I started playing in 7th grade in Elwood, Indiana, where I started out on the tuba. I switched to the baritone and have stayed with it ever since. I loved band from the start and spent my study halls and lunch breaks in the band room!My music and instrumental inspiration came to my high school when I was going into my freshman year. He was an Italian fellow by the name of Frank Parente. He had toured with Chubby Checker playing alto sax, and he brought a fresh perspective to our band. He started the Wendell Wilkie High School Groov band and I became one of the first members. I was still playing baritone and he loaned me his valve trombone so I could play in the trombone section. The Groov Band was a traditional swing band with 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 tenor saxes, 2 alto saxes, 1 bari sax, piano, bass, guitar, and drums. We played mostly big band swing numbers from such bands as Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Stan Kenton.
Through this band I was able to participate in a 2 week playing tour of Europe including England, Belgium, Holland, and France. We were also chosen to play for DePauw University's prom and we cut our own record. This was an exciting time for a high school band!
After graduating high school in 1974, I didn't have any avenue for playing other than my own entertainment so I went into Trade College and studied to become an electrician. I am now employed with RR Donnelley & Sons in Warsaw as an Advanced Craft Electrician. I have been with them for over 20 years.
I joined the Lake Area Community Band in 1988 and have thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with them. I went on to become president of the band from 1996-98 and for the year 2000. I also played with the Lake Area German Band, which is composed of members from the Community Band. In the fall of 2000 I had the opportunity to start playing with the Grace College Wind Ensemble which has furthered both my own playing abilities and musical knowledge in general.
It was in the fall of '96 that Ray Maierle approached me about starting a brass quintet and the rest of the story is Brasswind.
I live in Mentone, Indiana, with my wife, Arlea, my son Chris, my daughter, Rachel, 3 dogs, and 2 birds. Both of my children have played in their own school bands with Chris on trumpet and Rachel on clarinet. Other than my instrumental interests, I also volunteer as a fireman with the Burket Volunteer Fire Department.
mcdaniel@medt.com
