Meet The Band

Scott D. Cater,

Director / Trumpet / Soloist/ Vocalist / Arranger

Residence: Lutherville, MD

Instruments: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Vocalist,

Piano (I try), Guitar (not so good) and Electric Bass.

Occupation: Performer / Arranger, Giant Food Produce Clerk

Education: Studied Music Education & Composition at Towson University & Catonsville Community College, studied trumpet with Ray Moore, Robert Barrett, and Harry Ruder.

Music influences: Chicago, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinsen, Mike Wann (band teacher), Alan Chambers (band teacher), Grandfather Elmer Hoffman (professional Jazz Guitarist), Grandfather Lyle Cater (Army Brass/ Trumpet Player).

I like many genres of music. 60's, 70's, and 80's Rock, Latin, Swing, Fusion, some Country, and Classical Romantic period. Anything with a beautiful melody, interesting changes and fascinating rhythm.

Anecdotes:

Paid parents 20 dollars to leave the house, so I could hold the first RJE rehearsal. The first rehearsal they left the house , the second they took the money and went to bed.

Met Doc Severisen, Bobby Shew, and Pat Harbison. Great guys, all of them.

Scott Bowers and I have been friends and playing in a band for over 40 years. Wow...and we still haven't killed each other..,LOL.

Other Interests: Composer / Producer / Recording

Motto: "Music is my passion and my religion"

Meet Our Family

Vocalist

Alice Schlothauer,

Lead Vocalist/ Emcee

Residence: Finksburg, Maryland.

Instruments: Voice, Aux. Percussion

Occupation: CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield

Education: Studied voice at Peabody Conservatory of Music

Currently studying at the Fletcher Music School in White Marsh. This school provides the greatest environment anyone could ask for to learn Jazz and improvisation. It is a great place to hook up with people who are trying to learn to perform this music.

I love the romance of the music and lyrics from the 20's through the 40's. Singing makes me feel free to share and to long. The folks who are members of the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble have all helped me to grow so much. I love them all like family. I wish more young people would take an interest in this incredible form. It has so many beautiful things to offer. Come on out and see us sometime.

In Memoriam

Bob Reynolds 1946-1998

Residence: Owings Mills, MD

Instruments: Trumpet and vibroclapper

Hobby: Director of Internal Auditing at Towson University

Occupation: 4th trumpet and vibroclapper

Bio: It is a little known fact that I was born into a very famous jazz family. As a tyke, I was headlining at Birdland while my school mates were playing little league. But I broke my family's heart when they found out about my secret. One day Mom was looking for valve oil in my closet when she found... yes, my charcoal grey pinstripe suit, my red tie and my wing tips! I was a CLOSET ACCOUNTANT.

I tried to share my family's enthusiasm for gigs in the Village and the Newport Festival. But while the family was jamming on endless choruses of Cherokee, I was preparing closing entries and debiting and crediting. My Dad finally told me "Yo! Zoot". (That was my given name at birth. I had it changed to Bob because it was more exciting) "Zoot", Dad said, "Go be a CPA and make us proud". So after 4 years at Westminster College in Pa. I fulfilled my dream of becoming an accountant and finally a CPA.

Now, 30 years after that fateful day when Mom discovered the ledger paper in my music, I'm back to pay my debts. The years went by quickly, what with all the excitement and danger (Do you know how many accountants die of paper cuts each year?) I may look like I'm having fun on stage, but believe me, I'd be much happier footing a column of numbers or closing your books!Click here to add text.

In Memoriam

Charles Steinhauser 1956-2013

Residence: Owings Mills, MD

Instrument: Electric & Upright Bass

Occupation: Owner of Accurate Builders

Music influences: Study with Ashton Fletcher

Anecdotes: I have played in a variety of working bands from Classic Rock to R&B since 1964. Since 2003 I have expanded my musical education and now play in a Jazz Quartet called Downstairs Jazz. I’m still playing R&B in Joyride and big band jazz with RJE. I love it all!

