 Rusty Morris
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Russell "Rusty" Morris is conductor of the Natural State Brass Band and a two-time University of Arkansas graduate (B.S.E., 1985; M.Ed., 1987). Rusty is president of the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Board of Directors. He is warehouse manager for RichSmith Development, LLC, and lives in Little Rock with his wife, Nadine. Rusty plays trumpet with the Ozark Point Brass Quintet and the North Little Rock Community Concert Band. Hometown: Arkadelphia, Arkansas |
 Douglas Yeo
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Douglas Yeo was named Associate Conductor of the NSBB in 2009. A graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois) and New York University, he was Music Director of the New England Brass Band from 1998-2008 and is now the band's Music Director Emeritus. During his tenure, the NEBB twice took first place at the annual North American Brass Band Association Championships (2004, Challenge Section; 2006, Honors Section) and released five critically-acclaimed compact discs that were recorded in Boston's Symphony Hall. He has also served as Vice President of NABBA and works frequently as guest conductor, clinician and guest soloist with brass bands around the world. Bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1985, his award-winning website may be found at www.yeodoug.com Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts |
 Stephen Cross
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Stephen G. Cross is the music teacher at Pine Haven Elementary in Bauxite, Arkansas. Stephen received his bachelor's degree in music education from Henderson State University in 1992, where he studied trumpet with Don Kramer, John Webb, and Jim Buckner. He has two incredibly cool sons, Thomas and Ray. He won third place in the adult technical solo competition at the NABBA Championship in 2007. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Courtney Swindler
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Courtney Swindler is a mechanical engineer and graduate of the University of Arkansas. His wife, Kim, is a reading specialist with the Little Rock School District. They have twin sons, Alex and Andrew. Courtney also plays trumpet in the Ozark Point Brass Quintet. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Georgine Gantz
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Georgine Brite Gantz is a trainer and operates the help desk for the law firm of Wright, Lindsey, & Jennings LLP. She has two daughters and four grandchildren. Georgine plays trumpet with the Quapaw Brass Quintet and the North Little Rock Community Concert Band. Hometown: Sapulpa, Oklahoma |
 David Laubach
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David Laubach retired from The United States Air Force Academy Band in July 2000. While working at Graner Music in Colorado Springs, CO, David became principal trumpet in the Pueblo Symphony and The Pikes Peak Philharmonic. He performed with every community group in Colorado Springs, including The Little London Winds and The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs. In the Spring of 2006, David began playing Flugelhorn in the Fountain Creek Brass Band. A year later, he decided to move back to Arkansas and was offered an adjunct teaching position at Henderson State University. David graduated from HSU in 1979 with the Bachelor of Music Education Degree. He stays busy musically by performing with the South Arkansas Symphony, The Stardust Big Band, The Mass Brass and Percussion and, of course, The Natural State Brass Band. David and his wife, Paula, live in Arkadelphia. |
 Brady Loretz
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Brady Loretz is a Software Engineer for American Data Network. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music and his Master’s degree in Information Technology from Arkansas Tech University. Brady’s wife, Rachel, is a band director in Malvern. Together, they play in the North Little Rock Community Band and have one daughter, Joanna. Brady enjoys teaching private lessons to trumpet students and league bowling. He and his family reside in Benton. Hometown: Jacksonville, Arkansas |
 Richard Bailey
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Richard Bailey is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Sound recording Technology degree at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He received a Bachelor of Music Degree from The Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied trumpet with Bernard Adelstein and James Darling, and a Ph.D. in Music Composition from the University at Buffalo. Richard remains an active composer, writing concert music, jazz, and electronic works. In addition to the NSBB, he performs with the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra, The Pine Bluff Community Band, and the Capitol Brass Quintet. Richard lives in Pine Bluff with his wife, Paula, their son, Alexander, two cats, and a dog. To learn more about Richard or to hear some of his music, visit his website. Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas |
 Chris LaCerra
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Chris LaCerra is a band director at Conway Public School. He received a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in music education from Henderson State University. His wife, Traci, is an attorney at the Hilburn Law Firm, and they have one daughter, Caitlin. Hometown: Bryant, Arkansas |
 Addison Anderson
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Addison Anderson is a student at North Little Rock High School. Addison also works at Saied Music Company. Hometown: North Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Dan Case
