The Blue River Big Band benefits from having talented musicians each with strong depth of performance experience and a wide variety of musical tastes and expressions. Each member brings a unique contribution to the band which gives the band the flavor and fullness that it has. Learn more about the band by reading a little about each member below and click on the photo for more detail about their background and musical orientation.
Todd Ward—Director and Lead Trumpet: Typically referred as the band’s “fearless leader”, Todd is currently the Band Director at Northfield Jr/Sr High School. Known for his powerful sound, Todd’s lead playing lays down solid stylistic direction for the band.
James Zanker—Trumpet: Also versed in the art of choral conducting and vocal music, James brings natural style and diversity to the band. The band also enjoys playing an exciting version of “Ticket to Ride” that James arranged in college.
Mike Rush—Trumpet: Mike comes from a musical family and plays the horn that his father used to play in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Mike has played in various area bands, including Army bands, and has a gift for heavy swing.
Jason Klingaman—TromboneJason performed in most of the musical groups at Purdue, including a European tour with the Purdue Jazz Band. A fun soloist and spokesperson for the band, Jason plays with energy to spare.
Phil Zent—Trombone: As the band director at Columbia City High School for a number of years, Phil taught several guys in the band how to play. With a love of smooth jazz playing, Phil adds maturity, balance and experience to the band.
Micah Roddy—Trombone: Micah is an area band director and has played in the IPFW and UNLV jazz bands. Micah specializes in skillfully building powerful blues solos and has an unequaled passion for playing.
Mark Fritz—Alto Saxophone: After studying music at Indiana University, Mark received further musical training while playing in military bands. Mark is a very in-demand sax player in the area, a precise reader and diverse soloist.
Matt Rentschler—Alto Saxophone: Matt was a two-time drum major in high school and also played in various Notre Dame bands. A dynamic soloist and a former member of a local rock band, Matt livens things up with an exciting rock-soul flare.
Rolly Stellhorn—Tenor Saxophone: Rich in musical experience and equally comfortable on tenor sax, flute, or clarinet, Rolly is a player with multiple talents, including arranging. Rolly is also one of the most lucid and expressive soloists in the band.
Andy Hogue—Baritone Saxophone: Specializing in bari sax but also able to cover alto and tenor, Andy is a key link to the band’s strong sax section. Currently performing in several regional bands, Andy has so much fun playing it’s contagious.
Carolyn Clifford—Keyboard: A graduate of Ball State and a middle school music teacher in Columbia City, Carolyn plays a big role in the local music scene. Carolyn enjoys playing a wide variety of styles and is a natural on the keyboard.
Casey Stansifer—Bass: Casey is the most musically adventurous member of the band, playing everything from rock to Greek music! Playing an upright bass with class and also a mean electric, Casey adds extra kick to every tune.
Kevin Haydl—Drums: Kevin joined the band only in the summer of 2008, but his versatility and ability to learn tunes quickly makes it seem as if he’s been with the band since the beginning. Kevin is a band director in Rome City.
Dawn Ward—Vocalist: Dawn is a natural born musician whose booming yet smooth, cool voice brings an added element of style and class to each performance. Crowds love to hear Dawn sing old favorites as well as and new, fresh tunes.
Band Members
The Blue River Big Band benefits from having talented musicians each with strong depth of performance experience and a wide variety of musical tastes and expressions. Each member brings a unique contribution to the band which gives the band the flavor and fullness that it has. Learn more about the band by reading a little about each member below and click on the photo for more detail about their background and musical orientation.
Todd Ward—Director and Lead Trumpet: Typically referred as the band’s “fearless leader”, Todd is currently the Band Director at Northfield Jr/Sr High School. Known for his powerful sound, Todd’s lead playing lays down solid stylistic direction for the band.
James Zanker—Trumpet: Also versed in the art of choral conducting and vocal music, James brings natural style and diversity to the band. The band also enjoys playing an exciting version of “Ticket to Ride” that James arranged in college.
Mike Rush—Trumpet: Mike comes from a musical family and plays the horn that his father used to play in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Mike has played in various area bands, including Army bands, and has a gift for heavy swing.
Jason Klingaman—TromboneJason performed in most of the musical groups at Purdue, including a European tour with the Purdue Jazz Band. A fun soloist and spokesperson for the band, Jason plays with energy to spare.
Phil Zent—Trombone: As the band director at Columbia City High School for a number of years, Phil taught several guys in the band how to play. With a love of smooth jazz playing, Phil adds maturity, balance and experience to the band.
Micah Roddy—Trombone: Micah is an area band director and has played in the IPFW and UNLV jazz bands. Micah specializes in skillfully building powerful blues solos and has an unequaled passion for playing.
Mark Fritz—Alto Saxophone: After studying music at Indiana University, Mark received further musical training while playing in military bands. Mark is a very in-demand sax player in the area, a precise reader and diverse soloist.
Matt Rentschler—Alto Saxophone: Matt was a two-time drum major in high school and also played in various Notre Dame bands. A dynamic soloist and a former member of a local rock band, Matt livens things up with an exciting rock-soul flare.
Rolly Stellhorn—Tenor Saxophone: Rich in musical experience and equally comfortable on tenor sax, flute, or clarinet, Rolly is a player with multiple talents, including arranging. Rolly is also one of the most lucid and expressive soloists in the band.
Andy Hogue—Baritone Saxophone: Specializing in bari sax but also able to cover alto and tenor, Andy is a key link to the band’s strong sax section. Currently performing in several regional bands, Andy has so much fun playing it’s contagious.
Carolyn Clifford—Keyboard: A graduate of Ball State and a middle school music teacher in Columbia City, Carolyn plays a big role in the local music scene. Carolyn enjoys playing a wide variety of styles and is a natural on the keyboard.
Casey Stansifer—Bass: Casey is the most musically adventurous member of the band, playing everything from rock to Greek music! Playing an upright bass with class and also a mean electric, Casey adds extra kick to every tune.
Kevin Haydl—Drums: Kevin joined the band only in the summer of 2008, but his versatility and ability to learn tunes quickly makes it seem as if he’s been with the band since the beginning. Kevin is a band director in Rome City.
Dawn Ward—Vocalist: Dawn is a natural born musician whose booming yet smooth, cool voice brings an added element of style and class to each performance. Crowds love to hear Dawn sing old favorites as well as and new, fresh tunes.