These special friends of the RJE have passed on and we honor them as forever members of the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble. May they forever play the big gig in the sky.

It is an absolute pleasure to work with these talented people. They come from all walks of life, but we all come together as one big family to play great music. Here you can get a sense of their talents and who they are.

In Memoriam

Matt Elky 1943-2020

Residence: Reisterstown, MD

Instruments: Woodwinds

Occupation: Retired Instrumental Music Teacher

Music influences: My Father & my H.S. and College band directors

Anecdotes: I play lead sax with another jazz band, Bari sax with two others, oboe with a small wind ensemble, lead the Baltimore County Senior Jazz band, Conduct the Chesapeake Concert Band, am the Cantor for my church, and love to play in the pits for local community theatres. Other than that I’m not very busy!

Other: Matt is also the assistant director of the RJE

Dan Longo, Lead Alto / Soloist

Residence: Kensington, MD

Instruments: Tenor sax, Alto sax, clarinet

Occupation: Physician

Music Influences: Phil Woods, Ernie Watts, Don Byas, Ben Webster, and my Teacher, Ron Diehl.

Tony Read, 2nd Tenor / Soloist

Residence: Baltimore MD.

Instruments: Baritone, Tenor, & Alto Saxophone

Occupation: Retired stockbroker

Musical influences: Hank Levy, Stan Getz, Basie, Dexter Gordon, Ted Heath.

Anecdote: Played with Towson State Jazz band and orchestra.

Sub in various local bands.

Enjoy a variety of music.

Learned to play sax as a teenager in England.

In Memoriam

Robert DeLisle 1951-2021

Residence: Parkville, MD

Instruments: Bass

Occupation: President of Island Financial Services, Inc.

Insurance and Investments Employee Benefits and Certified Financial Planner.

Musical Influences - Puccini, Sebellius, Rachmaninov, Ravel, Moussoursky, Joel, John, McCartney, Sinatra, Bernstein, Paul Simon, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Sondheim,

Lucy Simon, Ives, Benny Goodman, Irving Berlin, Manilow, Manhattan Transfer, and many others.

Michael Schlothauer, 1st Tenor / Soloist

Residence: Finksburg, MD

Instruments: Tenor, Soprano, Bari & Alto Saxophone, Drums

Occupation: Self Employed Contractor; Owner of Katia Construction, Inc. specializing custom remodeling and repair.

Music influences: Hank Levy, Maynard Ferguson, and Grover Washington Jr., Ashton Fletcher, Duke Ellington, John Kessell

Background Information: Played with George Ross at UMCP (director); Kim Waters at HCL jazz vocal group., The Don Junker Band, Checkered Past (classic Rock), Combinations (jazz) and subbed or played as a member of many other bands.

With over 40 years of experience, I am also currently playing with the Hank Levy Legacy Band, PowerHouse Big Band The Unforgettable Big Band and Big Band Theory (Washington Iowa), The Bottom Feeders (classic Rock), jazz combos, and sub regularly with other regional big bands, and about anywhere else I'm invited in the door with my horn!

I spend each February playing in Isla Mujeres, Mexico with many Cuban Salsa bands, reggae, Latin and various rock soul, jazz, and blues groups.

I studied advanced jazz improvisation with Ashton Fletcher at Fletcher Music School and saxophone technique with Greg Thompkins.

I am the C0-Musical Director of the Unforgettable Big Band and run their sound.

I am the Musical Director of Big Band Theory and in association with that Musical Director of Jazz Lives! It is an annual series of Stan Kenton Style big band clinics for Middle and High School students in the Washington Iowa area sponsored by the John Kessell Legacy Fund.

As a staff member at Fletcher Music School, I taught saxophone and beginning jazz improvisation.

Other: I am also a board member of the RJE, the Technical Director for the band and the emergency drummer.

