2018 GREENDALE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND STAFF
DIRECTOR OF BANDS: Tom Reifenberg
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Tom began teaching at Greendale High School in the fall of 2001. He received his undergraduate degree in music education from UW-Whitewater (2001), studying conducting under Dr. Glenn Hayes and piano under Dr. Myung-Hee Chung. Tom attained his masters degree in music education from Boston University (2008). Tom was recently named the recipient of the 2017 Michael G. George Distinguished Service Award, given 2016 Greendale Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year; a 2015 Herb Kohl Fellowship recipient, honoring excellence in education throughout Wisconsin; Wisconsin's representative in School Band & Orchestra Magazine's annual "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" report (December 2013); one of the youngest members inducted into the Wisconsin Bandmasters Association (June 2015); and recipient of the B93.3FM Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year awards (2009). He is the co-founder (2003) and music director of the award-winning Greendale Community Theatre, and has music-directed close to 50 theatrical productions throughout the Milwaukee area. A NAfME and WMEA member, he has served on the WSMA state marching band committee and the UWAY Board of Directors. Tom is also the organist at Greendale Community Church, beginning his tenure in October of 2013 following eight years at Trinity Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee. He is married to guard caption head Tami Reifenberg, and they spend their limited free time loving and caring for 5-year-old Liam, their sports-enthusiast little boy.
Tom began teaching at Greendale High School in the fall of 2001. He received his undergraduate degree in music education from UW-Whitewater (2001), studying conducting under Dr. Glenn Hayes and piano under Dr. Myung-Hee Chung. Tom attained his masters degree in music education from Boston University (2008). Tom was recently named the recipient of the 2017 Michael G. George Distinguished Service Award, given 2016 Greendale Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year; a 2015 Herb Kohl Fellowship recipient, honoring excellence in education throughout Wisconsin; Wisconsin's representative in School Band & Orchestra Magazine's annual "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" report (December 2013); one of the youngest members inducted into the Wisconsin Bandmasters Association (June 2015); and recipient of the B93.3FM Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year awards (2009). He is the co-founder (2003) and music director of the award-winning Greendale Community Theatre, and has music-directed close to 50 theatrical productions throughout the Milwaukee area. A NAfME and WMEA member, he has served on the WSMA state marching band committee and the UWAY Board of Directors. Tom is also the organist at Greendale Community Church, beginning his tenure in October of 2013 following eight years at Trinity Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee. He is married to guard caption head Tami Reifenberg, and they spend their limited free time loving and caring for 5-year-old Liam, their sports-enthusiast little boy.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS: Liz Parsons
Liz joined the Greendale percussion staff in January of 2015, and was appointed Assistant Director of Bands in summer of 2016. She recently graduated cum laude from UW-Milwaukee with a BFA in Instrumental/General Music Education as well as Percussion Performance. She studied percussion with Carl Storniolo and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra percussionists Thomas Wetzel and Dean Borghesani, as well as Sheila Feay-Shaw, Jon Gilliland, Scott Emmons, and Catherine Robertson for Music Education. Liz was awarded percussion, music education, talent, and hard work scholarships during her time at UWM. Liz has a background in marching percussion beginning in Kenosha, WI with the Kenosha Beats Indoor Drumline where she was able to compete in both MPA and WGI. She also participated in Band of the BlackWatch in Kenosha, WI, where she is now a percussion and marching instructor. For two years, Liz worked with the University Youth Wind Ensembles at UWM as a percussion coach, where her duties included percussion equipment and teaching the advanced middle and high school students percussion techniques and rehearsal etiquette. Liz has performed with many ensembles at UWM including Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Band, and Symphony Orchestra. She was also section leader for Wind Ensemble who she traveled with to North Carolina in 2013 for the College Band Directors National Association Conference. They also traveled to San Jose, California in July of 2015 for the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference. Liz continues to perform, most recently with the award-winning Greendale Community Theatre. In addition to her duties at GHS, she directs all 5th grade bands in the district and teaches lessons at GMS.
Liz joined the Greendale percussion staff in January of 2015, and was appointed Assistant Director of Bands in summer of 2016. She recently graduated cum laude from UW-Milwaukee with a BFA in Instrumental/General Music Education as well as Percussion Performance. She studied percussion with Carl Storniolo and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra percussionists Thomas Wetzel and Dean Borghesani, as well as Sheila Feay-Shaw, Jon Gilliland, Scott Emmons, and Catherine Robertson for Music Education. Liz was awarded percussion, music education, talent, and hard work scholarships during her time at UWM. Liz has a background in marching percussion beginning in Kenosha, WI with the Kenosha Beats Indoor Drumline where she was able to compete in both MPA and WGI. She also participated in Band of the BlackWatch in Kenosha, WI, where she is now a percussion and marching instructor. For two years, Liz worked with the University Youth Wind Ensembles at UWM as a percussion coach, where her duties included percussion equipment and teaching the advanced middle and high school students percussion techniques and rehearsal etiquette. Liz has performed with many ensembles at UWM including Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Band, and Symphony Orchestra. She was also section leader for Wind Ensemble who she traveled with to North Carolina in 2013 for the College Band Directors National Association Conference. They also traveled to San Jose, California in July of 2015 for the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference. Liz continues to perform, most recently with the award-winning Greendale Community Theatre. In addition to her duties at GHS, she directs all 5th grade bands in the district and teaches lessons at GMS.
