Who is Kleine Blasmusik?

Shirley Alexander - Clarinet

A native of Colorado, Shirley started playing clarinet at age 10 and was blessed to have the University of Northern Colorado close by where she studied under Dr. William Gower, one of the best woodwind players and instructors of that time. She eventually graduated from Northern Colorado with an Elementary Teaching and Music degree and taught in the Greeley school system and played in the Denver Symphony.

Shirley married Bob Alexander here in Dallas who always encouraged her musical activities. She played briefly in the Mid-Cities Symphony and the Garland Symphony. She lost Bob to cancer in 1998 after 20 years.

Enjoying music at all levels, Shirley participates in concert band, ensembles, and German music. She plays in the Blasmusik Texas band, the Dallas Czech Orchestra, and Kleine Blasmusik; her only requirement is to have fun.

David Washburn - Clarinet

David transplanted with his family to Texas from Vermont at age two. At around 11 years old he was so keen to play a musical instrument, he rode his bicycle about 10 miles one way to his Aunt's, a clarinetist and piano teacher, to learn to play clarinet in exchange for mowing her lawn each week. Later he went on to learn saxophone and guitar. David, a former air conditioning contractor and now music store owner, played guitar with a small band for about 25 years.

During that time he was also an avid student of music theory and improvisation. When the band broke up, David decided to return to his first love, playing clarinet Pete Fountain style. He relishes music from the big band era, traditional and Dixieland jazz; but, also enjoys the precision of playing the snappy German style music with the 12 piece wind band, Kleinblasmusik. David also performs and sings frequently for seniors groups, such as, retirement communities, as Dave's Dixieland Jazz Band.

In his music store, he has gained a reputation as an excellent musical instrument rapairman. He also, provides a free community service in his store in tutoring school students in theory and improvisation, who have a passion for playing their musical instrument. He and his wife have four grown children between them, and 3 grand children.

Michael Bailey - Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Michael was born in Dallas and grew up in Abilene, Texas. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the University of Arizona, he has performed in opera, oratorio and musical comedy as well as cabaret and industrial shows. In addition to his vocal performances, he has played trumpet with the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, New Life Symphony, Dallas Chamber Orchestra, Town North Concert Band, Classical Brass Etc, and of course Kleine BlasMusik.

During the week, Michael works as an educational representative for Williamson Music providing service to school band directors throughout the metroplex.

Michael is Director of Music at Central Presbyterian Church in Waxahachie.

Living near White Rock Lake in east Dallas, Michael enjoys walking and biking around the lake (when it's not 100 degrees!).

Skip Parker - Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Born and raised in Round Rock, Texas, Skip earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas. From 1973 through 1981 Skip was a band director in three different school systems, Nacogdoches ISD, Miami ISD (in the Texas panhandle) and Sabine ISD (near Longview). In 1981 he switched careers to become an Agent with State Farm Insurance and Financial Services.

He also plays with the Richland College Early Brass, the Dallas Christian Jazz Band, Hallelujah Brass Quintet and Blasmusik Texas (also known as the All-State German Band).

Married to Kathy since 1972, they have three children (Nikki, Josh & Heather). Nikki is married to Jason and they have two boys, Charlie and Jack, Skip's grandsons!

A frequent traveler to Germany and a student of the language, Skip enjoys German music diverse in its rich traditions of various local regions from northern German to Austria.

Art Drescher - Trumpet/Flugelhorn

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Art earned a bachelor's degree in Floriculture from Texas A&M University in College Station and a master's degree in Park and Leisure Service Management from the University of North Texas in Denton.

While at Texas A&M Art played in the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. He is currently active in the Dallas Froshinn Kapella (German Community Band), Dallas Christian Jazz Band and the Hella Shrine Temple Drum and Bugle Corps.

Art currently lives in the Town of Flower Mound with his wife Marty who he married in 1972. They have two children, daughter Loryn and son Jimmy who serves in the U.S. Navy. In the community, he is active in several fraternal organizations and local community boards/commissions. A trumpet player by night, by day Art is a Financial Representative with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

Tom Fletcher - Baritone/Euphonium

Tom was born in Waco, Texas and attended the La Vega schools before moving to Garland and graduated from South Garland High School. He studied music at East Texas State University, now Texas A & M, Commerce.

