Atlanta Wind Symphony

Alan Wiles	Clarinet	An AWS member since he was invited to join in 1989 after he moved to Roswell, Alan has been playing clarinet since he was 10 years old. He has especially enjoyed playing in 20 Patriotic Concerts at Roswell United Methodist Church at the end of every season. He specifically enjoys compositions just for winds, and also plays sax and oboe. Alan enjoys his family, boasting of 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Speaking of AWS, Alan states, "I've been enriched by it all."
Andrew Ellsom	Bb Cornet	Andrew wanted to "find a quality band in Atlanta that had the right mix of fun and musical challenge - AWS was the right fit." He joined in 2008, after playing since 1984. His favorite AWS memory is his first concert with the group in July 2008. Personal music favorites include "London River Overture" (Reginald Heath), "La Forza Del Destino" (Brass Band arrangement), and Puccini. His performance in Sillico, Italy, in 2005 remains a personal favorite. Andrew and his wife Cyndi enjoy traveling and sampling great restaurants.
Ashley Barclay	Euphonium	Ashley started playing euphonium in the sixth grade, and was looking for an ensemble to play in after moving to Atlanta in 2009. "I studied euphonium with Patrick Carney while in high school, so it was a nice coincidence that he was the conductor! The first concert I played in (Mother's Day 2009) was the first time my husband had ever seen me play. My grandparents came down from Asheville, NC. They hadn't seen me play since my last concert in college. They were the folks that bought me my first ... and only ... horn. It was a great experience, all the way around." She enjoys any traditional wind band literature - Wagner, Bruckner, Mahler. Puccini arias are another favorite. "My middle school band played at the Midwest Clinic in 1995 in Chicago. It was a crazy/amazing experience. I think that was a turning point for me. I decided to stay in band after that, and ultimately majored in music in college." Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig.
Bernie Tuvlin	Trombone	Bernie has been playing the trombone for over 60 years. He joined AWS in 2007 because of the professionalism of the organization. His favorite memory is of the 2008 Patriotic Concert at Roswell United Methodist Church, and his favorite performances include "just about everything we've played!" Bernie enjoys swing as well as classical music. His personal interests include photography, stained glass, gardening and traveling. Bernie and his wife Rita have three grown children and six grandchildren.
Candace Taylor	Tenor saxophone	A newcomer to AWS in 2008, Candace has been playing tenor saxophone since 1996. Music has always been a vital part of her life and she joined AWS to continue performing with others who share her passion. She particularly enjoyed performing in the Russian Holiday Concert. She and husband Kendall share their home with Oliver, a spoiled Maltese, enjoying art, photography, scrapbooking, and visiting museums and antique shops. "I have enjoyed just getting to know other members of AWS - I've met so many amazing people in this group."
Carl M. Jones	Tuba	Carl has been playing tuba since 4th grade! He also plays Euphonium, Tenor Tuba, Acoustic Guitar/Electric Guitar and Electric Bass. He joined AWS in 2007 � "I wanted more opportunities to make great music. Music is an activity for your entire life." Carl especially enjoyed performing with the choir from Roswell United Methodist Church during the Patriotic Celebration. He likes all kinds of music, from wind music to jazz and rock. Prior to AWS, he performed with the 76th Army Band in Hungary. Carl enjoys martial arts, and spending time with his family � wife Lynda and their daughter Aleah.
Carlos Cantu	Oboe/English Horn	New to AWS in 2009, Carlos joined to be able to play with an exceptional group of musicians. He especially enjoyed the first patriotic celebration concert at Roswell United Methodist Church. Carlos is also a tennis player.
Casey Matthews	Trumpet	Casey joined AWS in 2009 "to have the opportunity to perform with other great musicians," and she's looking forward to making some great memories! She's been playing trumpet since 1991, and enjoys Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, Pictures at Exhibition, and the music of Percy Grainger. She especially enjoyed playing "Irish Tune from County Derry" at the Mother's Day Concert in May, 2009. In addition to her music, Casey enjoys gourmet cooking, web design and politics.
Christopher E. Norris	Trombone	Chris has been playing trombone since 1961, and joined AWS in 2000 just for the joy of playing. His favorite memory is the trip to Carnegie Hall. He also has special memories of opening for Count Basie with an Air Force Band. In addition to music, he enjoys photography and history. His family members include wife, Linda, daughters Heidi Costanzo, Renee Costanzo, and son Dustin Norris.