MUSIC STAFF
MUSIC COMPOSER/ARRANGER/INSTRUCTOR: Alex Thode
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Alex Thode is currently pursuing B.F.A. in Music Composition at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he has studied with composition with Dr. William Heinrichs and Dr. Jonathan Monhardt. Alex has been heavily involved in the marching arts since 2008. Alex's clientele spans from coast to coast, and numerous have been class champions and runners-up, semi-finalists, finalists and grand champions at the local and state level. He has had groups perform at the Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championships and various BOA Regionals. He also had the distinct pleasure of having his arrangements be performed in the 2016 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Alex is a graduate of Greendale High School in Greendale, Wisconsin, and immediately after graduating, he joined Greendale’s marching band staff, where he served as a front ensemble technician in 2012, and has since been arranging their music and serving as an additional music instructor. While he was in high school, Alex was an avid student leader and participant in all areas of their music program, including marching band, concert band, jazz band, choir, and honors choir. He was also a recipient of the John Philip Sousa award. Along with composing works for marching band, Alex also has been commissioned to write middle school and high school concert band works. Alex is a member of ASCAP. Please visit his website at www.themusicofalexthode.com.
Alex Thode is currently pursuing B.F.A. in Music Composition at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he has studied with composition with Dr. William Heinrichs and Dr. Jonathan Monhardt. Alex has been heavily involved in the marching arts since 2008. Alex's clientele spans from coast to coast, and numerous have been class champions and runners-up, semi-finalists, finalists and grand champions at the local and state level. He has had groups perform at the Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championships and various BOA Regionals. He also had the distinct pleasure of having his arrangements be performed in the 2016 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Alex is a graduate of Greendale High School in Greendale, Wisconsin, and immediately after graduating, he joined Greendale’s marching band staff, where he served as a front ensemble technician in 2012, and has since been arranging their music and serving as an additional music instructor. While he was in high school, Alex was an avid student leader and participant in all areas of their music program, including marching band, concert band, jazz band, choir, and honors choir. He was also a recipient of the John Philip Sousa award. Along with composing works for marching band, Alex also has been commissioned to write middle school and high school concert band works. Alex is a member of ASCAP. Please visit his website at www.themusicofalexthode.com.
PERCUSSION CAPTION HEAD: Bob Troemel
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
PERCUSSION STAFF: Steph Chandler
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Bio coming soon!
PERCUSSION STAFF: Melissa Behling
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Bio coming soon!
PERCUSSION ARRANGER: Cole Williams
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Bio coming soon!
VISUAL STAFF
VISUAL DESIGN: Wes Pendergrass
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Bio coming soon
VISUAL COORDINATOR: Chad Quamme
Chad Quamme has been an active instructor in drum corps, marching band and winter guard over the last twenty years. Through his years of teaching he has worked with finalist groups in Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International as well as many Wisconsin State Marching Band Championships. Currently he writes drills for marching bands in Wisconsin, Michigan and Texas and adjudicates all over the country. He is a history teacher at Beloit Memorial High School in Beloit, Wisconsin and resides in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
Chad Quamme has been an active instructor in drum corps, marching band and winter guard over the last twenty years. Through his years of teaching he has worked with finalist groups in Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International as well as many Wisconsin State Marching Band Championships. Currently he writes drills for marching bands in Wisconsin, Michigan and Texas and adjudicates all over the country. He is a history teacher at Beloit Memorial High School in Beloit, Wisconsin and resides in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
VISUAL INSTRUCTOR: Roman Blenski
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
VISUAL INSTRUCTOR: Mark Wrobel
Mark is one of the only instructors that can say he has worked with a high school in all 30 years of the WSMA state championships. He has been a visual coordinator, drill designer, and marching instructor for several high schools in southeastern Wisconsin and Iowa, winning 16 state titles with 5 different bands, including best visual several times. Mark marched with the Lake Band for 9 years playing trumpet, french horn, and drum major. During that time the group won numerous national championships and several Midwest and WIS titles. Mark also spent a summer touring with the DCI Pioneer drum & bugle corps. His full time job is a dispatcher for a trucking company and he works with bands in his spare time. Mark has been on staff with Greendale for 14 years, and his proudest moment is every time he gets to work with one of his former students who just happens to be the band director of Greendale. Mark retired after the 2014 marching band season, but recently came out of retirement (by request) to fill a need with his favorite high school marching band program, and he is proud to be teaching visuals with his son, Marcus.
