About the Band
Some of us played instruments in school. Others took up an instrument as adults and are playing in a group setting for the first time. Some of us are still in school and just want more opportunities to perform. We come from all walks of life with all levels of skills, and we have diverse musical backgrounds in jazz, classical, rock, and any other type of music you can imagine. We are your friends, neighbors, bosses, employees, parents and children. What brings us together is that we all want the same thing -- the opportunity to make our community a better place in which to live by providing two things:
- A place where musicians can join together to perform music as a group.
- Community cultural enrichment and musical enjoyment through public performance.
Meet the Board and the Directors
Jeff Payne - President
Jeff Payne, a clarinetist and bass clarinet player, has been a vital asset to the Lynnwood Community Band since his invitation to join in 2006. His musical journey ignited in 5th grade, sparked by "The Benny Goodman Story," a cinematic masterpiece that kindled his lifelong love for music. From high school harmonies to his current role as President of the band for the last few years after joining the board back in 2008, Jeff's dedication to music knows no bounds.
With a penchant for diverse musical genres, Jeff's life is an ode to melodies. While his heart resonates deeply with the commemorative piece "American Elegy," honoring the Columbine school shooting victims, he revels in the liveliness of big band compositions. Beyond the musical realm, Jeff finds solace in woodworking, crafting pieces that resonate with the same artistry he brings to his music. A connoisseur of symphonic endeavors, Jeff Payne continues to compose the score of his life with unwavering passion and skill.
Robert Evers - Vice President
I started playing in the band as a trumpet player around 8 years ago when I was introduced to playing by my previous director and tutor. My history with music has been vast, starting in elementry school I had a choice to play either an instrument or sing in the choir and I decided to play an instrument. Following that I played in both middle school and a year and a half in high school before I took a break from playing in school but didn't stop playing tho. While in high school, I had the honor and privilege to play with a professional jazz band in the area, called "Northwest Gospel Jazz Band" which was directed by Brian Behrle.
My passion for music comes from the wide range of music I listen to and play. In regards to what I like to perform, I would lean towards movie themes or movie medleys but I will always like to listen and play jazz music because of my history with jazz music with the bands I played in as well as my private instructors I have had in my music career, thank you to Brian Behrle and Patrick West. When I am not playing music, my free time is used to manage the bands website, youtube channel and helping with the library of music.
Kylie Rebich Crowley - Treasurer & Jazz Band Director
I was introduced to the Lynnwood Community Band when I was in high school, Archbishop Murphy, played a joint concert and after I graduated from college in 2015 I joined the band where I currently play clarinet in concert band and tenor sax in jazz band. I have also played alto and tenor in both bands. My history with music is that I started playing clarinet in 5th grade and moved to playing saxophone after I broke my thumb which I played ever since. Through high school, I played in several state bands and solo competitions while tossing in musicals as well. In college, I played in the marching band and concert band at the University of Montana.
With the number of bands I have played and currently playing in, I enjoyed Machu Picchu - City in the Sky by Satoshi Yagisawa when I played this in the state band in high school. In regards to my favorite piece or pieces within the Lynnwood Community Band, I would select the John Williams pieces, which included Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman March that we played back in our June 2022. Now when I am not practicing and rehearsing music with the groups I am in, you can find me going on hikes, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and going to Kraken games.
Natasha Close - Secretary
I have been playing in community orchestras for several years, but I started to feel ready to return to the band setting and play with a group that music was written for my choosen instrument and a little less serious. With that criteria I found the Lynnwood Community Band website and rest is history. I play clarinet in the concert band and piano in the jazz band. My introduction to music started in 1st grade when I was given a violin for Christmas. After my well received performance of Twinkle, Twinkly Little Start at my school talent show, I switched to piano. In middle school, I added clarinet, alto saxophone and flute to my instrument repertoire.
Through the many years of playing music in school band, college and various community bands and orchestras, I really enjoy playing many pieces with an upbeat tempo or has a good melody. When I am not playing music, I love to drag my family on adventures. Those adventures include anything that has mountains, water or animals involved.
Brent Walker - Board Member
Andrew Whitehouse - Board Member
Andrew Whitehouse joined the band in 2016 at the invitation of his friend and fellow board member, Kylie Rebich. Since then, Andrew has been a dedicated member of the percussion section and has since taken on leadership responsibilities as the percussion section lead. His passion for music began in seventh grade when he started playing the drums. Over the years, Andrew has been involved in a wide range of musical pieces, with some of his favorites including "Typewriter," "Symphonic Dances" (also known as Fiddler on the Roof), and "Celtic Carol."
In addition to his musical pursuits, Andrew is a hobbyist outside of the band. He enjoys brewing mead and is the Dungeon Master for a long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign with his friends. As a board member and percussion section lead, Andrew continues to contribute to the band's success and community, bringing both his musical talent and leadership skills to the forefront.
