Ted Hale, trombone

Ted earned a Doctorate in Music from Indiana University in1997. His professional performing career includes tours with Bob Hope, the Spinners, Dionne Warwick, Disney on Ice, Jim Nabors and many others. He has toured, recorded and performed with Top Brass, the Lone Star Brass, Big Spring Symphony, and the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, (also serving as General Manager). Currently, he is principal trombonist with the Southwest Symphony and also performs with the Tempe Symphony Orchestra.

Gabriel Sears, tuba

Gabriel has been involved with music for much of his life. At 17, he won the thirteenth annual United States’ Air Force Band’s Colonel George S. Howard Young Artist Competition. Also at 17, he was a finalist in the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference’s Young Artist Competition. Currently, Gabriel is attending Arizona State University where he studies with Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian. This past summer, he placed second in the prestigious Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival’s Tuba Artist Competition, the youngest winner by several years. Gabriel is also boss on the bass trombone and guitar. When he’s not playing all these instruments, he enjoys composing. Gabriel will one day become a professional tuba player and spread his love of music and the tuba around the world.

Stacey D’Abate, horn

Stacey has been a member of the Tempe Symphony Orchestra for 18 years. She studied Horn under Ralph Lockwood at Arizona State University. She has worked with Jim Blake from the Phoenix Symphony, Dale Clevenger, principle horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and John Cerminaro, principle horn for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Stacey’s performing experience includes playing in the pit orchestra for Barry Manilow, Phoenix Theatre and for Pope John Paul II during his visit to the United States.

Ken Johnston, trumpet

Ken Johnston is in his third year of studies at Arizona State University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in jazz performance. Ken has studied with Mike Crotty, Michael Kocour, and Dennis Monce. He performs as soloist with the ASU Concert Jazz Band, and can be heard playing around Phoenix with his jazz combo. Ken also studies piano, among other instruments.

Kyle Anderson, trumpet

Kyle is currently pursuing his bachelor of music degree in trumpet performance at Arizona State University where he studies with David Hickman. Kyle has performed with many outstanding groups including the Salt River Brass Band, the Lyrus Brass Quintet and Summit Brass. In addition to his trumpet work, Kyle plays washboard for the Dixie Devils, a traditional jazz group from ASU.