Member Profiles

Charity Allen has been playing trumpet for more than 40 years after falling in love with band in the fifth grade. She has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for four years and enjoys performing a wide variety of music. Charity works in education and values time spent with her family, church, and community. 

Dakota Baker has been playing trumpet for 25 years and has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for the past three years. His musical journey began in fifth grade when he joined beginner band just to stay busy—an experience that quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Dakota holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Music from the University of South Alabama. He has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Cold Springs High School Royal Blue Band, the JSU Marching Southerners, the JSU Wind Ensemble, the JSU Symphonic Band, the JSU Jazz Band, and the JSU Trumpet Ensemble, as well as community bands in Florida and Alabama. He enjoys progressive rock, jazz, blues, and old-school country, and especially appreciates Variations on a Korean Folk Song by John Barnes Chance. Originally from Cullman, Dakota now serves as band director at Southeastern School in Remlap. He and his wife, Laura, are proud parents to their son, Harmon. 

David “Dave” Bjornstad has shared his love of music with the Cullman Community Band for 21 years and has been playing euphonium for an impressive 68 years. His interest in music began in the late 1940s while listening to music on the radio, sparking a lifelong passion for performance. Over the years, Dave has participated in a variety of musical groups, including orchestras, church choirs, Southern Gospel mass groups, and small ensembles. His musical interests span many styles, with far too many favorite works and composers to name. Originally from Elkhart, Indiana, Dave enjoyed a distinguished career as a language and intelligence analyst before retiring. His studies included music education at Butler University as well as Russian language and Soviet studies at Syracuse University, the Defense Language Institute, the University of Maryland, and George Washington University. Dave and his wife have two adult sons, three grandchildren, and a cat. A member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, he deeply values the friendships and musical experiences he has shared with the Cullman Community Band.

Julia Bright has been a dedicated member of the Cullman Community Band for 20 years, bringing two decades of bassoon playing to the ensemble. She first discovered her interest in music through grade school band and taught herself bassoon in junior high. With guidance from the very patient Hunter Thomas, principal bassoon of the Huntsville Symphony, and the encouragement of fellow musicians, she developed her skills and continues to grow as a player. Julia enjoys performing and listening to a wide range of music, including classical, classic rock, folk, and sounds from other cultures, and especially appreciates the works of Antonio Vivaldi. Originally from Oregon, Julia has lived in many places across the United States and abroad. She and her husband, Joe, have three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, along with a lively assortment of animals—including a donkey named Gidget. A veterinary microbiologist by training, she supports Morgan County Rescue Squad and Wild Alabama.

Pam grew up in Cullman in a family where music was an integral part of daily life. She began playing clarinet in fifth grade but set it aside after high school to pursue a nursing career while raising two sons with her husband, Pat. Fourteen years ago, following her retirement, she picked it up again after a 42-year intermission, joined the CCB, and has been playing ever since — bringing her total years on clarinet to 22. Pam enjoys many styles of music but is especially fond of Celtic-inspired cinematic compositions, which makes John Williams one of her favorite composers. She holds ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees, sings in her church choir, plays on the church instrumental team, and still finds excuses to tinker on the piano or aerophone at home just for fun. She especially enjoys spending time with her sons and grandchildren.

Ricky Burks has devoted much of his life to music, bringing 47 years of saxophone playing to the Cullman Community Band. He has performed with the band during multiple seasons since 2005 and is honored to be part of an ensemble that reflects lifelong learning and musical excellence. Ricky’s musical roots run deep. Inspired by a highly musical family, he learned to play mandolin at age four from his father and grandmother. He developed a lasting love for jazz and especially appreciates Hoagy Carmichael's music. A native of Holly Pond, Alabama, Ricky serves as Fine and Performing Arts Chair at Wallace State Community College, where he supports and encourages artistic growth in the community. He considers it a blessing to live where the arts are valued, and credits director Garry Taylor’s expertise for making each rehearsal feel like a workshop led by a master clinician.