Tim Mlynek, 2nd Trombone/ Soloist

Residence: Catonsville, MD

Instruments: Trombone

Occupation: Manufacturing Manager

Music Influences: My high school jazz instructor, Michael Breaux, encouraged creativity and demanded precision and teamwork – teaching both the fearless joy and the challenge that comes with playing music and living life. Edward Kleinhammer – relax and breath, it’s that easy. Also, listening to Urbie Green makes me want to practice more…

Jeff Hosier, Lead Trombone/ Soloist

Residence: Parkville, MD

Instruments: Trombone, euphonium

Occupation: Music Teacher

Education: Towson University, Peabody Conservatory

Musical Influences: My high school and university band and orchestral directors, who shared the masters with me. Matt Elky, mentor and all-around great advice-giver.

I'm very thankful to have been introduced to a wide variety of music by my parents and teachers. I love the music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Outside of jazz, I enjoy Classical choral and orchestral music, bluegrass, and Americana.

I direct the bands and orchestras at my high school. It's a joy to push my students outside of their comfort zones and teach them to appreciate music they never thought they would like. I conduct the pit band for our musicals and have many fond memories of bringing live music to the stage.

Other Interests: I love to cook, play computer games, and work on house projects. There's no feeling quite like completing a project, or so I'm told!

Jeff is also a board member and Assistant Director of the RJE

Karen Soper, 5th Trombone

Residence: Owings Mills, MD

Instruments: Bass Trombone

Occupation: Crafter; Ksew crochet

Music Influences: Elementary and high school music teachers, Sousa, Chicago, Shirley Jaeger (elementary music teacher), and Dad’s love of Glen Miller. More recently, the encouragement of Matt Elky, Mike Allman, Lenny Schwarz and many others in BCSSB and RJE.

Anecdotes: Fell in love with trombones at a Fourth of July parade when I was 5. Couldn’t wait to start lessons in fourth grade, but Mom said, “Nice girls don’t play brass” and made me study flute. Bought a beat-up trombone for $20 at a barn sale when I was 16 and switched to trombone for my last year and a half of high school. Played 14 years in FDR Alumni Marching band. Played lullabies for my kids at bedtime. Led church services for many years. Almost died of pneumonia at 32. Doctors said playing trombone had developed over-sized lungs and likely saved my life. I’ll never stop playing.

Other interests: crocheting sweaters, sewing useful tote bags

Life motto: All or nothing at all.

Fred Golding, Bass Trombone, soloist

Residence: Dundalk, MD

Instruments: Bass Trombone

Occupation: Realtor at REMAX

Influences: My high school band director Gretchen McNamara, who introduced me to the Bass Trombone and taught me the dynamic range of a Bass Trombone, ON or OFF. Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Billy Holliday, Bessie Smith, Miles Davis, Tony Bennett and Gordon Goodwin. Ashton Fletcher who came to my high school and said “Hey kid, you should come play with my band on Thursday nights.” I found my love for 20’s-40’s Jazz at that age. John Kessell whose love and excitement for music creates a contagious energy in every group I’ve had the privilege to play in.

Anecdotes: I’ve enjoyed playing in various bands for years, each band with their own distinct sound. Playing with RJE has been a great experience with some incredible musicians. It is important for us to keep this music alive for future generations.

Stan Meros, 2nd Trumpet/ Flugelhorn/ Soloist

Residence: Towson, MD

Instruments: Trumpet / Flugelhorn

Occupation: Retired VP of a Real Estate Development Company

Influences: Chet Baker, Al Hirt, Maynard Ferguson

I started playing trumpet when I was 10 years old. In junior high school and high school my brothers and sister and I had a family band. We played polkas and popular music for weddings, dances and other social events. We even appeared twice on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour in New York City. My oldest brother played clarinet; I played trumpet. Another brother played accordion. Another played drums and my youngest brother played guitar while my sister sang. My brother Michael, who played accordion, had a career in music. He switched to keyboards, got a degree in music and played with the Beach Boys for more than 20 years.

