Low Brass (Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba)

Tubist, Jeffrey Magacs, has been a teacher of the Marching Pageantry Arts throughout central New York for fifty years. A lifelong resident of Ithaca, he graduated from Ithaca High School where he played in the Ithaca High School Concert Band and Marching Band under the direction of Ronald Socciarelli. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at Ithaca College studying tuba with James Linn and Dave Unland, and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha.  While attending Cornell University Jeff was active in the Cornell Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band under the direction of Marice Stith; and the Cornell Glee Club under the direction of Thomas Sokol.

Jeff began his involvement in Drum and Bugle Corps by marching with the Rochester Crusaders and later instructed the Rochester Patriots and Dansville (NY) White Sabres.

Jeff has instructed both music performance and marching band drill for the New York high schools of Ithaca, Cortland, Norwich, Horseheads, Bath and Homer. He has also been on the instruction staffs of the Winter Color Guards of Ithaca, Trumansburg and Homer.

Jeff’s recent retirement as an instructor has freed up more time to play his tuba in numerous area ensembles namely: the Ithaca Concert Band (Patrick Conway Award honoree), Cortland Old Timers Band, Corning Area Community Concert Band, Ithaca Community Orchestra, and Great Lakes Wind Symphony.

Samuel Jacobsen is an accomplished trombonist who finished his Bachelor of Music in Performance at Commonwealth University, Mansfield, PA in December of 2024, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He combines strong scholastic achievement with extensive private study under respected teachers, including Professor Drew Wolgemuth, Dr. Nathan Rinnert, Professor David Griffith, and Professor Richard Birk, developing advanced technical and artistic skills. Mr. Jacobsen’s performance history is diverse and robust. He has given recitals, performed in ensemble settings, and taken part in musical theater and opera productions such as Don Giovanni, White Christmas, Chicago!, Little Women, Annie, and more. A noteworthy highlight includes performing in Carnegie Hall. He has built a strong repertoire spanning baroque through contemporary—featuring composers such as Bach, Bernstein, Blazhevich, Grondahl, Telemann, and others—demonstrating both breadth and versatility. His awards include the John Philip Sousa Band Award (2021) and Director’s Award for Band (2019). Mr. Jacobsen is passionate about continuing growth through performance, collaboration, and is well‑positioned to contribute meaningfully in orchestral, chamber, or solo trombone roles

Kerrigan is a highly skilled and dedicated musician and educator who brings passion and professionalism to every performance. As a trombonist with the Great Lakes Wind Symphony, she is honored to contribute her artistry to the ensemble’s dynamic sound and connect with audiences through compelling musical expression. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Mansfield University (2022), where she studied trombone with Professors Drew Wolgemuth and Lauren Rudzinskas, conducting with Dr. Nathan Rinnert, and was an active member of the Mansfield University Concert Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Adam F. Brennan. Kerrigan expresses her gratitude to all her professors for their unwavering support. She is also a proud lifetime Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, the national honorary band fraternity. In her full-time role at Ernie Davis Academy in Elmira, NY, Kerrigan serves as Director of Choirs, Director of the Concert Band, and 7th Grade General Music Teacher. Through these roles, she fosters a deep appreciation for music and cultivates artistic growth among her students. Her commitment to music education extends beyond the classroom as she supports the Elmira High School marching band and drumline as Pit and Assistant Drumline Coach. Additionally, Kerrigan directs music rehearsals and serves as producer for the Elmira Junior Players musicals, nurturing emerging talent in the community. Since 2019, Kerrigan has performed with Downbeat Percussion, the official drumline of the Buffalo Bills NFL team. She has had the privilege of performing at various home games and continues to bring her dynamic percussion skills to the group each season. Outside of her musical career, Kerrigan cherishes time with her wife Shannon and their two feline companions, balancing a vibrant personal life with her professional achievements.

William Ciabattari (Tuba) is the Chair of the Music Department at Lycoming College where he conducts the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. He is also an active as a tubist and bass trombonist in the region. He is the principal tuba player with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and the bass trombone player with the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra

Nathan Shedd is a collegiate music professor based in Elmira, New York. A brother of Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi, he continues to seek out performance opportunities of both instrumental and vocal varieties. He received his B.M. in Music Education from Mansfield University, and his M.S. in Education, with a Literacy concentration, from Elmira College. Currently, he is an adjunct music professor at both Elmira College and Corning Community College, and the Music Director for Campbell-Savona’s musical and the choirs at Park Church.

Andrew Menges (Trombone) is skilled trombonist with a BA in Music Performance from Mansfield University. Since graduating in 2017 he has been performing with various ensembles in York County and Bradford County. Known for his dedication and musicianship, Andrew is supported by his loving wife and children, who inspire his passion for music.

Drew Wolgemuth is the professor of Trombone and Euphonium at Commonwealth University – Mansfield. A position he has held since 2020. Drew conducts the Mansfield Low Brass Choir, a open member group of students and local professionals. Drew has played with Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass, Baltimore Marching Ravens, Agora Brass Ensemble, and a wide variety of brass quintets. He has also served as principal trombone for the Perrysburg Symphony. Drew is an active freelancer and has been featured as a soloist and clinician in a variety of settings across central Pennsylvania.

Scott Becker – Bass Trombone – retired from the Elmira Heights School District in 2019 where he taught middle school music for 21 years, prior to that he was Middle School band director at Horseheads and Odessa Montour School Districts. He also worked as a brass instructor with the Horseheads Marching Band. He is a graduate of Mansfield University (BM 1988, MS 1992).  He is currently a member of the Brickyard Brass Quintet and plays with local churches and school musical productions.

Theodore Lentz is a Euphonium performer with the GLWS. A graduate of Mansfield University in 2010 and 2012, with a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and a Master’s in Instrumental Conducting. He regularly performs with The Billtown Brass, assorted musical pits in school and community theatres, and looks forward to continued participation with the GLWS. Theo can also be found on stage as an actor with multiple troupes in and around the Williamsport area. In addition to regular performance as an instrumentalist and vocalist, he is an Associate Director of the Repasz Band, the oldest continually operational community band in the country. Theo currently resides in Williamsport, PA, where he works as a Piano Tuner/Technician for Robert M. Sides, Family Music Centers, and as music director for New Covenant UCC.