Leanne Carter has played the flute for 40 years and has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for the past two years. Her love of music began in early childhood, inspired by her mother, a music major, and a family tradition of singing together in church. Leanne has participated in band since third grade and studied privately for many years. After leaving school, she continued performing in community bands and even played at Renaissance festivals. She especially enjoys Baroque music for its elegance and clarity. Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Leanne has lived in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. She is the mother of four children and remains active in her church, where she also volunteers at a local food pantry. Through both music and service, she values staying connected to her community.

Eric Casey has been playing trumpet for 52 years and has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for the past six years. His love of music began early under his mother's influence, a music teacher. He joined the band in fifth grade and continued performing through five years of college. Eric earned a Bachelor of Music Education and performed with the Decatur High School Band and the University of North Alabama Band. He enjoys upbeat, energetic music that energizes both performers and audiences. A lifelong North Alabama resident, Eric is married and the proud father of four children. His diverse career has included work as a children’s counselor, police officer, and amusement park manager. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and law enforcement certification. Eric is active in outreach ministry at Daystar Church and values opportunities to serve his community through both music and service.

Chris Culpepper has played the trumpet for 56 years, 3 with the Cullman Community Band. He became interested in music when his parents bought an RCA Stereophonic Sound HiFi in the 60's. It came with a classical music demo album, and he has been hooked ever since.  Chris is from Evansville, IN, and has lived in Huntsville, AL, Birmingham, AL, and Crane Hill, AL.  Chris is semi-retired from the insurance industry.

John Dahlke plays the euphonium in the Cullman Community Band, joining after returning from California to retire at Smith Lake in 2017. His band experience began in seventh grade in Good Hope’s first band, and after a long Naval career, he spent 14 years playing baritone in the Pomerado Community Band in San Diego. John served more than two decades in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service as a nuclear mechanic and Chief, living in Waukegan, IL; Orlando, FL; Saratoga Springs, NY; Vallejo, CA; and San Diego, CA. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for 15 years in Industrial Controls as a Systems Integrator. He enjoys computers, troubleshooting, and fishing. John approaches music with steady commitment despite modest music talent, and brings a dependable presence to every rehearsal and performance. Fun fact: In Navy Boot Camp, he played valve trombone in the Drum & Bugle Corps.

Echo Duckworth has played clarinet for 10 years and this is her first year in the Cullman Community Band. She has always loved music! Her first instrument was the cello at 9 years old, and then she began playing the clarinet in the 6th grade in Cullman's beginning band. Echo is from Huntsville and now lives in Cullman. She has a pet tarantula named Lazarus.

Bobby Erwin has played euphonium for 20+ years - 5 with the Cullman Community Band. When he was 5 years old, he began attending a children’s choir at his church every Saturday morning. Bobby grew up in Tarrant, AL, and has lived in Auburn, Guntersville, Oneonta, Trussville, and Cullman. Bobby has worked as a music teacher, music minister, middle/high school principal, and senior adult minister. His wife of 52 years is Sharon, and they have one daughter who lives in Germany with her family.

Melia Gladney has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for about a year and a half, sharing her love of music on the clarinet. Her musical journey began in middle school when she joined the band alongside her best friends. She also studied piano for four years, building a strong musical foundation. Melia performed with the Mortimer Jordan High School band and choir and later with the Wallace State Jazz Band. She enjoys listening to and performing jazz and classical music. Originally from Morris, Alabama, Melia works as an orthodontic assistant. She has one younger sister, two gray cats, and a dog. One of her favorite memories is marching her senior year while her sister twirled as a majorette—an experience she treasures. Melia enjoys making music with the community band and values the friendships and shared experiences it brings.

Christy Griffin plays clarinet and has been playing for 50 years, 10 years with the Cullman Community Band. Christy is originally from Cullman, lived in Belmont, MS, for 27 years, and has been back in Cullman for 10 years now. Christy worked as a music teacher at Belmont Schools for 25 years and at Arab for 10 years (part-time).  She has a husband Ronny (trumpet) ,a daughter Kaitlyn, and a grand dog Rosie.

