Trumpeter and music educator Noelle Humphries is an active performer and teacher whose career bridges the worlds of performance, education, and community engagement. Known for her vibrant tone and expressive playing, she has appeared in a wide range of musical settings—from international stages to local ensembles that enrich the cultural fabric of her region. Noelle’s performance highlights include serving as trumpet performer at the 2012 London Olympics, collaborating with acclaimed composer Mark Hayes, and performing at Carnegie Hall. She has held principal trumpet positions with both the Northern Appalachian Wind Symphony and the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra, and was a founding member of the Great Lakes Wind Symphony at its inception in 2014. Deeply committed to community music-making, Noelle maintains an active performance schedule with a brass quintet, a British-style brass band, several community bands, and regional orchestras. She is also a sought-after pit musician for theatrical productions, bringing her versatility and collaborative spirit to the stage in a wide array of genres and styles. A proud graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Noelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education (2013) and a Master’s degree in Special Education (2021). She currently serves in the Hazleton Area School District, where she teaches K–6 General Music, directs Chorus for grades 4–8, and is the Assistant Director of the Berwick High School Marching Band. In addition to her classroom and ensemble work, she is a dedicated private brass instructor, teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Noelle’s passion for music lies in its power to connect people—whether through teaching young students their first songs, performing in a grand concert hall, or sharing the joy of ensemble playing with her community.

Mikki Gifford is a musician originally from Warren, Pa and is a member of the GLWS Trumpet Section. Mikki majored in music education in her undergrad at Mansfield University and continued her studies with a masters in special education from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Mikki is a family based mental health professional but loves her work as a freelance musician and maintains an active musical career.

Prior to retiring in 2024, Todd Bialecki was the director of bands for 5 years at the Hornell High School. For 28 years, I was the director of bands for the Alfred Almond School District. In addition to enjoying my retirement, I continue to coach HS Alpine Ski racing and judge brass adjudications for NYSSMA. Other interests include hunting, fishing, cooking and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

Mike Cuomo has been teaching and playing music for over 50 years. Currently he is the music teacher at Corning Christian Academy in Corning, NY. Mike also plays in the Corning Area Community Concert Band, the Twin Tiers Community Orchestra and the SUNY Corning Ensemble. He is a father of 6 and a grandfather of 8!! Mike is also newly engaged to Jill Green.

Rich Preston, from Horseheads, New York is pleased to make his debut with the Great Lakes Wind Symphony. Rich received his BS degree in Applied Music from SUNY Geneseo. While there, he studied trumpet with Jeff Tyzik and Keith Foley. He holds an MS degree in Telecommunications from Syracuse University and for 30 years worked for the Greater Southern Tier (GST) BOCES in Elmira, serving as Media Production Specialist, New Visions Instructor and Arts-in-Education Coordinator. Following his time at BOCES, he was an adjunct instructor at SUNY Corning, where he taught trumpet, conducted the Jazz Ensemble and played in the Instrumental Ensemble. Rich is active as a freelance musician, currently playing with the Brickyard Brass Quintet and his own jazz quartet. He enjoys producing audio recordings for video productions and promotional soundtracks at his home studio.

Angella Laubach is excited to be a part of the trumpet section of the Great Lakes Wind Symphony. Angella has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Mansfield University. She enjoys playing in local community bands and pit orchestras for local high school musicals. She most recently started music directing productions at Community Theater League in Williamsport, PA and Shikellamy High School in Sunbury, PA where her sons currently attend. She runs her own promotional products business and teaches fitness classes at the local YMCA. She resides in Northumberland, PA with her husband, Josh and two sons, Fox and Ben.