Clay McClure	Percussion/Drums	Clay began playing drums in 1989, and joined AWS in 2009 to challenge himself to become a better musician by exploring different styles of music. He enjoys a wide variety of music ranging from Aaron Copland to Led Zeppelin. His personal favorite from his first year with AWS was the performance of "Solas Ane" from 2009's Mother's Day Concert.
Crisanne Triplett	Clarinet Board Member	Crisanne has been playing clarinet since fourth grade! She has been with AWS since 1992, and especially enjoyed going to New York and playing at Carnegie Hall. Some personal favorites are Festive Overture and English Folk Song Suite. She also plays piano, electric bass, alto sax and tenor sax. Crisanne and her husband David have three daughters - Jennifer, Tatum and Sterling, and a son, Matthew. She also enjoys photography, crochet, scrapbooking, bicycling and yoga.
David Laird	French Horn	David started playing French Horn in seventh grade, continued through college, joining AWS in 2004. "I knew AWS to be one of the premiere community bands in the metro Atlanta area. I had been out of the performing arena for about 16 years at that point, and when the opportunity to audition arrived, I jumped at it." David's favorite memory - "Hands down, it's got to be Carnegie Hall." His favorite music includes "American Overture," and anything by Bernstein or Copland. David is currently pursuing dual master's degrees at Georgia State University. His family includes his wife Susan, stepdaughters Nell and Zan, and a very large pound puppy, Hannah.
David Wilkes	Contrabass Clarinet	David has played contrabass clarinet since 1971, and brought his talent to AWS in 2007. He especially enjoyed performing with AWS when Cecil Wilder, his high school band director from Columbus, Georgia, was a guest conductor. David is also sings bass with the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus as well as with the St. Benedict's Episcopal Church Choir in Smyrna. He is teaching beginning band to 5th and 6th graders at Woodward Academy North in Johns Creek.
Dick Grimes	Clarinet	Dick has been playing clarinet since 1966 - and that includes all clarinets, from Eb soprano to alto and bass clarinet ... and even a few saxophones!� He joined AWS in 2007, and plays alongside his wife, Gail.� Favorite past performances include the Holst Planets and Spartacus Ballet - they have "great Eb clarinet parts!"� Dick and Gail have two sons - Jimmy and Steven. He also enjoys genealogy and fixing up their home.
Donna Pendergast	Flute	Donna joined AWS in 2002 - "The year after my husband Gale joined." She started playing flute in sixth grade, and enjoyed the Carnegie Hall experience most. Donna, husband Gale and their daughter Jenna all perform with AWS.
Gail Grimes	Clarinet	Gail joined AWS in 2007 for a "chance to perform with folks who seriously rehearse and want to play the good stuff." She's been playing lots of clarinets since 1965 - and a couple of penny whistles for random Celtic music events as well. "The Holst vs. Saint Saens concert was a blast. Fab concept and a whole concert full of great music. Also, getting to play Alto Clarinet for Grainer and when we need the color." Her personal favorites vary, "but I did build a whole vacation around going to Prague so I could be in the land of Dvorak." Husband Dickson (also with AWS) and sons Jimmy and Steven all play clarinet! "All members of our family are recipients of the John Philip Sousa Award, presented to the top member of a high school band for superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. Total band nerd family!"
Gale Pendergast	Trumpet	Gale has been playing trumpet since 1968, and took advantage of an opening with AWS in 2001. He enjoyed playing Carnegie Hall with AWS, and counts anything with a cool brass part as a personal favorite. He and his wife Donna have a daughter, Jenna - and the entire family are members of AWS.
Gary Cosler	Trumpet Board Member, Business Manager	Gary started playing trumpet in 1966, and joined AWS in 1989. "It was an opportunity to continue making music and keep my skills in shape. I also enjoy the camaraderie." Gary's favorite memory is performing at Carnegie Hall in 2005. "Walking off that stage and hugging Peter Witte after a great performance brought tears to my eyes!" Other performance favorites include "Blue Shades," "Jupiter," "Summon the Heroes." "October," "Four Dances" from West Side Story. Personal favorites include "The Pines of Rome," "Planets," "The Lord of the Rings," and "West Side Story." When he's not playing, Gary enjoys repairing things, electronics, and software development. His hobbies include radio controlled planes and cars. Gary and his wife Linda have two daughters - Jenni and Melissa.