Ronny Griffin has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for 10 years and brings over 50 years of experience on the trumpet. His passion for music began at a young age after watching a performance at an Arab High School football game, inspiring him to join the band. He studied at Snead State, Wallace State, and the University of North Alabama, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education.

Ronny has performed in jazz, concert, marching bands, and brass choirs, with a special love for big band jazz. He currently serves as an Assistant Band Director in Athens, Alabama. He and his wife, Christy, have a daughter, Kaitlyn, and Ronny has spent his career teaching and sharing his love of music across Alabama and Mississippi.

Patti Hancock has played flute for 58 years and has played with the Cullman Community Band since 2011. She was interested in music because her older siblings joined the band at East Elementary. Patti is from Cullman and is a retired history teacher at Guntersville Middle School. She has a son, Matt Bennett, a daughter-in-law, Danielle, and a grandson, Jaxson. She also plays in Cullman Community Band with fellow family members Pam, Neal, Melody, and Eli.

Sid Hearn has played trumpet for 41 - 3 years with the Cullman Community Band. He became interested in music when his mother played Motown and Elvis records from her high school days at home when he was a child. His grandparents took him to gospel "singings" from the time he was a baby. He thought it was the coolest thing ever that they were actually playing the music and not just a record! Sid is from Sheffield and Muscle Shoals. He taught in Indianapolis for 7 years and currently lives in Moulton, AL, where he is a high school band director. He has a daughter, Catherine, who plays the flute, and a son, Andrew, who plays the saxophone.

Holly Hirsbrunner has been part of the Cullman Community Band since its founding more than two decades ago and has played French horn for 27 years. Her musical beginnings started with piano lessons alongside her older sisters. In sixth-grade band tryouts, she demonstrated a natural ear for pitch, leading her director to place her on mellophone and later French horn. Holly played horn throughout her school years, earning Superior ratings in Solo and Ensemble festivals and placing second chair in a junior high district competition. She has remained musically active through church choirs and ladies ensembles and performs French horn in seasonal orchestras at Cullman First Baptist Church, where she also sings soprano in the Adult Choir. She especially enjoys classical, orchestral, organ, and band music, with Procession of the Nobles among her favorites. Holly and her husband, Dr. Don Hirsbrunner, have two children and six grandchildren. A longtime substitute teacher, Master Gardener, and former Girl Scout leader, she continues to enjoy growing as a horn player.

Barbara Johns has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for over 15 years and brings more than 20 years of musical experience. She plays tenor saxophone and has also performed on flute and French horn. Inspired by her older sisters, Barbara’s love of music began in childhood, and she played in the Hanceville band from 5th through 12th grade. She enjoys playing a variety of music, especially Irish tunes, and likes listening to 70s and 80s rock. Originally from Pensacola, Florida, Barbara moved here when her father retired from the Navy. She and her husband, Raymond, will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. They have two married children and a lively household that includes two grand-doggies and three grand-kitties. Barbara enjoys the outdoors, especially training and riding horses, and has volunteered extensively as a 4-H archery instructor and USA Archery competitor and instructor.

Catherine (Cathy) Johnson has played the alto saxophone for 20 years -12 years with the Cullman Community Band. Her older cousin talked her into joining the school band. Cathy is from Cullman and works as a Special Education Testing Clerk for Cullman County Schools. She has two daughters and a sweet grandbaby.

Cooper Johnson plays tuba and has been playing for 8 years - 4 with the Cullman Community Band. He was 7 when he started taking piano lessons and fell in love with music. Cooper is from Arab, AL, and has also lived in Jacksonville. Cooper works as a Cleaning Room Machine Wheelabrator Operator at Mueller Co. in Albertville and operates what’s called the Manipulator. He cleans and loads fire hydrants and large water pipes. He has 2 brothers, one older and one younger, and a girlfriend named Jenna Crandall.

