Members of the
SHADES OF BLUE
who performed at New Trier High School

Commander – Lieutenant Colonel Steven Grimo Bristol, RI

Band Manager – CMSgt David Rogers Tallahassee, FL

Band Superintendent - SMSgt Sharon Johnson Sidney, IA

Noncommissioned Officer in Charge/Musical Director –
MSgt Mark Hansen Newport News, VA

Concert/Tour Manager – SSgt Rick Thorp Lombard, IL 

SAXOPHONES

MSgt Mark Hansen, Tenor, Newport News, VA
TSgt (retired) Mike Findlay, Alto, Ingleside, IL *   
SSgt Josh Fedele, Alto, Louisville, KY
A1C Jeremy Nee, Bari, Middletown, MD
A1C Frank Clayton, Tenor, Bartlett, IL        

TROMBONES

SSgt Rick Thorp, Lombard, IL
SrA Michael Hornbuckle, Huntington, WV
A1C Erik Dahlgren, Duluth, MN
A1C David Horger, Dearborn, MI 

TRUMPETS

MSgt Paul DeMerath, Marinette, WI
TSgt George Pierce, Haverhill, MA
SrA Scott Dooley, Hawkins, TX
SrA Kale Rodabough, Woods Cross, UT 

RHYTHM

SMSgt (retired) Ronald “Butch” Gray, Piano, South Bend, IN *
A1C Jeremy Pfeffer, Bass, Algona, IA
A1C Scott Drewes, Drums, Philadelphia, PA 

VOCALIST
 PTSgt Steve Thulon, Sacramento, CA 

AUDIO ENGINEER
Doug Antes, O’Fallon, IL * 

* Denotes guest musician

The Air Force Band of Mid-America appears through the courtesy of: 
General John W. Handy, Commander
Air Mobility Command
402 Scott Drive Rm 132
Scott Air Force Base, IL 62225-5363 

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 18 musicians whose repertoire ranges from traditional big band and swing to modern jazz. They have backed jazz greats such as Tex Benecke, Denis DiBlasio, Jamey Aebersold, Mike Smith, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizzutti, Jeff Jarvis, Mike Vax, Vaughn Nark, Bill Porter, Carmen Bradford, Shirley Chauvin, Joe Morello, Steve Houghton, and Walt Levinsky. The ensemble is often requested for featured performances at jazz clinics and festivals. They also pay frequent tribute to the Air Force's musical heritage, and have collaborated with actor Wilford Brimley on a highly-acclaimed salute to Major Glenn Miller.

The Shades of Blue repertoire ranges from traditional big band jazz, to bebop and swing, to modern jazz-rock. At one of their concerts, you are just as likely to hear the music of Rob McConnell or Bob Mintzer as you would the classic sounds of Count Basie or Glenn Miller. Several of the band's members are also gifted composers and arrangers, and their compositions are often featured in concert.

Hear the SHADES OF BLUE (MP3 Files)
Selection 1
Selection 2