Tom is President and co-founder, with Skip Parker, of both the Kleine Blasmusik and Dallas Christian Jazz Band. He also plays with Blasmusik Texas (aka. the All-State German Band) Frohsinn Kappela of Dallas, Heritage Brass Band, Hallelujah Brass Quintet and Wilshire Winds.

Amy and Tom got married on the ship in front of Treasure Island in Las Vegas in 2003. He has a son, daughter, step-daughter, and three grandchildren. He has worked for Kraft Foods in Garland for 32 years and is warehouse inventory control.

Dave Hess - Baritone/Trombone

Dave began on the Trombone in middle school and has continued playing for the past 26 years. He considered a performance trombone degree but opted for food on the table instead and became a software engineer.

Dave's adventures in trombone playing have led from 11 years with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra to a 28 day trans-Atlantic/Mediterannean cruise with the Al Marks Orchestra big band. More recently, he has been playing with the Richland College Early Brass and waving his arms in front of (i.e. conducting) the North Dallas Trombone Choir. Kleine Blasmusik marks his debut on the Euphonium, a secret passion of all trombone players!

Searching for the right woman all his life, Dave finally found Kelly and they will be tying the knot early in 2005!

Wesley Bolton - Trombone

Wes has been playing trombone for approximately 25 years. He attended Miami University, Oxford, OH where he played in the jazz band and wind emsemble. For the past 14 years, Wes has lived in Dallas area with his wife and two children.

Wes' musical experience during his college years includes touring all across the United States and South America for 2 summers with non-denominational Christian music group the Continental Singers and Brass. Currently, he plays with Kleine Blasmusik and assists with leading brass and wind instrumentalists at Waterbrook Bible Fellowship.

Besides playing the trombone, Wes also flexes his wings as a private pilot.

Duwain Pingenot - Trombone

Around a half century ago Duwain was playing trombone in the University of Texas Symphonic Band in Austin, Texas.Ê After a successful career in technical sales of computer peripherals for large main frame computers, Duwain now devotes more time to his love for music.

He plays in Blasmusik Texas - "The Texas All-State German Band" where he has served as president since it's founding in 1993. Duwain plays in the Dallas Czech Concert Orchestra, Frohsinn Kapelle German Band, Frontier Brigade Band, Heritage Brass Band and the Plano Community Band.

Duwain has been married to Jean Berendzen for over 42 years and they have two children and three grand-children all who reside in Plano, Texas. Music has been and continues to play an important part in the lives of the members of the Pingenot family.

Arthur Houff - Tuba

A native of Texarkana, Texas, Arthur developed an interest in instruments in grade school and played euphonium, trumpet, and tuba. He attended East Texas State University (currently Texas A&M - Commerce) where he participated in the marching and concert bands. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1985 before moving to Dallas.

Arthur has been a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church since 1987 where he plays tuba in the church Orchestra. He is also a member of the Classical Brass, Etc. brass quintet, and the New Life Symphony Orchestra. Arthur works as a Systems Analyst for Southwest Airlines, Company in Dallas Texas.

Steve Hall - Drums

As if a drummer who reads music wasn't enough, here's one who writes it, too. A native of Dallas, Steve attended Collin County Community College and Texas A&M University - Commerce (formerly East Texas State University).

During his young career, he has played with luminaries such as Harry Connick, Jr., Marvin Stamm, Allen Vizzutti, and Grammy winners Elijah, Larnelle Harris and Wintley Phipps. Steve's musical compositions and arrangements can be heard throughout the metroplex and are available for purchase.

Bruce Lawrie - Accordion

Bruce began playing accordian at the age of 8 in his hometown of Ft. Belvoir, VA. Growing up in an army family, Bruce traveled widely taking accordian instruction in Germany, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. He continued playing up until college.

Now transplanted to Garland, TX, Bruce renewed his interest in accordian when he turned 50 and became involved with the Texas Accordian Associated (TAA). He now plays regularly in a variety of groups and for a variety of causes.

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