Spencer Johnson has been making music for 37 years and enjoys sharing his sound on tuba with the Cullman Community Band, where he has played on and off for about five years. His musical journey began in fifth grade beginner band and grew into a lifelong passion. Spencer attended Sylvania High School and studied Instrumental Music Education at the University of North Alabama. Over the years, he has performed with groups including the Scottsboro Community Band and the Northeast Community College Jazz Band. Jazz remains his favorite style to play and listen to. Originally from Rainsville, Alabama, Spencer has lived in several North Alabama communities and one year in Tennessee before settling in Scottsboro. After retiring from teaching as a band director, he now works part-time at Chick-fil-A and serves as a substitute teacher. He attends Roundtop Community Church in Falkville and enjoys staying active in his community through music and service.

Bryan Kreps has devoted 48 years to making music and has been a member of the Cullman Community Band on and off since its founding. He began band in sixth grade on trumpet, then switched to tuba and electric bass in high school, instruments he continues to enjoy today. Bryan earned an associate degree in music education from Wallace State Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Montevallo. He performed with the Hanceville Band, Wallace State Jazz Band, and the University of Montevallo Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, and has played electric bass for church programs, vocal groups, community theater pit orchestras, and jazz combos. He enjoys jazz and classic rock. A Cullman County native, Bryan is a retired band director who taught for 30 years in Alabama and Tennessee. He now works in his family’s concrete business. He has three children and two granddaughters and remains grateful for a life shaped by music and teaching.

Mary Jo Lakin has shared her love of music with the Cullman Community Band since its founding, bringing 60 years of trumpet playing experience to the ensemble. She has also played in the percussion section. She began her musical journey with piano lessons in third grade. Mary Jo earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from Auburn University and devoted her career to teaching as a middle and high school band director, elementary music teacher, and secretary. In addition to performing, Mary Jo serves as organist at her church and enjoys listening to soft rock, jazz, and show tunes from her high school years. One of her favorite pieces is Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise. Originally from Hanceville, she has lived in Atlanta, Houston, and Huntsville before returning home. She volunteers at the North Alabama Agriplex and Sacred Heart School and assists with administrative work at her church. Her husband, Richard, was also a band member before illness made participation difficult.

Johna Lawrence has enjoyed a lifelong love of music, bringing 46 years of French horn experience to the Cullman Community Band, where she has been a member since January 2022. She also plays upright bass, a skill she first explored in high school under the direction of Tommy Goff. Johna began piano in third grade and violin in fifth grade before discovering the French horn in sixth grade. She later studied privately with Dr. Randall Faust at Auburn University and performed in school ensembles, college groups at the University of Evansville, and church orchestras. Today, she plays weekly on her church’s praise team. She enjoys big band and swing as well as powerful orchestral works like the 1812 Overture. A Navy brat who lived across the U.S., Johna considers Alabama home. She is the proud mother of four grown children and “Marmee” to soon-to-be four grandchildren. She works as a Sales Account Manager for Demme Learning and serves on the US Board of Haiti's Eden, actively serves her church, and is a volunteer teacher at a local homeschool community.

Holly Leeth has been playing bassoon for 22 years and has been a valued member of the Cullman Community Band for about seven years. Growing up in a musical family, she sang in the choir, took piano lessons, and began band on the clarinet before discovering her love for the bassoon. Holly earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Tennessee Tech University and a Master of Music in Music Education from Anderson University. She has performed in numerous ensembles, including school and honor bands, the university marching band, the wind ensemble, the orchestra, the chorale, the woodwind quintet, and the jazz band. She especially enjoys Baroque and Renaissance bassoon music and early 20th-century band works such as Percy Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy. Originally from Columbia, Tennessee, Holly now lives in Cullman with her husband, Colby, their young son, and their dog, Ava. She teaches elementary music in Cullman City Schools and supports the Friends of the Public Libraries. 

Maeghan Long has played trumpet for 11 years - 3 with the Cullman Community Band. Her dad was a band director so she grew up around music. It was always a part of her life. Maeghan is from Cullman and works as a Local Reading Specialist at Cullman City Primary School. She is married to Stephen, and they have two daughters, Ellie Mae and Gracie, and a Boston Terrier named Bucky.