Mark is one of the only instructors that can say he has worked with a high school in all 30 years of the WSMA state championships. He has been a visual coordinator, drill designer, and marching instructor for several high schools in southeastern Wisconsin and Iowa, winning 16 state titles with 5 different bands, including best visual several times. Mark marched with the Lake Band for 9 years playing trumpet, french horn, and drum major. During that time the group won numerous national championships and several Midwest and WIS titles. Mark also spent a summer touring with the DCI Pioneer drum & bugle corps. His full time job is a dispatcher for a trucking company and he works with bands in his spare time. Mark has been on staff with Greendale for 14 years, and his proudest moment is every time he gets to work with one of his former students who just happens to be the band director of Greendale. Mark retired after the 2014 marching band season, but recently came out of retirement (by request) to fill a need with his favorite high school marching band program, and he is proud to be teaching visuals with his son, Marcus.
VISUAL INSTRUCTOR: Marcus Wrobel
Marcus has been playing trumpet for over 12 years. In high school, he played lead trumpet in the jazz ensemble all four years, and was drum major of the marching band for three years. He was also involved with the UWM Youth Jazz Ensemble for four years. Marcus attends the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in Journalism and Media Studies. This will be his fourth year in the UWM Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Curt Hanrahan. He is currently in his third season on visual staff for the Franklin High School Marching Band. Marcus also has drum corps experience; performing with the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, WI and recently ageing out with the Drum Corps International World Class Finalist Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from La Crosse, WI. During his time with the Blue Stars, Marcus learned from staff members who currently teach at Broken Arrow High School and Carmel High School respectively. Marcus is a huge fan of the Brewers, Bucks and Packers. Sometimes you can find him as a racing sausage at Miller Park where he works. He looks forward to working with the Greendale High School Marching Band this fall, and he is also the son of the one and only Mr. Mark Wrobel.
Marcus has been playing trumpet for over 12 years. In high school, he played lead trumpet in the jazz ensemble all four years, and was drum major of the marching band for three years. He was also involved with the UWM Youth Jazz Ensemble for four years. Marcus attends the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in Journalism and Media Studies. This will be his fourth year in the UWM Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Curt Hanrahan. He is currently in his third season on visual staff for the Franklin High School Marching Band. Marcus also has drum corps experience; performing with the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, WI and recently ageing out with the Drum Corps International World Class Finalist Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from La Crosse, WI. During his time with the Blue Stars, Marcus learned from staff members who currently teach at Broken Arrow High School and Carmel High School respectively. Marcus is a huge fan of the Brewers, Bucks and Packers. Sometimes you can find him as a racing sausage at Miller Park where he works. He looks forward to working with the Greendale High School Marching Band this fall, and he is also the son of the one and only Mr. Mark Wrobel.
VISUAL INSTRUCTOR: Donny Lavrenz
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
VISUAL CHOREOGRAPHY: Blake Patton
Blake is originally from Owensboro, Kentucky. Since 2008, Blake has been heavily involved in the marching arts. In 2013, he performed with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps from Nashville, Tennessee. He went on to perform with Spirit of Atlanta in 2014 and 2015 and served as section leader in his last year. Aside from his performing career, Blake has been an active designer and educator for both indoor and outdoor ensembles across the country. He has worked with groups such as Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Murray High School, Mayfield High School, Reeths-Puffer High School, and he is very excited to be joining the Greendale High School team, as well. He served on the Visual Staff at Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and is currently serving on the Visual Staff for Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also the President and Co-Founder/Director of Agency Indoor, an Independent WGI Winds group based in Murray, Kentucky, with which he also serves as Visual Designer and Co-Caption Head. Blake attended Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, where he studied Graphic Design and Advertising.
Blake is originally from Owensboro, Kentucky. Since 2008, Blake has been heavily involved in the marching arts. In 2013, he performed with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps from Nashville, Tennessee. He went on to perform with Spirit of Atlanta in 2014 and 2015 and served as section leader in his last year. Aside from his performing career, Blake has been an active designer and educator for both indoor and outdoor ensembles across the country. He has worked with groups such as Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Murray High School, Mayfield High School, Reeths-Puffer High School, and he is very excited to be joining the Greendale High School team, as well. He served on the Visual Staff at Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and is currently serving on the Visual Staff for Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also the President and Co-Founder/Director of Agency Indoor, an Independent WGI Winds group based in Murray, Kentucky, with which he also serves as Visual Designer and Co-Caption Head. Blake attended Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, where he studied Graphic Design and Advertising.