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Dan Case is director of engineering/MIS for Citadel Broadcasting Company. He and his wife, Sharon, have one daughter, Sara, who teaches German to elementary students. Dan plays in the worship band at Parkway Place Baptist Church. Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania |
 Rick Wilson
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In 1975, having just graduated from high school, Rick put his horn in its case and didn’t open it up until 2003 just prior to joining NSSB. He now plays in the North Little Rock Community Band, the Celebration Orchestra at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church as well as the NSBB. He studies privately with Dr. Jim Buckner, Professor of Trumpet and chairman of the Music Department at Henderson State University, joining five other NSBB cornet players who have studied with him. Rick loves to sing and was featured with the NSBB at their concert at Immanuel Baptist Church. He was accompanied by the NSBB singing Bless This House. He married Tina in 1981, not only because he had fallen in love with her, but also because she was the shortest grown woman he could find. They never had children, but there was always the pitter patter of little feet at their house. They have nurtured six doggies, three of which have gone on to their blessed reward. They currently share their lives and home with Susie, Jacque, and Jerry Lee Wilson, Their home has been a sanctuary to many Beta’s and countless stuffed animals and which all have names. Rick enjoys distance running but does little of it now days. But he has completed five marathons of 26.2 miles each with a best time of three hours and eleven minutes. He has been a welder for twenty-five years and is currently employed at Cameron International as a production welder. He recently achieved Certified Welding Inspector certification and plans to seek a career in quality control and management. Rick has recently become interested in collecting and restoring vintage, rare and interesting cornets, trumpets and flugel horns. He shares this interest and endeavors with his good friend France Tice (former member of NSBB). Together they have accumulated about forty horns. Rick enjoys playing, cornets, trumpets, or flugel horns.
Hometown: Sardis, Arkansas |
 John Harrison
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John Harrison is a global sales executive with IBM Corporation. He earned a bachelor's degree in computing science from Texas A&M University, and has been with IBM since 1984. After nearly 25 years away from the trumpet, John became a "comeback player" when his wife surprised him with lessons as a Christmas gift a few years ago. He now plays in the North Little Rock Community Concert Band and studies improvisational jazz with Pat Henry. John and his wife, Lourdes, live in Little Rock. Hometown: Tyler, Texas |
 Larry Crenshaw
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Larry Crenshaw is an electrical contractor and co-owner of Harvill-Byrd Electric. Larry and his wife, Donna, have a daughter, Jamie, and a son, Michael. Larry plays trumpet with the Immanuel Baptist Church Orchestra and Immanuel Brass. Hometown: Lubbock, Texas |
 Robert Herring
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Robert Herring is a brass instrument technician with Independent Music Service. He earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Henderson State University. Robert’s wife, Melinda, designed the Natural State Brass Band logo. Robert also has a daughter, Katherine. Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas |
 Jimmy Dugan
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Jimmy Dugan is a project coordinator for Freeze Drapery Cleaners and Restoration in Little Rock. He is a member of the Little Rock Wind Symphony, the South Arkansas Symphony, the Pine Bluff Symphony, the Capital Brass Quintet, and the Hillcrest Woodwind Quintet. When he has spare time, he spends it with his girlfriend Ashley and their pack of dogs. |
 Clyde Snider
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Clyde Snider is an audio producer, director, and engineer. He earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Ouachita Baptist University. He spent several years as a high school band director. Clyde is a past board member of the Little Rock Wind Symphony. His wife, Joyce, is a big supporter of the band and travels to all of the concerts and competitions. Hometown: Smackover and Camden, Arkansas |
 Tom Reynolds
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Tom Reynolds earned his bachelor's degree in music education in 1970 from Arkansas Tech University and serves on the alumni board of that institution. He is owner/operator of a screenprinting and embroidery business in Sherwood. Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas |
 Franklin Washburn
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Franklin Washburn is retired after careers as a band director and professional photographer. He is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University. Frank and his wife, Lyda, have one daughter and three grandchildren. Frank plays euphonium with the North Little Rock Community Concert Band. He also plays in the Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Orchestra. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Judyth Swingen
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Judyth Swingen is a professor of accounting and taxation at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music education at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville, a master's degree in accounting at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and a Ph.D. in accounting and taxation at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Judyth and her husband, Richard, live in Maumelle. |
 Tina Hall