When my oldest brother went to college the band broke up. During the years I was in college I played in several different dance bands and rock bands. I also played with the Towson Jazz Ensemble for four years. After college while pursuing my career in commercial real estate I continued to play with local dance and rock bands. I was a member of the local rock band Saturday for more than 30 years. I also played in the Luther Ingram back up band as well as playing in the band at the Club Venus with groups such as The Four Seasons, Little Richard and the Four Tops.

I have played all types of music for trumpet; Jazz, Big Band, Classical, Dixieland, Rock, Polkas etc.

In addition to playing with the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble I am also a member of the Baltimore Symphonic Band, The Chesapeake Concert Band, Blues In the Night Jazz Band, Powerhouse Jazz Band, Baltimore Stompers Dixieland Band

and an unnamed Polka Band.

Scott "Powerhouse" Bowers, Lead Trumpet

Residence: Reisterstown, MD. Scott has lived in Reisterstown all his life,

Instruments: Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Occupation: Master Electrician and President of Main Street Electric Company, a local electrical contracting company based in Reisterstown.

Education: attended all three of the Franklin schools in Reisterstown and is very proud to say so.

Scott plays lead trumpet and is fondly known as the "mouth" of the RJE. After much searching, he has finally found a nickname that fits his personality, playing style and even his profession... Please meet Scott "POWERHOUSE" Bowers! To find him during an RJE performance, look for the red haired (and most of the time red faced) trumpet player. (Ed. note: The red face is from exertion, not embarrassment!)

Scott is also first Vice President of the RJE. His company, Main Street Electric Company, is a corporate sponsor of the RJE and backs all of the RJE endeavors.

Music influences:

Matt Elky, the choir director at my church for many years: As a young child, when I was attending church with my family, he played the trumpet at many services. At this very early age, the trumpet fascinated me because of this exposure and that led to my wanting to play the trumpet in later years.

Ken Moreland, my elementary school teacher. Mr. Moreland was a great base for my studies as a trumpet player and he taught me well the basics of my great instrument and all its wonderful sounds.

Allen Chambers, my Junior High and Senior High music teacher: As most people in this community know, Mr. Chambers was a total inspiration for me to continue to play in my later teen years. He was a WONDERFUL teacher and without his dedication to us I might not have continued. Mr. Chambers had the most influence of anyone I have ever been associated with in the music field.

Scott Cater, the RJE musical director: Scott motivated me to pick up my instrument again after high school, when I never thought I would have a place to play again. Without Scott's push and guidance, I would have never realized I had the talent to play in an "adult" group and to enjoy it as much as I have for all these years. Also, without his dedication the RJE would be no more than a bunch of people casually playing music. I can say honestly I learn every time I play with the RJE and continually improve.

John Wagner, my co lead trumpet in the RJE: John has made me a better player and works with me to iron out harder musical "licks" as we refer to them. Without his guidance I would not be as good of a "hearing" player. His formal musical background in college music is a blessing to all us trumpets in the RJE.

Maynard Ferguson, a world renowned trumpet player: Although I have never played with this man nor really known him personally, his playing has affected my playing greatly. His speciality is high range trumpet. That particular thing he does is my specialty. I heard his range and wanted to do that more than any other thing on a trumpet. After many years of practice I have become rather good at the high range and I associate this with listening to his music.

Alan Marc Schuman, 3rd Trumpet

Residence: Reisterstown, MD

Instruments: Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Occupation: Vice President Administration - Carroll Community College

Music influences: Herb Albert, Chuck Mangione, and Al Hirt

Anecdotes: I love playing music. I’ve played in rock bands, polka bands, a 50’s revival band, orchestral and big bands. I am very grateful to continue to have opportunity to play as an adult as part of the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble.