Harvey Warner	Percussion	After putting his instruments away fifteen years ago, Harvey decided to test the waters again, joining AWS this year. He played professionally for 13 years as the Principal Percussionist of the Nashville Symphony . His performance history includes concerto soloist with the Nashville Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, North Carolina Symphony and Western Piedmont Symphony. He was a featured artist for the 1986 International Percussive Arts Convention in St. Louis sponsored by Pearl Drums. Other solo appearances include featured artist at the National Guild of Organists, National Flute Convention, and National Trombone Convention. Teaching appointments include Percussion Instructor at both Austin Peay State and Appalachian State. Harvey has a Bachelor of Music from Kent State where he studied with Mike Rosen (Oberlin), a MM from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and ABD towards a DMA from Cincinnati where he studied with the Percussion Group Cincinnati. He and his wife Kathleen have two daughters, Anna and Lauren.
Jenna Pendergast	Flute	Playing the flute since 1995, Jenna followed both of her parents into the AWS family in 2007. Her personal favorites include Grainger and Copland, and she has especially enjoyed playing the Patriotic Concerts at the end of June each year. Jenna has also performed with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and the ASO.
Jennifer Peterson-Carrico	Clarinet	Jennifer has played clarinet for more than 22 years, and joined AWS in 1999 after her college professor, Peter Witte - then conductor and music director - asked her to join. Her favorite AWS memory is playing the bass clarinet solo in Blue Shades at the GMEA conference in Savannah, GA. She enjoys anything classical, as well as music jazz and rock and roll. Past performance favorites include anything by Grainger and the Artie Shaw Concerto. Jennifer and her husband John have a daughter, Emma. She also enjoys cross stitching, crossword puzzles, playing with her iPod, and being a mom.
Jim Corbitt	Trombone	Jim has been playing trombone since high school, and wanted to continue to play with a good community band. He joined AWS in 2001, and has especially enjoyed the Patriotic Concert at Roswell United Methodist Church. Jim enjoys light classics and show songs, and in his spare time does clock repair and woodworking. He and his wife, Mary have two daughters, Beverly and Paula.
Joel Sokol	Bass Clarinet	Joel has been playing bass clarinet since he was in the 6th grade, and brought his talent to AWS in 1999, when he moved to Atlanta. Joel is a professor at Georgia Tech. He and his wife Natalie have a daughter, Leora.
John T. Parsons	Clarinet AWS Board President	A clarinet player since 4th grade, John joined AWS in 1999 to reconnect with his love of music performance after a 20-year hiatus. "The AWS is one of the finest wind symphonies in the Atlanta area," John says. "The AWS offers an opportunity to play some of the most challenging music written for large wind ensembles." John's favorite AWS memory was the Carnegie Hall performance in May of 2005. "Warming up for the concert, you could see the excitement and sense of awe as we were using the same preparation area countless performers have used prior to walking out on stage." As an airline pilot, John has a special interest in airline safety. He and his wife, Elizabeth enjoy hiking, biking, golf and skiing
John J. Williams	Clarinet	John is a new member of AWS, joining in 2009 to play with quality musicians. He played from 1958-1962, then resumed in 1994. He enjoys "everything Bach" as well as Mozart - Trio KV498. He and his wife, Sharen have two children - Ryan & Courtney, and three grandchildren - Michael, Emma and Maxton. In addition to music, he enjoys golf and photography.
Julia Towner	French Horn	Julia started playing French Horn at the age of twelve, and joined AWS in 2005 after relocating from Ohio. "I needed to find a place to play, went to an AWS concert and was impressed with what I heard, so I auditioned to join." She enjoyed working through the conductor search and experiencing several conductors over the course of a season and a half. "It was an adjustment to play that way, but very interesting, seeing the different conducting styles and personalities." Personal music favorites include Beethoven Symphonies 3 & 7, Shostakovich Symphony #5, all horn works and smaller brass ensemble music as well as classical guitar. Performance favorites prior to AWS include "Overture to Candide," "La Traviata," and "Carmina Burana." AWS favorite performances include Festive Overture, Holst, Grainger and Ives. Julia enjoys hockey, cooking, quilting, needlework and crafts. Her family is of the 4-footed variety - three cats and one dog.