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Tina Hall is internal communications manager for Heifer International. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Henderson State University and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Hometown: Pearcy, Arkansas |
 Dick Miller
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Dick Miller is the owner of three Subway stores in Searcy, Arkansas. He formerly played with the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command Headquarters Band. Dick and his wife, Peggy, have three children and four grandchildren. Dick also plays euphonium with the North Little Rock Community Concert Band. Hometown: Maumelle, Arkansas |
 Larry Vaught
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Larry Vaught is a judge with the Arkansas Court of Appeals. He earned a bachelor's degree from Washington University. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. Larry and his wife, Sheila, have two daughters and two grandchildren. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Steve Greer
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Steve Greer is employed with Arkansas Cardiology. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, a master's degree in medical management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a medical doctorate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Steve and his wife, Pam, have two sons. Wes is a pre-med/biology major at the University of Arkansas, and Rob is an accounting major at Ouachita Baptist University. Hometown: Little Rock and Camden, Arkansas |
 Robert Fleming
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Robert Fleming is budget director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. He received a bachelor of arts degree in music from Arkansas Tech University, a master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas, and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Robert and his wife, Rita, have two grandchildren, Bekah and Zac. Hometown: Benton, Arkansas |
 Paul Taylor
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Paul Taylor is assistant band director at Conway High School and is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. He assists with the Conway High School marching band, is co-director of the Conway High School jazz bands and is low brass instructor at the beginner and intermediate level. Paul plays trombone with the Immanuel Baptist Church Orchestra, where he also is a member of Immanuel Brass and the Immanuel Praise Band. He plays bass trombone and tuba with Jubilation Jazz, a Christian big band group. Paul and his wife, Judy, have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth (M.E.) who is a beginning woodwind player. Hometown: Helena, Arkansas |
 Matt Jamison
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Matt Jamison is a software developer at Acxiom Corporation. He received a bachelor's degree in computer science from Henderson State University. Hometown: Conway, Arkansas |
 Rico Belotti
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Rico Belotti is a retired band director and graduate of Arkansas Tech University. Rico directs the North Little Rock Community Concert Band. He is past president of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association, a member of Phi Beta Mu, ASBDA, life member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a certified adjudicator, and Honorary Member of the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association. He is also a member of the board of the North American Brass Band Association. Rico and his wife, Ginny, have a daughter, Leah. Hometown: North Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Scott Bishop
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Scott Bishop is active in public relations for American Income Life. Scott received a finance degree while playing in the Razorback and Hog Wild Bands at the University of Arkansas. He plays tuba with the Immanuel Baptist Church Orchestra and Immanuel Brass. Scott lives in Maumelle with his wife, Robin, and son, Taylor. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 John Pearson
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 Kevin Sanders
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Kevin Sanders is assistant professor of tuba at the University of Memphis. He received a bachelor's degree in music from Indiana University and a master's degree in music from the Juilliard School. When not playing tuba, Kevin is involved in Bellevue Baptist Church and a soccer league in Memphis. Hometown: Bryant, Arkansas |
 J.B. Cross
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J.B. Cross is a lawyer with degrees from Hendrix College and the University of Arkansas Law School. J.B. and his wife, Debby, have a daughter, Sarah, and a son, Bracy. J.B plays percussion with the North Little Rock Community Concert Band and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Community Orchestra. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Richard Hawthorne
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Richard Hawthorne is an accountant for Alltel. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Hendrix College. Richard performs with the chancel and handbell choirs at First Presbyterian Church in Conway. Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma |
 Kevin Noble
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Kevin Noble is a pharmaceutical sales representative. He received a percussion degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Kevin participates in the music ministry of St. Mark Church. His grandfather won a Grammy Award for gospel quartet music. Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas |
 Sara Rose
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