Peyton McGraw has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for five years and brings 14 years of experience as a bass guitarist, with bassoon as a secondary instrument. His passion for music began early, sparked by listening to Linkin Park as a child and later encouraged by his father, a professional musician, who challenged him to learn bass on his own. That challenge turned into a lifelong pursuit.

A graduate of Cullman High School and Wallace State Community College, Peyton has performed with the Cullman High School Jazz Band and various local music groups. He enjoys a wide range of styles, including progressive metal, jazz, classical, and electronic music, and admires composer Tigran Hamasyan for his innovative blend of genres. Peyton, a Hanceville native, works in machining, artisan crafts, and independent music production. He also supports Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity and believes strongly in the importance of music and the arts in building a healthy, vibrant community.

Neal McLeod plays trombone and has been playing for 48 years, 9 years with the Cullman Community Band. He first became interested in music as a young child listening to his father’s records. Neal is from Calhoun, Georgia, and has lived in North Georgia, Pensacola, Florida, and Cullman, Alabama. Neal was a high school band director for 26 years and currently owns Kernel Kullman Gourmet Popcorn Shop. He is married to Holly Hancock McLeod, and they have two adult daughters, both married, and one granddaughter.

Karen McReath has had a love for music since she joined beginner band in 5th grade. She enjoys playing the piano, guitar, and trumpet. Karen is a proud mother of five children, grandmother to ten grandchildren, and great-grandmother to one great-grandson. With 34 years of teaching experience, Karen is currently inspiring young minds at Cold Springs Elementary, where she teaches in the STREAM Lab. Outside the classroom, Karen is adventurous and energetic. She loves hiking, biking, playing pickleball, and visiting Disney for a little extra magic in her life.

Stacey Mixon plays flute and has been playing for 54 years, 5 years with the Cullman Community Band. Stacey is an Air Force brat and has lived at Goose Air Force Base, Newfoundland; various NY locations; Willingboro, NJ; Wheaton, Maryland; Opelika, AL; Huntsville, AL; Madison, AL; and Bremen, AL. Stacey is a former stay-at-home mom, teacher, and principal logistics analyst. She and her husband, Kyle, are blessed with four living children, a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren… so far!

Tyler Newman has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for 12 years and has played trumpet for two decades. His interest in music began early, as his grandfather taught him and his family to play the piano while they were growing up. Tyler continued developing his musical skills through the Cullman High School band program, where he performed in the marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. These experiences helped shape his appreciation for ensemble performance and the camaraderie that comes with making music together. A lifelong Cullman resident, Tyler now works as a therapist. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn University and later completed a master’s degree in social work at Samford University. Tyler enjoys being part of the Cullman Community Band and values the opportunity to stay connected to music and his community through performance.

Audrey Parker plays clarinet and has been playing for 52 years, 5-10 years with the Cullman Community Band. Music has always been a part of her life. Audrey is from Cullman and is a teacher. She is married to Jim Parker, and they have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grand-kitties.

Kendall Peterson has been playing the clarinet for 26 years. She enjoys classical music.

Brittany Phillips plays clarinet and has been playing for 15 years, 1 year with the Cullman Community Band. Her mother played the same clarinet she plays today. Her father was in a rock band, and music has been a part of her life since she was a child. She began playing the clarinet in 4th grade! Brittany is originally from Ohio but has lived in several places! She has been in Alabama for 2 years and loves living in the south! She has recently gotten married and has 2 beautiful boys who call her Mama! 

Heath Plunkett plays trombone and has been playing for 34 years (with a few gaps in the last 25 years!). He has played for 4 years with the Cullman Community Band. Heath is from Alabama, born and raised, with one brief stint in Arkansas, where he learned that home is a pretty good place to be! Heath works as a Software Systems Engineer. He has been married to his lovely bride, Ann, since 2003. They have two children, both talented musicians.