Ray Hadley, 4th Trumpet / Flugelhorn

Residence: Reisterstown, MD

Instruments: Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Occupation: Sr. Network Support Engineer for Visa International

Musical Influences: I've had several musical influences. My Dad actually was a trumpet player and had his own band back in the 30's, and 40's and 50's. I also grew up listening to a variety of music, and was especially inspired by Doc Severinsen, Chuck Mangione, and Maynard Ferguson.

Anecdotes: I always enjoyed playing in school and in community bands. I am happy to have the opportunity to play with a great group of folks in RJE.

Jim Stewart, Guitar / Soloist

Residence: Timonium, MD

Instruments: Guitar

Occupation: Electronic Technican Baltimore County Public Schools

Music Influences: Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Lee Ritemaur, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Chapton, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Bill Evans, Chic Corea, Stanley Clarke, Pat Martino & Al DiMeola.

Anncdotes: I also have my own jazz trio that plays around the Baltimore Area, called the "Jim Stewart Jazz Trio". I found a "Long Lost" sister playing music on the road. It was quite experience for me, a very spiritual experience to say the least. Playing music has always had a special meaning to me, after that experience, life can be quite a journey, imagine the odds of that occuring.

Michael Allman, Pianist / Keyboard / Soloist

Residence: Timonium, MD

Instruments: Keyboards, Trombone

Occupation: Retired music teacher

Musical Influences - Father, Don Arnold, and Tom Hall

Anncedotes: Mike Allman grew up in a musical home. His father, Neale Allman, was a band director in Baltimore County and church choir director. Dad let Mike use his piano lesson skills to escape sermons to play for Sunday School worship and for family weddings. Supportive family members often asked about the injuries to Mike's hands. Mike attended Deep Creek Jr Sr High School where his dad taught. Mike's trombone adventures began when his dad handed him a beat up horn and a book and said, "Learn to play this. There are enough clarinets." Optional (for other students) after school music groups included Dixieland Jazz Ensemble, Tijuana Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Big Band Jazz Ensemble. Mike's high school band director, Don Arnold, further enabled Mike's trombone habit, sending him to a summer arts camp to play in the jazz band. They hired him later to work as a music counselor and teaching assistant for 11 summers. Mike taught elementary vocal music in Baltimore County Schools for thirty five years, conducting the annual All County Recorder Ensemble 17 times. This explains many of his hearing issues and fear of high pitches. During the last 29 years of teaching Mike sang with Baltimore Choral Arts under Tom Hall with such artists as PDQ Bach, the King's Singers, the Kennedy Center Orchestra, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Mike also worked during those years for the Children's Chorus of Maryland, and as a church choir director and music worship leader. Since retiring in 2014 Mike retrieved his trombones from mothballs, and found his way into the Loch Raven Brass Quintet, the Chesapeake Concert Band, the Ellicott City Trombone Choir, some orchestra playing, a bunch of shows, and eight area swing bands including RJE where he served as a trombone substitute and recently became the piano player.

Mike is also a board member and section leader of the RJE.

Steven Haaser, Alto 2, Flute

Residence: Clarksville, MD

Instruments: Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinets

Occupation: Mathematician, woodwind doubler

Musical Influences: My Dad who played Tenor, Alto, and Bari saxes for

big bands in the 1930s. We always had Swing, Jazz, and Classical music

playing in the house.

George Opperman, flute teacher and mentor, who made sure I was diligent about music and curious about all sorts of music.

Background: Member of flute section of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra

(local 278) for five seasons, started woodwind doubling for my high school's

musicals. Since moving to Maryland I have been playing for theatres and

orchestras whenever I can manage the dates.