Kate Menasco	Trumpet/Cornet	Kate started playing Trumpet when she was ten years old, and also plays euphonium. She joined AWS in 2008, along with her husband Nick - they were looking for the right community group to perform with. Her favorite AWS memory is going out for dinner on St. Patrick's Day at a Mexican restaurant with some of the other members. "I always enjoy my colleagues in a more casual setting where we can laugh and joke." Her personal music favorite is "October" by Eric Whitacre. Kate's favorite performance to date was the "Influences." She claims three sets of parents and six brothers, and enjoys sports (especially baseball at Turner Field), animals, cooking, scrapbooking and Nintendo Wii.
Laurie Anderson	French Horn	Laurie has played French Horn since 1971, and brought her talent to AWS in 2004, "for the opportunity to play with a top-notch group." She claims the Carnegie Hall 2005 performance as a favorite memory, and the "Holst vs. Saint Saens" program as her favorite performance. She enjoys outdoor activities including walking and birds, as well as personal fitness. Her family includes Steve, Jennifer and her husband Jeremy, and Laura.
Laurie Corbin	Clarinet Board Member	Laurie has been playing clarinet since age 9, and joined AWS in 2004 to play under the baton of then conductor, Peter Witte. Her favorite memory is of Carnegie Hall. She also plays sax, and in addition to her music, enjoys hiking and cycling.
Les Hammond	French Horn	Les has been playing French Horn since 1958, and joined the AWS in 1981. "I was looking for a musical outlet and had played with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, when a new neighbor invited me to come play with the North Fulton Community Band - the former name for AWS. It was good fun, the right mix of music and performance for me and my schedule and I stayed with if for lo these many years now." The trip to Carnegie Hall is his favorite memory. Personal music favorites include "American Overture for Band" - "AWS has done it a couple of times, but it was the showpiece during my senior year in high school in Texas when I was first chair in a 12 horn section in a concert band of 120. We took 1^st Place at State for 4A bands that year." Les and his wife, Ann celebrated their 39^th anniversary on August 1, 2009. Their family includes daughter Laura and son-in-law Matt Trammel, and son Adam.
Lisa Herndon	French Horn	Lisa played in community groups before moving to Atlanta and joining AWS in 1986. She has enjoyed playing in Notre Dame Cathedral and under the Eiffel Tower with teenagers from all 50 states. Her favorite AWS memory is being on the stage at Carnegie Hall. Lisa also plays piano and mellophone, and enjoys singing, photography and boating. She is married to David and has two stepdaughters, Laura and Sarah.
Loren Haefer	Trombone	Loren has been playing trombone since 1980, joining AWS in 2005 to enjoy opportunities for networking while gaining playing experience. He especially enjoyed performing Shostakovich's "Festive Overture" and Grainger's "Immovable Do." Loren also plays bass guitar, and expresses interest in Rock & Roll, Jazz and Salsa, as well as writing, arranging and recording. He has a special affinity for Seinfeld episodes.
Mark Ozanick	Bb Clarinet	Mark has been playing Bb clarinet since 1974, and joined AWS in 2004. He also plays all modern woodwinds, recorder and fife.
Merle Knotts	Trombone Board Member	Merle Knotts is one of the original members of Atlanta Wind Symphony, joining in 1979, after he had already been playing trombone for thirty years. His favorite memory includes the Kendor Music recording sessions, and he enjoyed performing at GMEA. Merle's music favorites include almost anything by Alfred Reed. He is an avid cyclist, raising money for the fight against multiple sclerosis by cycling cross country, covering 3,420 miles (5,505 km) over 78 days from May 19, 2007 to August 4, 2007, traveling to his 50th high school reunion. Merle has also recorded every AWS performance.
Michael Ciarochi	Trumpet Board Member	Mike joined AWS in 1994 - "It had been many years since I performed regularly, and this provided a musical outlet as a returning musician." His favorite memory is Carnegie Hall in 2005. Mike's personal favorites are "whatever we're playing now - I particularly like Grainger, though." He enjoyed performing Tichelli's "Apollo Unleashed" and "O Magnum Mysterium." His family includes Andrea and children Nick, Jennifer, Greg and Alex. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, biking and high performance automobiles.
Michael F. Jahl	Trumpet	Michael joined AWS in 1998 to both play and perform on a regular basis. He especially enjoyed performing at Carnegie Hall. Michael is also interested in Masters Track & Field and gardening. He and his wife Ann have two children, Marianna and Alexander.
