Active Player Biographies

  Kole Wentling  is a mean lean instrumental machine! Kole is a graduate of Mercyhurst University with a BM in Music Education, with a clarinet/trombone concentration. He is well known around the area, playing in several local bands on various instruments. These groups include the Gem City Jazz Ensemble, Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra, Swing Syndicate, and The iSh. Additionally, Kole is the winner of the 2024 Mercyhurst University Concerto/Aria Competition, performing Carl Maria Von Weber's Concertino in Eb Major for Clarinet. 

 In teaching, Kole currently serves as a private instrumental band teacher at World of Music, successfully holding a studio of over 26 students seen weekly. For students pursuing post secondary education in the field of music, Kole currently hold a 100% acceptance rate for all students who have come through his program.  Kole also currently works as the guitar/piano and advanced vocal teacher at Collegiate Academy in Erie Pennsylvania, and as the assistant band director of the Iroquois Marching braves, completing his first season with the band in 2025. Recently, Kole was accepted as an official artist of Clarinets by Copeland. 

 With a dedication to the craft, Kole has helped guide Swing Syndicate into a period of impressive musicians, with enjoyable music filled with professionalism and opportunities to grow as a group. He is committed to making this ensemble an enjoyable experience for all who participate. 

Larson Foltz is a local drummer, teacher, and employee of Erie's own World of Music. They studied in Music Education as an undergrad before ultimately dropping the degree to pursue their passion for music performance. They have been a generalized percussionist for over 15 years and now currently teaches at World of Music. 

When outside of work, Larson actively contributes to the music scene in Erie, performing in a number of groups with various genres. Larson's highest skill is their adaptability to jazz drumming, requiring attentive ears and quick flexibility. 

Larson, along with Kole, started Swing Syndicate in hopes that this would be an opportunity to learn and grow as a group, with the intent to bring the style back to a city full of cover and rock bands; additionally, getting to enjoy the fun of playing jazz with friends. 

Carmen Stewart (shey/they), is a 2025 graduate from Mercyhurst University with a BM in Music composition. She primarily focuses on the bassoon and piano as her instrumentation, but occasionally plays the alto clarinet. 

Carmen studied under Dr. Albert Glinsky to develop her compositional style. She has been writing music for over 8 years, including chamber music and solo accompanied works. Her approach to music is one of story and emotion, often using her own experiences as a vector to bring out the most in her compositions and performances. "Vindication," a piece written for jazz combo, is one of Swing Syndicate's first original works, written by Carmen herself. 

 In 2021, Carmen was a recipient for the 2021 PMEA Composition contest, and in 2025, received the Presidential Arts Award at Mercyhurst University. She is also a member of the Tri-Alpha Honors Society. 

Katelyn Kruszewski is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s in Communications with minors in Theatre Arts and Music as well as a certificate in Broadcasting Arts. As a cross-registered music student at Carnegie Mellon University she sang lead soprano of the CMU Jive Jazz choir with private vocal and piano while serving as the Social Chair of Pitt M.U.S.I.C. club. Katelyn is trained in classical/pop piano, jazz/pop/musical theatre voice, guitar, and some violin.

Katelyn taught voice and piano at Accurate performance where she led workshops on singing and unlocking your confidence. She is currently the vocalist of Swing Syndicate and a regular cantor at St. Patrick’s as well as a substitute cantor throughout the diocese. Katelyn recently graduated with her MS in Communications Media Management from Syracuse University. She is the Marketing & Development Coordinator of the Erie Cancer Wellness Center where she is an advocate for nonprofit work and expressing yourself creatively. In her spare time she is learning how to play the bass!

Kyle Forbes is an Erie native, and multi-instrumentalist. Kyle started playing drums at the age of 8, later taking on guitar and bass at 15.  Since actively gigging, he has performed with greats such as Zakk Wylde, Molly Hatchet, Rick Derringer, The Outlaws, Foghat, and the Marshall Tucker Band.  He's previously served under the Erie Thunderbirds drum core, as well as the former drumline advisor for Fort LeBeouf School district marching band. 

 As an active musician, Kyle has performed in over 15 states in the United States, and is known across almost every bar in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Although recently becoming a core member of Swing Syndicate, Kyle also frequently plays bass with another local group, Hyde and Seek. He is sure to knock your socks off! 

Charles (Charlie) Meyer is a legend on the keys, and an afficionado on the trumpet! After taking classical piano for 8 years, Charlie hit the road and became a traveling and gigging musician for over 20 years, before settling down and teaching here in Erie. Charlie not only teaches at World of Music, but teaches his own private studio, traveling to students to teach them his love for piano. 

Charlie is involved in several bands in the area, including Swing Syndicate and Eric Brewer and Friends to name a few. Additionally, Charlie dedicates his own time to writing his own music, and is in the process of producing his own album. 

While not playing, Charlie loves to spend time at home with his wife and children, and spending time with the friends he's made along his journey. 

Recently new member, Bio Coming soon

Recently new Member, Bio Coming Soon