with the Community Band having performed at the ‘St. Albert at the Winspear’ last season, and the recent Christmas concert, and is especially delighted to be part of this special evening.

Bob Heuermann (1971 – 1973, 1975 – 1978)

Bob was the second conductor in the St. Albert Community Band’s history. During his first stint, he also was a key figure in the Alberta Government, Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation, and during his second period with the band, was music at Sir George Simpson Junior High in St. Albert. Bob moved to the Department of music at Grande Prairie Regional College before returning to his home in Wyoming to work for Horace Mann Insurance as a regional representative. Now retired, Bob and his wife, Betty, reside in Riverton, Wyoming, close to his two daughters and his grandchildren. Bob is excited to be back in St. Albert to relive many wonderful memories with the Community Band.

Peter Holt (1973 – 1975)

Peter is an Edmontonian having been educated in the Public School System before attending the University of Alberta where he was a member of the U of A Concert and Marching Bands. He has taught for the greater St. Albert Catholic Schools for over twenty years, most recently at Legal School. Peter directed the Junior Band program in the early 70’s, and has played trombone and tuba with the Community Band for several years. He loves to run, ski, and curl, but the recent joy of his life is the raising of 35 miniature horses. Peter and his wife Theresa, reside in Morinville, and he is thrilled to play in tonight’s anniversary concert.

Gene Osoba (1978 – 1979)

Gene was the first music teacher with the St. Albert Protestant Schools (1974), beginning at Lorne Akins Junior High. This former member of the Edmonton Schoolboy’s Band used his leadership and expertise, in helping form a complete band program in the St. Albert Protestant Schools. Gene played in the Community Band for several years and moved to Paul Kane High School as music teacher during that time. Today he remains at Paul Kane and teaches in the areas of Technology and Chemistry. He resides in St. Albert with his wife, Elaine, and is very happy to share in the Community Band’s special evenings.

Tom Smyth (1979 – 1981, 1984 – 1986, big band until 2014)

Tom began with the Community Band teaching an adult beginner band. After his first stint as the Community Band director, Tom began the Jazz Band program, today recognized as one of the best amateur Jazz Bands in Alberta. Tom has brought this organization to several Gold awards at festival, and most recently, appearances at Jazz City and the Yardbird Suite.

Bill Coates (1981 – 1984)

Bill is the Community Band’s Senior Citizen and proof positive that age is not a factor in musical performance. Bill’s life has been filled with music, having performed in the Commanding Forces, the British Forces, and the Canadian Forces. He taught music with Edmonton Public Schools before retiring in the late 70’s. He conducted the Community Band in the early 80’s, and has continued to play baritone with the band ever since. Bill has been a key member of the Community Band, a mentor for all its members and a friend to all.

Walter Boldt (1986 – 1996)

Walter is the longest serving conductor of the Community Band. His 10-year leadership brought the Band to new levels of performance and his frequent trumpet solos have added to the success of the Jazz Band. Walter was educated at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) and is presently teaching at Marguerite d’Youville in St. Albert. He is especially delighted to be a part of this 30th Anniversary Concert.

Bruce Hoadley (1988 – 1990; 1991 – 1992)

Bruce was educated at the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Music Degree and his teaching certificate. There he was a Performance major, specializing in the Trombone and Tuba. Upon entering the Ministry, Bruce became Pastor of the St. Albert Salvation Army Church, during which time he conducted the St. Albert Community Jazz Band. Reverend Bruce now resided in Voorhees, New Jersey, with his wife and family, and holds the position of Director of Music and Worship in the Stratford United Methodist Church. He is delighted to be back in St. Albert to help celebrate the Community Band’s special anniversary.

Robert King (1990 – 1991)

Robert, a Royal Conservatory of Music Graduate, was a member of the St. Albert Community Band for four seasons, two of which he conducted the Jazz Band. Beside an avid trombone player, Robert has spent nine seasons with Pro Coro Canada and is a noted Tenor Vocal Soloist. Currently, Robert and his wife share responsibilities as co-owners of King & Associations International, health care and wellness products Distributions Company. They reside in St. Albert with their family.

Laurelie Nattress (1996 – 2005, 2006-2010)

Laurelie Nattress held the role of conductor of the St. Albert Community Band since January 1996. She is a native Albertan, spending her early years in Milk River. Laurelie has a wide variety of university training and holds Degrees in Genetics/Chemistry, Saxophone Performance, Secondary Music Education and Instrumental Conducting. Teaching experience includes all levels from kindergarten through university. Laurelie maintains an active schedule as guest conductor, clinician, and performer throughout Western Canada. She is on staff at J. Percy Page Composite High School, directing the music program of bands, choir, and various instrumental ensembles. Laurelie has led the Community Band to four successive Alberta Band Association Music Festival Awards, as ‘Top Community Band’ in Alberta.

Shannon Bolechowski & Graeme Peppink (2005 – 2006)

Both Shannon and Graeme have both been member of the SACB for several years. They have both filled the conductor’s position during Laurelie’s year off.

Angela Schroeder (2006 – 2023, 2024+)

Dr. Schroeder, an accomplished trumpet player, is currently Assistant Professor of Music in the Department of Music of the University of Alberta. She is the Director of Bands, the area coordinator for the Winds and Percussion, and conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Concert Band. She also teaches courses in conducting and wind band education, and works with Graduate students in Wind Band conducting.

Kyle Swenson (2023 – 2024)

As a music educator in Sturgeon Public School Division, Kyle has taught a variety of High School and Junior High Concert Bands, Senior and Junior High Choirs, Jazz Bands, Vocal Jazz ensembles, Guitar students, Drumlines, and Ukulele Clubs. Kyle began his music teaching career in Australia where he was able to see different music education practices that placed emphasis on the independent study of musicianship at all grade levels with students having access to a different musical approach. Having worked as a private music educator overseas and then as a classroom music teacher in Canada, Kyle uses a variety of teaching experiences to support all the musicians he directs. Stepping in as interim Director of the St. Albert Community Band for the 2023-2024 music season, Kyle looks forward to continuing the legacy of strong musical programming for St. Albert musicians. “Come out and listen to a great sounding and talented band this year!”