Alumni Members
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Diane Corring
Location:
Omaha, NE
Years in IGO:
1995-2008
Instrument Played:
Alto Saxophone
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
The trips were always a blast. My first plane ride ever was with IGO to Washington DC. Chuck Penington really made an impact on me as a young musician. He is both incredibly professional and infinitely patient. He made me want to be a better musician and person. The combination of ages in the group helped me to develop social skills I might not otherwise have obtained as well. I made a lot of friends and still keep in touch with some of them.
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
I work for a local cover band called 3D In Your Face/The Midnight Devils and sing a couple songs with them.
Michael Corring
Location:
Omaha, NE
Years in IGO:
1994-95 through 2007-08
Instrument Played:
Alto Sax
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
IGO had a huge impact on my life musically and personally. The best memories I have had in my life were the road trips and retreats with the orchestra. From playing on the White House lawn to the magical Estes Park in Colorado twice those were some of the most memorable trips I have been on. The members were always so helpful and enjoyable to be around. I learned a lot and it helped me grow as a musician. If I could do it all over again I would and will hopefully come back when I'm old enough to join the orchestra again in my later years!
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
Played Keys and wrote backing tracks with local electronic rock group The Phoenix Virus Played Keys and Sax with local rock group The End In Red Recorded sax with local rockabilly group Carson City Heat Writing various electronic songs for games, personal use, and backing tracks I'll never stop looking ahead to the next musical endeavor
Jennifer Jeffrey
Location:
Glendale, WI
Years in IGO:
1986
Instrument Played:
Cello
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
I was a member for the inaugural year. Getting to play with musicians of all ages was a real pleasure. I enjoyed the experience so much that I joined the Wisconsin Intergenerational Orchestra in 2018 as one of the "older" musicians. I am a native of Omaha and am entertaining the idea of returning to the city once my husband retires. I am a registered nurse specializing in perioperative care.
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
Wisconsin Intergenerational Orchestra Former member of the Gulf Coast Symphony in Biloxi, Mississippi and Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra and Messiah Chorus Orchestra.
Amber Nelson
Location:
Council Bluffs, IA
Years in IGO:
1998-2000
Instrument Played:
Flute
Logan Penington
Location:
New Berlin, WI
Years in IGO:
12
Instrument Played:
Drums/ Percussion
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
My years in IGO were some of the happiest and most formative of my life. I remember many trips including the very first trip the Orchestra ever took in 1986 to Washington DC. My father, Chuck, was without a doubt the strongest musical influence in my life. Playing in the Orchestra taught me the extremely valuable skill of learning how to read music charts. This allowed me to have a tremendous head start on my musical career and also understand the joy and happiness that comes from making friends through music. I am positive that I wouldn't be the musician I am today without playing in this group. I hope the Orchestra continues to touch many lives as it has mine. Chuck Penington is without a doubt one of Nebraskas greatest gifts to music and I look forward to hearing him have many more seasons to come with the Orchestra!
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
Drummer - Mannheim Steamroller 2006 - Present
Drummer - Carnival Cruise Lines - 1999-2003, 2006
Currently studying drums with Tom Hipskind (Hamilton/ Columbia College Chicago)
Studied drums with jazz legend Jim Chapin 1996-1997
Gina Todero Mangine
Location:
San Diego, CA
Years in IGO:
1990-1996
Instrument Played:
Violin
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
I will never forget our trips to Dallas and The White House! I loved playing fun music and making new friends of all ages.
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
Singing at church and with a group of friends. I am currently a pediatrician and singing and enjoying live music are my favorite hobbies.
Andi McGargill (Bruning)
Location:
Lake Zurich, IL
Years in IGO:
about 8
Instrument Played:
Cello
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
I remember the friends I made the most. Going on the trips were always so fun. I took my first plane ride with IGO!
I met so many phenominal players of all ages and still continue to keep in touch with them when I can.
urrent Musical Interests/Pursuits:
I played for my church a couple of times recently. I'm pretty rusty!! Now I keep busy with my 4 kids and running marathons.
Derek Molacek
Location:
Omaha
Years in IGO:
1995-2001
Instrument Played:
Trombone/Euphonium/Composer
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
Performing with the Orchestra allowed me to interact with many musicians of all ages, and even allowed me to pursue an interest in composition. Until that time, I never really thought of the possibilties in which music might take me. One of the highlights was composing, performing, and recording; A Euphonic Cruise, one of my first original compositions with the Orchestra.
I met so many phenominal players of all ages and still continue to keep in touch with them when I can.
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
BM in Jazz/Commercial Music (2005), Trombone at the University of Denver
MM in Jazz Studies (2009), Trombone at the University of North Texas
DMA in Composition (2017), Jazz Emphasis at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Three years (2010-2013), United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Trombone
Five Years (2005-2009, 2013-2014) Princess Cruises, Showband Musician/Music Manager
Performed with Clint Holmes at the Omaha Symphony in 2016
Tom Miller
Location:
Omaha
Years in IGO:
6-7
Instrument Played:
Bass
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
IGO made a huge impact in my life. It opened up my mind to different styles of music. It helped me become confident at being a leader and become a core leader in the rhythm section.