COLORGUARD CAPTION HEAD: Tami Reifenberg
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Tami began instructing the Greendale colorguard in the fall of 2005. In 2007, she created the award-winning winterguard program at Greendale to further enhance the skills of the students involved in the fall colorguard marching program. Tami achieved her nursing degree from Marquette University (2006) and was employed at Children’s Hospital in the ICU until she became a stay-at-home mom in 2013. She resumed her nursing career in the Aurora call center in 2015. Tami is also a graduate of Greendale High School and was a four-year member of the marching band and colorguard. She also marched in the Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003-2005 and with the Tapestry Winterguard in 2005. Tami is married to Director of Bands Tom Reifenberg, and they share their lives with 4-year-old Liam, their pride and joy.
Tami began instructing the Greendale colorguard in the fall of 2005. In 2007, she created the award-winning winterguard program at Greendale to further enhance the skills of the students involved in the fall colorguard marching program. Tami achieved her nursing degree from Marquette University (2006) and was employed at Children’s Hospital in the ICU until she became a stay-at-home mom in 2013. She resumed her nursing career in the Aurora call center in 2015. Tami is also a graduate of Greendale High School and was a four-year member of the marching band and colorguard. She also marched in the Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003-2005 and with the Tapestry Winterguard in 2005. Tami is married to Director of Bands Tom Reifenberg, and they share their lives with 4-year-old Liam, their pride and joy.
COLORGUARD INSTRUCTOR: Haley Peronto
Haley has been spinning for 6 years, starting in 8th grade and immediately falling in love with the activity. She has performed with the Cudahy Marching Band, Cudahy Independent Winterguard, and the Lighthouse Brigade of Racine. Haley began instructing the Greendale Middle School Winterguard in the 2014-2015 season, and is very excited to work the the Greendale Marching Band beginning in the fall of 2015. She currently attends Bryant and Stratton College, and will graduate with her CMA in 2017.
Haley has been spinning for 6 years, starting in 8th grade and immediately falling in love with the activity. She has performed with the Cudahy Marching Band, Cudahy Independent Winterguard, and the Lighthouse Brigade of Racine. Haley began instructing the Greendale Middle School Winterguard in the 2014-2015 season, and is very excited to work the the Greendale Marching Band beginning in the fall of 2015. She currently attends Bryant and Stratton College, and will graduate with her CMA in 2017.
COLORGUARD INSTRUCTOR: Anna Matel
Anna is an alumnus of Greendale High School, graduating in 2009. She was a member of the Greendale Band all four years and enjoyed spending each season in the colorguard. After high school she went on to the University of North Dakota and was in the colorguard of the Pride of the North Marching Band. Anna is very excited to return as an instructor of the Greendale High School colorguard. She is also attending Concordia University in Mequon and hoping to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in event planning.
Anna is an alumnus of Greendale High School, graduating in 2009. She was a member of the Greendale Band all four years and enjoyed spending each season in the colorguard. After high school she went on to the University of North Dakota and was in the colorguard of the Pride of the North Marching Band. Anna is very excited to return as an instructor of the Greendale High School colorguard. She is also attending Concordia University in Mequon and hoping to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in event planning.
GUARD/DANCE INSTRUCTOR: Nadin Bailey
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
TECHNICAL STAFF
SOUND/TECH ENGINEER: Ryan Barry
Ryan brings a wealth of technical experience to the marching band program. He has worked in the field of sound and light engineering for over a decade, focusing on professional and theatrical performances across southeastern Wisconsin. Ryan is a Greendale High School graduate and is proud to handle sound design and special effects for the marching band. He is also the experienced pilot of the band's drone, taking valuable video and still images during rehearsals.
Ryan brings a wealth of technical experience to the marching band program. He has worked in the field of sound and light engineering for over a decade, focusing on professional and theatrical performances across southeastern Wisconsin. Ryan is a Greendale High School graduate and is proud to handle sound design and special effects for the marching band. He is also the experienced pilot of the band's drone, taking valuable video and still images during rehearsals.
SOUND/TECH ENGINEER: Chris Pawlowski
Chris marching with the Greendale program for four years, the oldest of several Pawlowski family members to come through the program. His current role as auditorium manager keeps him in the district often, and when he's not here, he can be found working at Miller Park or for The Toys, a midwestern rock band. Chris is experienced in technical theatre, having worked for Greendale, Greenfield, and Arrowhead theatres, and he brings this knowledge to assist the marching band on a yearly basis.
Chris marching with the Greendale program for four years, the oldest of several Pawlowski family members to come through the program. His current role as auditorium manager keeps him in the district often, and when he's not here, he can be found working at Miller Park or for The Toys, a midwestern rock band. Chris is experienced in technical theatre, having worked for Greendale, Greenfield, and Arrowhead theatres, and he brings this knowledge to assist the marching band on a yearly basis.