Meryl Phillips - Board Member
Meryl's musical roots trace back to a "gold" metal clarinet in the 5th grade, evolving into a wood Conn clarinet in the 7th grade, and a cherished tenor sax purchased from their uncle in the 8th grade. High school saw dual-playing in the band and stage band, setting the stage for involvement in the "All County Stage Band" during 10th grade. Post-Monroe High School graduation in 1965, the journey took Meryl to WSU, the Army, and back to WSU before marrying Bonnie Ollgaard in 1969. Dedication to education led through EVCC and WWU, culminating in a BA in education with a major in music and a minor in history. The career included teaching in the Everett School District, later pivoting to private lessons, performing in various bands, directing a church choir, and now singing in the Advent Church Choir. Today, Meryl's love for music persists, complemented by cherished family time and the joys of playing instruments and engaging with the broader musical community.
After a rewarding career in the forest product industry, Meryl faced a pivotal moment in 2010 when I retired, contemplating a return to teaching as a band director despite the doubts by my wife and retired music friends about me returning to teaching. With the encouragement of Jeff Payne and Chris Davis joining the Lynnwood Community Band my wife and retired music teacher friends were very happy and relieved with the decision to join the band. The musical journey rekindled with the clarinet and tenor saxophone in the newly formed jazz band. Sadly, in 2015, Meryl's wife's illness required full attention, leading to a hiatus. Rejoining the band in 2022 after a six-year break returning to my passion for music has been a grateful opportunity, Meryl now serves on the board and the music selection committee, savoring the joy of making music once more.
Band Directors
Chris Davis - Concert Band Conductor
For over two decades, Christopher "Chris" Davis has wielded his baton with finesse, orchestrating symphonies of harmony and emotion that have left an indelible mark on the music scene across the Puget Sound. From the resonant depths of the tuba to the versatile tones of the trombone, Davis's instrumental journey began early, carving a path that would lead him to become a dynamic force in the realm of conducting.
Having honed his craft at Western Washington University, Davis's artistry blossomed as he embarked on a dual role with the Shoreline Community Band, both conducting and skillfully performing on the tuba. His adeptness in weaving intricate musical narratives, guided by his graceful gestures and heartfelt expressions, brought musicians together in perfect synchrony, while resonating deeply with audiences. Chris Davis's legacy stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to music, a harmonious journey that has enriched the lives of countless individuals.
Bob Miyamoto - Concert Band Assistant Conductor
I started playing with this band after I heard them playing at the Mukilteo Light House Festival over a decade ago and thought the group sounded wonderful and were having fun playing music, so I decided to drop into rehearsal and rest is history. I currently play the trumpet in the concert band, which I am the assistant conductor for, although I have played Euphonium for two years when I first joined since there were enough trumpets to go around. I have also played the french horn in concert band as well. Also, I have played trombone and bass guitar in the Jazz Band, which I am also the director of that Band.
My history with music is quite long so here is the short version. Before I started playing with this band I was playing for other local community bands, such as "Around the Sound" in Shoreline and before that North Seattle Community College night band. It all started when I played my next door neighbor's bugle in Cub Scounts and the trumpet came along in 4th grade. I played through out High School, where I led the pep band, into college at University of California Irvine, in both Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. Along with playing in this group, I am also apart of an informal jazz group called "Delinquents" and the Edmonds Senior Orchestra, known as the "Senior Swingers".
Band Volunters
Jim Glass - Social Networking/Communications
I joined the band six years ago after my wife, Suzy, and myself were looking for a new environment to play music that had a top tier director, a jazz band and doesn't rehearse to the wee hours of night. When I first joined the band there was only two saxes in the section but has grown to a healthy and populated section. I played music through college then took a 25 year hiatus from music but returned back in 2000. Since my return, I became the chief admin for the "Sax on the Web" forum and was a co-founder of the Woodwind Forum. I also manage the Seattle Solid GOLD big band, sax quartet and play in a rock band.
In my music career, I have played soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass sax. Which instrument I have played is based on the needs of the band and section. In regards to my position within the board and band, I am the communication person that monitors the email account, manage the LCB Family and Friends Facebook page, and seek out supporters and funding for the band. I enjoy playing all types of charts and can't nail it down to one but there was one piece that we played, Frank Tichelli's "An American Elegy", which created a magical feeling within the band. Outside of music I enjoy raising backyard chickens, care for a dog and a cat but mainly music is a main stead in my life and the wonders it brings me everyday.
In Memory Of
Judy Rasmussen
I started playing the flute with this band about 12 years ago. I current support the band with monitoring and communicating between the band and the board members with the assistance of Jim Glass. I got into music about 54 years ago, when I graduated from high school it was hard for me to continue due to no place for me to play my instrument. Several years later, I was approached by Dale Light which brought me to play with the Lynnwood Community Band and I am grateful the opportunity was given to me to continue to play my passion.
I enjoy playing most everything that we have within our music library but if I had to choose one it would be when we play show tunes and of course when we bring out the holiday pieces. In my spare time, I enjoy going for drives until those gas prices go sky high then I have learned to like doing laundry and housework.