Nick Menasco	Alto Saxophone	After playing saxophone since 1993, Nick brought his talent to AWS in 2009. "I joined AWS to have a creative outlet and play challenging music with like-minded musicians. I enjoy progressive, interesting compositions and arrangements that challenge the ear and the mind. I am currently in the process of transcribing and arranging a Radiohead piece for wind symphony." Nick has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and has worked as a house musician on various cruise lines. He is a free lance jazz performer and composer, very passionate about sports - especially baseball. He plays rec league softball and basketball. Nick's wife Kate also plays trumpet with AWS.
Patrick Koby Carney	Music Director & Conductor	Patrick joined AWS in 2008 as Music Director and Conductor - "I was lucky enough to be asked to audition." His favorite memory so far is from the 2009 Mother's Day Concert - "The program was based on my Mother and my brother Sean conducted a work in the concert as well." In addition to music and education, Patrick enjoys sports. He is one of five sons of Stephen & Sally Carney - "Stephen, Jr., Brian, twins John and Sean, and me." He states that his personal music favorites are "everything I choose!"
Staci Hatmaker	Euphonium	Staci started playing euphonium in 1990, and after filling in for an AWS concert on short notice, she became a full time member. "I guess I did well, because they asked me to stay," she says. She loves playing, but has also enjoyed conducting over summer months. Her personal tastes lean towards very tonal or Spanish style music. Her personal favorite performance was playing Carnegie Hall in 2008. In addition to music, Staci enjoys painting abstract art and woodworking.
Sue Stenstrom	Flute	Sue became a member of AWS in 2000, after playing flute since 1965, along with the piccolo and piano. Her personal favorite is the performance at Carnegie Hall. As a traditionalist, she loves the classic orchestral transcriptions. Some of her past performance favorites include Planets, El Salon Mexico (Copland), Wedding Dance, Petite Symphonie (Gounod). Sue and her husband Robert share a love of cats, pugs, traveling and growing orchids.
Susan Cro	Clarinet	Seeking an outlet for her love of music, Susan joined AWS in 1999. Like many others she shares the Carnegie Hall memory as a favorite - even though something came up and she wasn't able to go! Susan has two daughters, and enjoys soap making, crochet, scrapbooking (regular & digital), canning, quilting, gardening, and cross stitching.
Susan Goldsmith	Clarinet	Susan has been a member since January of 1983, when AWS was still the North Fulton Community Band. She has been a flight attendant with Delta Airlines for over 32 years. She and Gary, her husband of 27 years have two children - Rachel (24) and Cory (19). She continue to look forward to making music with "this wonderful group of musicians."
Steve Kirk	Baritone Saxophone	Steve plays baritone saxophone with AWS, but also plays alto sax, tenor sax and flute. Wanting to play with more advanced musicians, Steve became an AWS member in 2004. His Carnegie Hall experience is at the top of his list. In addition to AWS, Steve also plays with two dance bands - Big Bank of Atlanta and The Big Peach Band, as well as Brookwood Split, a Rock/Funk/R&B band. Steve and Pamela Van Fleet enjoy travel and sports.
W. David Stoutamire	Trumpet	David has been playing trumpet since seventh grade - and he's been with AWS so long he can't remember exactly when he joined! "After playing in several community bands, I had the opportunity to listen to one of AWS's concerts. The band was excellent! I applied to join, but it took over a year before a slot opened in the trumpet section. It was worth the wait. I greatly enjoy playing with quality players who take pride in making first class music." His favorite AWS memories are too numerous to mention. Basically, any time we play a difficult piece and 'nail it.'" John Williams is a favorite, and playing "Summon the Heroes" at a past Memorial Day Celebration stand out. In his spare time, he enjoys home improvement projects, photography, and amateur astronomy. David and his wife Kristine have a son, Alex and a daughter, Genera.
Warren Abrahams	Timpani	Warren began playing timpani in 1966, and joined AWS in 2006 after an opening for timpani came along. His favorite AWS memory was the performance with Dr. Linda Li-Bleuel playing the Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2 with Paul Bamonte conducting his own transcription. When he's not playing, Warren enjoys collecting Olympic Pins. His son Marc, age 20, is a sophomore at Indiana University.