Russell Hayward, III

Residence: Catonsville, MD

Instruments: Drums, Aux. Percussion

Occupation: Professional Drummer, Other

Was born on February 7, 1974 in La Plata, Maryland. The son of a drummer, Russell began his musical journey before the age of four. He received initial instruction by his father, Russell Hayward, Jr. who was a high school band director, as well as a seasoned musician in his own rite. At a young age, Russell often performed with his father’s high school band where he gained confidence, stage presence, and developed his own percussive technique. Russell attended school in Ann Arundel and Baltimore counties where he received additional instruction through the years from elementary school teacher, Harry Cocorus; high school assistant band director, Richard Poole; and Steve Conaway, who was the Drumline instructor for the Baltimore Colts Marching Band. There was not a time when Russell did not want to pursue a career in music. He burst onto the Baltimore music scene performing with more than 10 bands from 1997 to 2006 where he was able to network and showcase his skills and eventually become well-known in the local industry. Russell’s passion for music was not specific to one genre. During his career, he has mastered alternative funk/rock, pop, funk, punk, jazz, progressive rock, and fusion. While he has performed in various bands in the aforementioned genres, Russell has the skills to perform whenever and wherever needed regardless of the occasion and the type of music with little adjustment. In addition to regularly performing with the numerous groups, Russell expanded his goals to the studio and live freelance work including lending his talents to several musicals, recording music for the release of the Toyota Echo vehicle and an EP by DC natives, Swivel. Russell is not only a band performer. He is a true musician whose talents support any musical endeavor that he is presented with. On Sunday mornings, Russell can be found providing musical support in church where he plays gospel and contemporary Christian music. Russell Hayward, III is a passionate musician that can and will play anything. He is currently a member of 4 bands where he keeps time for an impressive mix of sounds ranging from Rhythm and Blues to Reggae; Soul to Blues as well as other styles previously mentioned. Russell’s talents have taken his entire lifetime to develop and there is no limit to what he can do or will do to become the best musician he can be.

Bruce Baggan, Bassist

Residence – Lutherville, MD

Instruments – Electric Bass Guitar, String Bass, Accordion

Founder – North American Millwright Services

Education – McDonogh School, University of Baltimore. Studied accordion with John Lichtfuss and LeRoy Heine. Picked up electric bass while stuck on weekend duty at McDonogh. 40 years later took lessons with Ashton Fletcher. Played with a several pop/rock bands from 1963 – 1975. Took time off for family and then got back to playing and lessons when Bob Krieger moved next door and introduced me to Ashton.

Musical Influences – Pete Cetera (who also started on accordion and switched to bass, but had somewhat better results) Ray Brown, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Niels Pedersen, Ashton Fletcher, Chuck Taylor (played the first bass guitar I ever saw in the first local band I ever saw in 1962

Zachary Scudlark, Baritone Sax

Residence:

Instruments: Baritone Sax

Occupation: Music Teacher

Zack joined RJE full time in late summer 2023. For the past decade, he has served as director for a variety of concert, marching, and jazz ensembles at the elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary levels, and has taught Music Theory courses at the high school level. Prior to joining RJE, he was a member of both the Bullbuckers and the Jay Hoad Band, and is a former member of the Marching Ravens (on trumpet). He holds an M.M. in Jazz Composition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a B.M. in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Delaware.

Richard "Rick" Barnes, 5th Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Sub Bassist.

Residence: Pasadena, MD

Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Bass

Occupation: Retired (twice); U.S. Army Captain, Company Commander of Staff and Faculty, and Director of Evaluation and Standardization at the Armed Forces School of Music, Norfolk, VA; and Supervisor and Acting Chief of Radio and Multimedia Operations at the Voice of America, Washington, DC.

Education: B.S., TV-Radio and B.F.A., Music, Ithaca College; M.M., Trumpet Performance and M.M., Instrumental Conducting, The Catholic University of America; Diploma, Broadcast Engineering, Cleveland Institute of Electronics; Ph.D., Organization and Management, Capella University; Certificate, Public Diplomacy, University of Southern California; Post-doctoral coursework, Homeland Security, The Institute of World Politics.