Kim Roberson has played clarinet for 40 years, 10 of those years with the Cullman Community Band. She has loved music since childhood. She was a charter member of the Vinemont band. She joined in the 5th grade, when Vinemont School was seeking members for its first band. She has loved it ever since. "I was so happy to hear about the Cullman Community Band so I could play my instrument again and perform at events. It is wonderful to be a part of this special group." Kim was born and raised in Cullman. However, her husband served in the Navy for 21 years, and they lived in Norfolk, VA; Pensacola, FL; and Jacksonville, FL. Kim works as an accountant in finance at Decatur Morgan Hospital. She and her husband have been married for over 45 years and have 3 wonderful children and 7 wonderful grandchildren. They also love animals. They currently have 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 7 pygmy goats. Their grands like to call it their mini farm.

Angela Schuler has been a faithful member of the Cullman Community Band since its inception, proudly playing euphonium and contributing to the ensemble’s rich sound. Angela’s musical journey took an unexpected path. In fifth grade, she eagerly signed up for beginner band as a drummer—but due to a mix-up, she was never called out for instruction and believed she had missed her chance to play an instrument. Years later, in high school, a school-owned euphonium became available, and she began teaching herself during study hall. What started as an opportunity quickly became a lasting passion. Since then, Angela has enjoyed making music and being part of a community of musicians. Her story is one of perseverance and rediscovery—proof that it’s never too late to find your musical voice.

Connie Sharpe plays the clarinet and has been with the Cullman Community Band for 3 1/2 years. She has lived in Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama and has worked in Human Resources.

Randy Sharpe has played the trumpet for 50+ years, including 3 years with the Cullman Community Band. The 6th-grade band was his first formal music instruction. Randy is originally from Bristol, TN, lived in Texas during his seminary years, and has been in AL for over 35 years. He is retired from full-time church music ministry and is currently a freelance composer/arranger.  He occasionally fills in for area worship leaders. He's been married to his beautiful wife, Connie, for 47 years, and they have 2 sons, 5 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Emily Smith has played the clarinet for 18 years, 3 with the Cullman Community Band. She has always enjoyed music, well before she joined her school's beginning band in 6th grade. She and her best friend at the time agreed they wanted to try playing the clarinet together. Her friend never ended up joining the band, but the rest is history on Emily's end! Emily is from New Hope, Alabama, lived in Tuscaloosa, and is currently living in Cullman. She works as a 3rd-grade elementary school teacher at Falkville Elementary School.

Jackson Smith has played the saxophone for 12 years, 1 with the Cullman Community Band. He started music by playing piano when he was young, and then fell in love with the band when he joined in 6th grade. Jackson is from Guntersville, AL, and is the Band Director at Hayden Middle School.

Cole Smith has played the tuba for 8 years and is currently playing trombone with the Cullman Community Band. He became interested in music when his high school band came to perform for his 5th grade class. Cole is from Arab and currently works at a supermarket as an office clerk. He lives with his parents, and they have a dog and a cat.

Dan Stevens has played the trombone for 58 years, 10 with the Cullman Community Band. Dan was born in Fairhope, AL, finished high school in Lucedale, MS, college at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and lived in Birmingham, AL, Houston, TX, Columbia, SC, and Cullman. Dan currently works as a Medicare Insurance Agent and is married to his wife, Becky. They have five children and seven grandchildren.

Jennie Stone is a percussionist with the Cullman Community Band, where she has played for the past three years. With 16 years of musical experience, her love of music began early, inspired by her mother, a folk musician, and many childhood jam sessions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville State University and a master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Alabama, with primary studies in piano and secondary in percussion.

Jennie has performed with groups including the JSU Marching Southerners, JSU Steel Band, Gadsden Symphony Orchestra, and Music City Mystique. She enjoys folk, indie rock, and chamber percussion, and is especially fond of “Montezuma” by Fleet Foxes. She currently serves as a music lab instructor at Wallace State Community College and performs with The Whole Backstage Theatre pit orchestra. Jennie lives in Blount County with her husband, Wes, along with a flock of chickens and several cats.

