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.
Stacy Baker is Associate Professor of Music – Tuba /Euphonium at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. Originally from Harsen’s Island, MI, she received both her M.M. and B.M. degrees from the University of Michigan where she graduated summa cum laude as a James B. Angell Scholar. She holds a D.M.A in Performance and Literature with highest honors from the University of Illinois. She enjoys an active solo career appearing as a featured artist at the 2006, 2003 and 1997 International Women’s Brass Conferences (IWBC); the 2008, 2002 and 1998 International Tuba/Euphonium Conferences (ITEC); the 2007, 2004 and 2000 U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Tuba/Euphonium Conferences; and the 2007 and 1999 Southeast Regional Tuba/Euphonium Conference (SERTEC). Dr. Baker has toured and recorded throughout the United States and Europe as a founding member of the tuba/euphonium quartet JUNCTION, and with the Lexington Brass Band and Monarch Brass Ensemble. She is a member of the Athena Brass Band, the Horizon Brass Quintet, and the Symbiosis tuba/euphonium duo. She has also performed as principal tubist with the Warren Symphony and the Allen Park Symphony, and as substitute tubist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Symphony, the Champaign/Urbana Symphony, and the Danville Symphony.
Dr. Baker served as co-editor of the International Women’s Brass Conference Newsletter from 2000-2003 and serves on the IWBC Board of Directors. Her teachers include Jeff Funderburk, Wes Jacobs, Tommy Johnson, Fritz Kaenzig, and Mark Moore.
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 Associate Professor of Music Education at Asbury University. Dr. Flanigan conducts both the Asbury University Concert Band and the Asbury University Jazz Ensemble. In addition, he teaches private lessons for low brass instruments and classes on instrumental music education and conducting. Dr. Flanigan is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the International Tuba-Euphonium Association, and is Research Chair for the Kentucky Music Educators Association. Prior to joining the Asbury faculty in 2001, Glen was a high school band director in Iowa for 17 years. He is a 1982 graduate of Asbury University and holds both a Master of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music with a major in Music Education from the University of Kentucky. Glen, his wife, Donna, daughter, Erin, and son, Neil live in Wilmore, KY.
Subs
Tubist J. Kelly Diamond is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, holding degrees in Music Performance, Music Education, and a Master of Music degree. Mr. Diamond was a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., serving as tubist and chief arranger for the Tuba Euphonium Ensemble. After a 14 year career in the, he enlisted in the Troops to Teachers programs and returned home with his family to Kentucky to teach music in Lexington. He currently performs as a member of the 202nd National Guard band in Frankfort, KY. Mr. Diamond has performed throughout the United States and has presented several clinics and recitals at numerous universities. In addition to performing, Mr. Diamond has an extensive collection of arrangements for brass, and is dedicated to keeping historic music alive through performance and seeking lost works to return to the literature.