Musical influences: My cousin “Dick” Peterson was my first inspiration who is 11 years older than me and played the trumpet when he was in college when I was in elementary school; Fred Betschen and Bob Rozelle were my music teachers at Southside High School in Elmira, NY where I was fortunate and able to graduate from high school as a music major; Steve Brown was our jazz band director at Ithaca College; Lew Soloff of “Blood, Sweat & Tears” was who I studied trumpet with when I was in the Army and stationed with The U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point and the 26th Army Band at Fort Wadsworth, New York City after I graduated from Ithaca College; Thad Jones, who I briefly studied arranging with; Ron Carter, who I briefly studied bass with; Hank Levy, who I played bass for during the last three years of the Stan Kenton Jazz Clinics at Towson University.

Anecdotes: I started with the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble as a trombone player. Years ago, there was a critical shortage of low brass players in other groups I was playing in. So, for $400 I bought a used valve trombone and taught myself how to sight-read and transpose simultaneously in bass clef since the valve trombone uses B♭trumpet fingerings down an octave. When I started subbing on bass, my good friend Al Potter started subbing for me on trombone. During our recent recording sessions Scott asked me to play trumpet so now Al is a permanent member of the band since I have switched out of the trombone section.

I spent 11 years of my time in the Army serving with The U.S. Army Field Band, Fort Meade, MD that tours the nation and the world performing concerts and representing the U.S. Army. I have performed in 49 states and several foreign countries with this band. My most memorable performance with them was on June 6, 1984 for the 40th-year commemoration of the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France with President Ronald Reagan. This is where we truly represented our country to the world and received the accolades and appreciation our fathers deserved for liberating France during World War II.

One night when I was in the Army and assigned to The West Point Band, I drove down to Manhattan to listen to the Thad Jones – Mel Lewis Big Band at the Village Vanguard. Lew Soloff, my trumpet teacher who was playing with the band that night, came up to my table and asked if I had my trumpet with me. It was out in the trunk of my car. “Good,” he said. One of their trumpet players was running late and he asked if I could sit-in with the band. That night, I was completely blown away. I couldn’t believe I was onstage at the Village Vanguard playing with Thad & Mel in New York City. What a thrill.

In the mid-1970s when I was participating in the Stan Kenton Jazz Clinic at Towson University, I came to the auditorium one night to listen to a public concert by the Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra. As I was sitting in my seat waiting for the concert to start, I saw trombonist Dick Shearer come to the edge of the stage. He looked out into the audience, pointed at me and motioned me to come to the stage. “Do you have your bass here,” he asked? “Yeah,” I said, “it’s in the band room.” “Good,” he continued, “our bass player, John Worster, is sick. You’re on the band tonight.” With no warm-up, rehearsal or practice of any kind, I sight-read an entire concert with the world-famous Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra. I can’t think of another time I was so focused, nervous and excited all at the same time. All I remember is I didn’t screw up and I didn’t get in the way.

In addition to playing in the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble, I also play electric bass guitar and sing a little bit with the Christian rock band, “Living Waters,” at Galilee Lutheran Church in Pasadena, MD. In my retirement from the Army, I continue to serve in uniform as a member of The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band, the band of the state guard that supports the National Guard. I serve as the band’s Public Affairs Officer; play trumpet, valve trombone or bass as needed; and am the Officer-in-Charge of The MDDF Band’s jazz band where I currently hold the state military rank of Major. Due to a critical shortage of active-duty military trumpet players, I continue to sound “Taps” for military funerals and commemorative ceremonies.