Anthony “Tony” Teem is in his first year with the Cullman Community Band and brings 25 years of experience on the tenor saxophone. His musical journey began in elementary school—originally as a way to get out of class—and grew into a lasting passion. He performed with the Cullman High School Band and Jazz Band and continued his studies at the University of Montevallo and Middle Tennessee State University. He also spent three years playing with the Troy, Alabama, Community Band.

A Cullman native, Tony now lives in Fultondale, Alabama, and works as a Senior Software Engineer. He holds a degree in Management Information Systems from Jacksonville State University and enjoys continuing his connection to music through community band performance.

Lavell Thrasher has been playing tuba for 67 years and has played with the Cullman Community Band since its inception in 2005. He became interested in music when he saw the CHS band leading the Fair Parade. Lavell is from the Strawberry Community (About 7 miles south of Arab). He worked as a middle school band director and is a retired community college president. He is married to Kathy Thrasher.

Paige Thurman has been playing the flute for 24 years, 13 of them with the Cullman Community Band. She had 6th grade band with Mrs. Bean, followed by high school band with Mr. Taylor and Mr. Smith. Paige is a teacher and is married to Justin Thurman. They have two daughters, Kloe and Lucy.

John “Luke” Townsend has been a member of the Cullman Community Band for four years and has played trumpet for 17 years, with piano as a secondary instrument. He studied at Snead State Community College and Jacksonville State University and performed with several ensembles, including the Arab High School Jazz Band, Snead State Jazz Band, Jacksonville State Jazz Band, and the Marching Southerners. 

Luke enjoys playing and listening to Southern gospel, classical, and jazz music, and counts composer John Williams among his favorites. He is also active in his community and attends Warrior Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

Sara Tyree has been playing the flute for over 40 years and has been with the Cullman Community Band since it began in 2005. She became interested in music at an early age and has always loved music.

Melody Westmoreland has played clarinet for 20 years, 7 with the Cullman Community Band. She came from a musical family, so it has always been a large part of her life. Her father was a high school band director and played in the church orchestra, and her mother was very involved in the church’s choral group and often sang solos for services and concerts. She also founded and performed in a trio that appeared in services and programs, and even gave their own concerts. Melody is from Gulf Breeze, FL. She works as store manager for Kernel Kullman. She is married to her loving husband Dalton, and they have one daughter, Nora.

Rick Whitmire has played trumpet for 53 years and has played with the Cullman Community Band since it began in 2005. In 1972, Rick, along with his mom, dad, and brother Sam, moved to Hanceville from South Louisiana. He went to a Hanceville High School football game, witnessed his first “live” halftime show, and saw Michael Stricklin surrounded by the Hanceville majorettes as he played a trumpet solo. They all kissed him when he finished. The following Monday, Rick joined the band. Naturally, he chose the trumpet. In 1981, as a member of the University of North Alabama Band, The Pride, he was selected as a soloist on A New York Fantasy - a full circle moment from that first high school game. A tear came to his eye as the UNA Color Guard surrounded him, shuffling their flags at his feet as he played. It wasn’t a complete full circle moment, however…there were no kisses! Rick is from New Iberia, LA, and has lived in Hanceville, Tuscaloosa, Florence, Dora, Haleyville, Russellville, Vinemont, and finally, Cullman. Rick worked as a high school band director for 38 years. He is married to his wife, Draima, has children Aneesa Stallings, Maeghan Long, Allen Schiehl, and Todd Schiehl, and grandchildren Marlee, Ellie, Bennett, Oliver, Gracie, and Lucy. No pets…

Sandra (Sandi) Wilson has played trombone for 55 years. She joined the Cullman Community Band in 2019. She has lived in Blountsville, AL; Jacksonville, AL; Columbus, MS; Columbia, MS; Columbia, TN; and Cullman, AL. Sandi retired after serving as a school music specialist for 42 years, PK-7 grades. She is married to Robert Wilson.  They have four children and four grandchildren. One daughter, Holly Leeth, is a bassoonist in the Cullman Community Band and the music teacher at East/West Elementary in Cullman.