VILLAGES GERMAN BAND
Musicians
Tom Benner
Director/Clarinet
Tom is the director of the Villages German Band. He came to the Villages in 2020 from Ohio. He has an impressive professional music career including 21 years with US Air Force bands. Tom is an amazing clarinet player who has performed with multiple dance and jazz bands across the country and here in the Villages.
Alan Wilkov - Drummer
We're delighted Alan and his positive attitude have joined the band. He is a native New Yorker. Alan started his drumming career as a kid in his father's music store. At age 17 he already had a union card. He's played with multiple bands over the years. This is his first effort playing with a German Band, and we think he is enjoying the challenge!
Judi Dalphond
Percussionist/Vocalist
Judi’s hometown is Beverly, Massachusetts. She says "Singing in Rock 'n Roll bands was a blast in the '60s!" She moved to the Villages in 2015 and joined The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps. Also, she sang with the Disney's Candlelight Processional for six-years. She adds the sounds of the tambourine, cymbals, and even the anvil! “Somehow I got roped into singing—I love supporting the band—It's so much fun!”
Susan McMarlin
Administrator - Euphonium
Susan moved from Texas in 2016 to the Village of Mission Hills. She started playing the baritone after the 8th grade and throughout high school. She took a break from her music because of a military career and raising a family. Over the past 25 years or so, she has performed with bands and ensembles around the country.
Karin Wiliams - Clarinet
Karin and her husband moved to the Villages a number of years ago. Karin enjoys playing the clarinet--so much that she plays with six bands in the Villages! Karin enjoys playing German music..she's the one on the front row wearing a German dirndl and ready to spring into action to lead the audiences in polka lines or even demonstrating the Chicken Dance!
Doug Dooley - Flugelhorn
Doug plays flugelhorn with the band but plays the sax with several other bands. He spent a career in the US Army--including assignments in Germany where he learned to love the music and German culture. He also has his own garage band in which they enjoy playing drive-way concert music.
Dave Dobbs - Trombone
Dave and his wife are from Tennessee. During college at the University, he played with their band. He has lived in the Villages for a number of years. He's play either the baritone or trombone in Villages bands throughout that time. The German Band is fortunate in that he has also been with them for several years.
Jim Wicks - Accordion
Jim and his wife moved to the Villages a number of years ago. He has been with the German Band for quite a few years and greatly adds by playing the accordion and singing tunes in English and German. He and his wife often entertain audiences while singing and playing music for parties, nursing homes, and at the Yalaha Bakery. He practiced law in his previous career.
Jeff Taylor - Trumpet
Jeff has played the trumpet with the band for a few years. Jeff has an impressive background as a Navy musician. He served as the unit leader for the Navy's premier jazz ensemble. Quotes about him online note that he is an accomplished music arranger and retired leader for the United States Navy Band. The band is very fortunate to have such an accomplished musician.
Dan Mitchell - Tuba
Dan recently moved to the Villages from Western North Carolina. He adds the "OOM" for the middle voices to follow with the "PAH PAH". Dan is a retired engineer who has kept up playing tuba with various community groups, including The Villages Concert Band. You can also see him on the disc golf courses and softball fields.
Lorrie Mucha
Trumpet
Among many other talents including being a nurse, Lorrie also plays the trumpet! She hails from Michigan and has been playing with Villages bands including the German Band for a few years. She is a team player and has been known to play fun roles in the band such as a rug beater for the song, "Tippich Klopfer"!
Dave Kemp - Trombone
Dave and Carol Kemp came to the Villages by way of Pennsylvania! He was in the ROTC Band while at Clemson. He also play with community bands in Pennsylvania. We're pleased he has played trombone with the German Band for several years and also shares his music talents with other bands in the Villages--including New Horizons.
About the Villages German Band
Meet the Band
Our musicians enjoy delivering a musical cultural experience that captivates audiences and puts them into festive moods. Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience are in various genres include jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Led by Director Tom Benner, a seasoned professional, our ensemble ensures every performance is both entertaining and memorable. We are committed to fostering a vibrant musical environment that honors music from another part of the world. We take pride in working closely with event planners to assure the entertainment appeals to a wide range of listeners and event types.
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