Basses
E Flat Bass
James Willett joined the faculty of Eastern Kentucky University in 1991, having previously taught at Indiana State University. He holds degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Akron, and has completed doctoral studies at the University of Illinois. As an artist, Jim devotes much of his efforts to his participation as a member of the EKU Brass Quintet and as section leader for the LBB. As a longtime member of the LBB, Jim has played both the BBb and Eb book and was honored to appear as soloist with the band at the NABBA Championships. Mr. Willett centers his teaching on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University where he is responsible for applied tuba/euphonium and music literature classes. When not on campus he can usually be found in the public schools appearing as a clinician, adjudicator, soloist, or with the EKU Brass. Jim credits his career to really great parents, terrific public schools, and outstanding teachers, including Tucker Jolly, Fritz Kaenzig, Mark Moore, Robert Yeats, and the late Arnold Jacobs.
A native Kentuckian from Richmond, Chris Bettler is currently working on his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kentucky. He has received degrees from the University of Louisville (bachelors) and Bowling Green State University (masters). Chris serves as substitute tuba for the Louisville Orchestra and is also a member of Victory Brass, Saxton’s Cornet Band and the Lexington Community Orchestra. Chris enjoys collecting Batman Comics. This is his first year with the Lexington Brass Band.
B Flat Bass
Skip Gray served as founding co-conductor with Ron Holz and as Vice President for the group, playing with the LBB from 1992-1999. We are pleased to have Skip back in our midst, playing with us again. A native of Berea, Ohio, Dr. Gray has earned degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College and the University of Illinois. Skip is Professor of Music at the University of Kentucky and serves as principal tuba of the Lexington Philharmonic. Skip lives in Lexington with his wife Julie, and enjoys reading and gardening.
Glen Flanigan is Coordinator of Instrumental Studies and a member of the music faculty at Asbury College, Wilmore KY. Prior to becoming a member of the Asbury faculty, he was a high school band director in Iowa for 17 years. At Asbury, Glen directs the Jazz Ensemble, teaches low brass lessons, music education classes and is Associate Director of the Concert Band. He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the International Association of Jazz Educators, and the International Tuba-Euphonium Association, and is Research Chair for the Kentucky Music Educators Association. Glen, a native of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Asbury College as well as a Master of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois. He is currently in the Music Education Ph.D. program at the University of Kentucky. Glen, his wife, Donna, daughter, Erin, and son, Neil live in Wilmore, KY.