Ernest Jennings - Assistant Director/Percussion Instructor

Ernest Jennings begins his first year as assistant director and percussion instructor for the University of Wisconsin Band. He comes to Wisconsin after serving as percussion instructor for the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band for the past two years. Ernest is a graduate of the U. S. Navy School of Music, received a Bachelor's Degree from Limestone College, a Bachelor's of Music Education from Drake University, and a Master's Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Iowa. From 2000-2003 Ernest served as Director of Bands at Des Moines North High School and Des Moines East High School from 2004-2005.

Ernest's military experience includes former membership in the U.S. Navy Steel Drum Band as well as the 34th Army Band. As a current member of the Iowa Army National Guard, Ernest received his commission in 2001 through the Iowa National Guard Officer Candidate School. After serving a tour of duty from 2003-2004 as a platoon leader during "Operation Iraqi Freedom," Ernest was promoted to the rank of Captain. During his active duty Ernest received several commendations for his service and leadership. For several years Ernest has been active as a clinician, adjudicator, and performer throughout the Midwest. In addition to his work with the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, Ernest will conduct one of the School of Music's University Bands.

Mark Messer - Senior Field Assistant

Mark Messer returns to the University of Wisconsin Band Staff for his 32nd year as a field assistant. Mark originally served for eight consecutive years, interrupted his work with the band to help raise his young children and develop an outstanding string repair business in Madison, and then returned to the band in 1984. Mark is a former member of the trumpet section with the Wisconsin Band even though his primary area of performance is violin. He was a member of the University Symphony and acted as manager for all the groups in the Orchestra Department while an undergraduate. Since graduating he has earned his Masters of Music degree from the UW-Madison and has recently retired from his long-time position as a string specialist with the Madison Metropolitan School District. In addition, Mark is the coordinator for the annual Capitol Christmas Pageant.

William Garvey - Field Assistant

Bill Garvey is presently the Director of Instrumental Music at McFarland High School, where he guides one of the most successful band programs in the state. Bill is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Music, and also holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. He served as a member of the Wisconsin Marching Band for four years, was the tuba section leader, and was also the Band Department equipment manager. This is Bill's 31st season as a field assistant.

Janice Stone - Field Assistant

Janice Stone is serving as field assistant with the Wisconsin Band for her 15th year. She is a former member of the tuba section, and has the distinction of being the first female tuba player in the Wisconsin Band. She marched with the band for six years, the last two as the section leader. Janice is a graduate of Hononegah High School in Rockton, Illinois. She received two degrees from the University, her Bachelor of Music degree in 1989, and her Master's of Music in 2001. She presently teaches band at Winnequah Middle School in Monona.

Michael Stone - Field Assistant

Michael Stone is in his 14th year as a member of the University of Wisconsin Band Staff. He marched for five years as a member of the tuba section, the last as a section leader. Michael is a graduate of Stoughton High School, where he was active in a number of bands. He has a BA in English from UW Madison. Michael is a Real Estate Appraiser, working for Stone Appraisals, LLC.

Matt Whiting - Field Assistant

Matt Whiting begins his 12th year as field assistant after serving as a member of the flügelhorn section in the band for five years from 1982-86. He is a graduate of McFarland High School and holds three degrees from the University of Wisconsin majoring in Earth Science, Communication Arts and History. Prior to his service with the band, Matt spent six years in the US Marine Corps where he was a sergeant of infantry. He is presently very active in Alumni Band activities and is a member of the UW Band Alumni Association Steering Committee. Matt currently is employed by Federal Express working with aircraft and airliners.

Brian Hettiger - Field Assistant

Brian Hettiger begins his 7th year as a field assistant with the Wisconsin Band. Brian was a four-year member of the trumpet section, serving as a rank leader for two years. He also served as a Rehearsal Assistant for one year. Brian graduated from Green Bay Southwest High School where he received the Louis Armstrong Award as Outstanding Jazz Musician. In 1990, Brian graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BBA in Marketing. After graduation Brian worked over nine years with Shaw Industries as a sales representative in Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Madison. Brian is currently employed with the University of Wisconsin Foundation as the Coordinator of College Relations for the College of Agricutural & Life Sciences. Brian also holds a degree in Web Programming from MATC and is the Webmaster for badgerband.com.

Arick Ecker - Field Assistant

Jason Riesterer - Field Assistant

Jason Riesterer begins his 2nd year as a field assistant with the UW Band. He served as a member of the trumpet section for five years, the last as section leader. He was also a member of the UW Band Staff. Jason is a graduate of Valders High School, holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and went on to earn his Master's Degree in Education from Walden University. He is presently employed as the High School Band Instructor for the Brodhead School District and has been teaching for nine years. Jason and his wife Beth reside in Evansville.

Rehearsal Assistants

Bill Utter

Patrick Coughlin

John Biester - Announcer

ohn Biester, in his 13th year, has been the announcer for the Wisconsin Band since the untimely passing of our friend, Jack Rane in December of 1994. John is a 1973 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School where he received honors as Outstanding Brass Player on the tuba and the John Philip Sousa Band Award. He marched as a member of the Tuba section during his freshman year in the Wisconsin Band. He was then selected as the Drum Major of the Wisconsin Band at tryouts each of the next four years. John has the distinction of being the only person to be drum major for the Band for four years under Mike Leckrone's direction. John also served as a field assistant in 1978, 1992 and 1993. John holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also earned his teaching certification and license in Music Education at the UW-Madison. John is presently the Band Director at Parker High School in Janesville.

Gary Smith - Business Manager and Photographer

Gary Smith is the Photographer and Business Manager for the Wisconsin Band. (He is incredible in his ability to capture the Wisconsin Band spirit on film!) This is Gary's 25th season as staff photographer, and in 1987, was named "Honorary Member of the Wisconsin Band." Gary retired as a Financial Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Facilities, Planning, & Management.