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
I currently teach middle school orchestra and at a private studio. I also am a freelance musician and I am constantly performing in a variety of venues.
Melissa (Tatreau) Holtmeier
Location:
Omaha
Years in IGO:
1995-2001
Instrument Played:
Violin/Concertmaster
Memories/How Orchestra Impacted your life:
IGO provided me with my first airplane trip--to D.C. in 1995! It was HOT, but we got to play on the White House lawn among other places. We went to Estes Park in 1997. So beautiful. Love of people: I made life-long friendships in the orchestra and Chuck has been a dear mentor and friend to me. The love of music is also life-long. One doesn't need to major in music or give it up upon graduation! I can think of nothing better to bridge the generation gap. I have been able to continue my love for pops/movie music in my career. It's still my favorite and no one teaches you HOW to groove (on strings) in school. Chuck does! It's a different language entirely (and often full of flats!) Playing with vocals is a unique style as well. It's an amateur orchestra, but his expectations are on a professional level. I am SO grateful for my experiences in IGO. I pop in on a rehearsal or concert when I can and am happy to have several students in the group. I'l be back when I'm 50!
Current Musical Interests/Pursuits:
Undergrad at UNO in Music Ed 2001
Masters in Violin Pedagogy/Performance at UW-Milwaukee 2003
Full time Artist-Faculty member violin/viola at the Omaha Conservatory of Music since 2005 (+ String Dept Chair)
Founding member and manager of the Mahr String Quartet (www.mahrquartet.com)
Performed with Mary J. Blige, Bobby Vinton, Frank Sinatra Jr., Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, Pam Tillis, The Lettermen, Michael W.Smith, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bubl, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller (on 30/40 LIVE!)
Played with the Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux City and Tulsa Symphonies
Toured China and the USA with the Mantovani Orchestra
Performed the Salute to Vienna New Year's 2010 concerts in Southern Florida
Recording sessions and other freelance work
Local pit orchestra for Broadway shows: Little House on the Prairie, Westside Story, The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, Newsies, Cinderella, Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music (2017)
But most importantly...wife and mom to photographer husband, Chris Holtmeier and our daughter, Ella.
Jim Harvey
Years in IGO:
1
Instrument:
Violin
Memories/ How Orchestra Impacted Your Life:
It was a pleasure to perform music to make others happy. Performing on the premises of the White House in Washington D.C. was an unforgettable experience. Traveling with my mother was a memorable time that I will always treasure the rest of my life.
Current Musical Interest:
It is a pleasure to sing in the Christ the King choir. I enjoy playing the violin for other special events as well. Being an IGO concert sponsor makes me feel good knowing that music and memories will continue to be made hopefully for future generations.
Joe Taylor
Years in IGO:
3
Insturment:
Vocalist
Memories/ How Orchestra Impacted Your Life:
The puiblic exposure as a member of IGO and the advice from Mr. Chuck Penington helped me launch my singing career. Today I average 23 shows a month. In 2014, I was blessed with 281 performances. Thank you IGO for all your help in giving me a great start to a wonderful life in the world of music entertainment.
Current Musical Interest:
Full time Professional Singer - Songwriter - Entertainer.
Laurie Basile
Location:
Brookfield, WI
Years in IGO:
6
Instrument Played:
Viola
Memories / How Orchestra Impacted Your Life:
I felt honored to play in this ensemble under Chuck Penington's direction. I made many friends, and still stay in touch with some of them through Facebook.
Current Musical Interest:
I left IGO in 2012 when I retired and returned to my home state of Wisconsin. After trying a couple of orchestras, I found my place in the Wisconsin Intergenerational Orchestra, which formed in the spring of 2016. The orchestra is made up of people of all ages: students, music teachers, and people like me who played in school and beyond and want to have a fulfilling recreational activity.
Michael Anderson
Location:
Omaha
Years in IGO:
1993-1995
Instrument Played:
Violin
Memories / How Orchestra Impacted Your Life:
N/A
Current Musical Interest:
I no longer play the violin, the closest I came to musical interest these days is attending concerts. I enjoy all kinds of music and particularly the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Center.
LeAnn Anderson
Location:
Omaha
Years in IGO:
1989-1995
Instrument Played:
Flute, Piccolo and Vocolist
Memories / How Orchestra Impacted Your Life:
I remember the fun and hard work at the Camp Calvin Crest retreats. I am still friends with many of the people who were in the Orchestra when I was. Mostly I remember Chuck and what a great teacher and mentor he was.
Current Musical Interest:
Not currently playing although I still have my flute and piccolo. I do some local theater when time and opportunity arises. I am currently working toward a degree in arts management. My goal for a second career is to work for an arts non-profit organization. My passion in life at the moment is traveling anywhere and everywhere.