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The Offbeats Jazz Band is the venture of husband-and-wife team Lawrence and Jane Price. During the pandemic of 2020, while stuck at home, they hatched a plan to help preserve the uniquely American music that emerged during the early 20th century. They roped local musicians into the project and began rehearsing in the Spring of 2021.
Lawrence Price, Band Leader and Arranger, Cornet
Lawrence Price, Band Leader and Arranger, Cornet
Before picking up the trumpet to fulfill a long-time dream of playing in a jazz band, Lawrence had a career as principal French horn player in both the South Dakota Symphony and 23 years in the US Air Force.
Todd Feeney, Clarinet
Todd Feeney, Clarinet
When Todd isn't delighting audiences with his playful clarinet jazz solos, he's working as a sound engineer for K-12 online education programs.
Mathew Willmott, Saxophones
Mathew Willmott, Saxophones
Hailing from Boston, MA, Mat is an Open Access Collection Strategist at California Digital Library (that's what he told us) and is the proud father of two future band members.
Erik Wieben, Trombone
Erik Wieben, Trombone
Mild-mannered and soft-spoken, Erik plays every musical instrument under the sun, except perhaps the erhu. He teaches the next generation of musicians at Sunset Ridge Middle School and co-directs the West Jordan Concert Band.
John A. Nerges, RN, Drums
John A. Nerges, RN, Drums
After retiring as a master-degreed Colonel from the Army Nurse Corps, John decided to take it easy and earn a Bachelor's degree in music, followed by a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
Jane Price, Piano
Jane Price, Piano
After 20 years teaching ESL in Korea and various universities, Jane now claims to work at the U's MBE Center for Teaching Excellence. In addition to the piano, Jane plays French horn in the West Jordan Concert Band and handbells with the Salt City Bells.
Scott Miller, Guitar and Banjo
Scott Miller, Guitar and Banjo
Scott is Emeritus Professor of Radiology and Imaging Science and Division Chief of Radiobiology at the University of Utah. We think he only does all that so he can afford new banjo strings.
Melissa Quiñones, Vocalist
Melissa Quiñones, Vocalist
Melissa has been performing on stages since the age of 12. Her favorite venues have been the Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. She currently teaches Middle School Choir and Theatre in the Canyons School District.
Brandon Larsen, Tuba
Brandon Larsen, Tuba
Past president of the Salt Lake Symphonic Winds and former Herriman High School Band Director Extraordinaire, Brandon is currently Assistant Principal at Elk Ridge Middle School. He is also the co-director of the West Jordan Concert Band.
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