In Memoriam

John Kessell 1954 - 2022

Residence: Pikesville, MD

Instruments: Drums, Latin Percussion, Musical Theater percussion

Occupation: Advertising Creative Director, writer, photographer, videographer, Art director, webmaster…

Music Influences: Thomas “Fats” Waller, Sid Catlett, Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, John Von Ohlen, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Mel Lewis, Sonny Payne, Lenny White, Jack DeJohnnette, Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Levon Helm, Ringo Starr, Ginger Baker, Mitch Michell, Airto Moreira, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, David Garibaldi, Richie Hayward, Alphonse Mouzon, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Billy Cobham, Roy Haynes, Joe Morello, Ramon Lopez, Don Ellis, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Gordon Goodwin (you get the idea) Hendrix, Clapton, Janis, Ray Charles, The Funk Brothers, Stevie Wonder, BB King, Eric Clapton, John “Mahavishnu” McLaughlin, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Hank Levy, Mozart, Bach, Mendelssohn, John Cage, Harry Parch, Bill Parsons, Larry Green, Bob Youngquist, Ashton Fletcher, Bruce Eicher, Robert Cantrell . . .

John plays in several band about the Baltimore area: Powerhouse, with Ashton Fletcher (John is assistant conductor), Chess Kellam (John sits in on rehearsals), The Blues in the Night Orchestra (rehearsals), JoyRide (10-piece soul band), guest artist with Columbia Jazz Band, Silverback jazz, Zen Czars, and musical theater with Edgewood High School, Winter’s Lane, Red Branch Theater, Cockpit in Court. Credits: Dreamgirls, Aida, Hairspray, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, High School Musical, Seusical Musical . . . He is the director of the Handbells of Grace, Grace Methodist Church, Baltimore, MD. Founding Member of “Jam with Friends” at the 207 in Washington, Iowa.

Other music background: Music major, University of Iowa, studies with Tom Davis. Montreaux Jazz Festival 1972 with Washington High School Jazz Band, Washington, Iowa under the direction of Lawrence Green. Stan Kenton Band in Residence clinics 1972 and 1974. Studied with John Von Ohlen, Ramon Lopez, Peter Erskine, Hank Levy, Leon Breedon. Clinics with Chick Corea, Lenny White, Benny Goodman, Bobby Rosengarden, Slam Stuart. Competition clinics with Clark Terry, Arnie Lawrence, Mike Vax. Shook hands with Buddy Rich after watching him from a vantage point of 20 feet for 3 hours. Clinic with Joe Morello at about the same distance. Saw Max Roach live in Chicago when I was 17.

John says, “I love playing with the Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble because we are all in it to make music at the highest level, keep the art form alive, and reach people with the universal language. We are a brotherhood with a community spirit and a common love for this music.”

Alan Potter, 3rd Trombone

Residence:

Instruments: Trombone

Occupation:

Born and grew up in West Michigan playing trombone from the age of 10. BME from Central Michigan University 1969, honored with the highest music award at that university. Principal trombone of the CMU Symphony, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Marching Chips (Chippewas) and the inception of the CMU Jazz Ensemble. Was a member of West Shore Symphony Orchestra of Muskegon, MI, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Saginaw Symphony Orchestra, Northern MI Brass Quintet. More recently a member of pit orchestra for Virginian Lyric Opera Company, Principal of the Prince George Philharmonic, member of the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra (soon to be renamed), played trombone in and for my churches continually from 10 years of age, conducting choirs or singing in them for 60 years. Taught music in MI for five years before entering the U S Army. 25 of 26 years, Principal and section leader with the US Army Field Band, Brass Quintet and several appearances with the USAFB Jazz Ambassadors. Retired in 2000 and still playing at every opportunity.

Music teachers: Margaret (Peg) Fox, Carl Bjarragard, William H. Rivard, Milt Stevens NSO, Charles Vernon BSO, CSO, among others in a 65 year music adventure.

Model Railroading has been my major hobby especially since retiring, a member of Baltimore Area NTrak since 2000, specializing in creating believable scenery for N and HO scale trains to negotiate. Sub hobbies are wood working, electronics, scratch building and kit assembly, adding scenic elements, and of course, operation of model railroad equipment. I also was a recording and sound engineer, after retiring, for many events in and around Washington, DC.