Earl Gaar, MD - Music Director and First Trumpet
Earl graduated from Boston University where he was a trumpet student of Roger Voisin and attended Tanglewood for 5 summers. Earl also studied trumpet with Leon Rapier and conducting with Robert Whitney. Earl is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and is Chief of Surgery at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Earl is an original member of the Top Brass Quintet.
Jeff Staten - Second Trumpet
Jeff is a graduate of Morehead State University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education, and Masters of Arts in Education. Jeff is a member of the Master's Mens Choir and instrumental nmusic programs at Soutgheast Christian Church. During the week, Jeff is a pharmaceutical representative for Bristol Meyers-Squibb. Jeff is an original member of the Top Brass Quintet.
Lynn Steeves - Horn
Lynn earned her Bachelors in Horn Performance from the University of Kentucky, Masters from Florida State University and Doctorate in Horn from Stony Brook University. Dr. Steeves has performed with Tallahassee and Jacksonville Symphony Orchestras, Long Island Concert Pops and several Music Festivals. Lynn teaches piano and theory at Indiana Southeast University.
Chris Fortner - Trombone
Chris attended the University of Louisville and a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, and has been been a student of legendary jazz composer/arranger John LaBarbera. Chris has toured the world with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Chris is a freelance musician and performs with the Broadway Series and several jazz ensembles.
John Gutermuth - Tuba and Business Manager
John graduated from the University of Louisville and was the first brass player to attend Tanglewood form Louisville. John earned his Masters Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He performs with the Rascals of Ragtyme and teaches low brass. John is District Claim Manager for Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance.
