The Riverside Brass

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Member Profiles

Jeff Bonk, Bass Trombone. Jeff started playing trombone at the ripe old age of twelve. Armed with the knowledge from the instructions in the case of his first horn, he has amassed a distinguished, yet embarrassing resume. In addition to his performances with the Riverside Brass, Jeff regularly performs with many Washington, D.C. Symphony Orchestras, Big Bands, and R&B groups. Some of his past experience includes performing with the Fresno Philharmonic, The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, The Wintergreen (VA) Festival Orchestra, The Frankie Condon Jazz Orchestra, and the Lake Placid Institute Brass. During his college years at the Ohio State University, he performed with Erste Posaunen, a Trombone Quartet that achieved the distinction of “Semi-finalists” at the famed Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Jeff is married to the lovely and talented Miss Mary Beth George, a Baritone Saxophonist with the United States Air Force Band. Together they are trying to raise their three daughters, Sophie, Katie, and Abigail. Jeff wanted to have four children, but since Abbie was such a handful, he bought a boat instead.

Paul Klontz, trumpet, is a founding member of The Riverside Brass. Paul has been a member of the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” since 1990 and has been a featured soloist with the Army Concert Band and the Army Brass Band. Paul has traveled extensively through Europe and the Middle East with the Israel Sinfonietta and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra in 1983 through 1986. He also taught high brass and theory at Eastern Montana College in 1989 and 1990. Since joining “Pershing’s Own”, Paul has performed for Presidents Bush and Clinton, as well as military leaders and dignitaries at the White House, Pentagon, and at other historical locations. When he is not performing missions for the Army, Paul enjoys being with his family; McKenna, Kyra, and wife Mary-Hannah. Or, if they are not around, just sitting in the hot tub.

James Fantz hails from Houston, TX and is a 1985 graduate of the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where he studied trombone with Allen Barnhill of the Houston Symphony. James continued his studies with Mr. Barnhill at the University of Houston. James joined the Army Ground Forces Band of Atlanta in 1990. He soloed with the Band on several national tours and also completed a Master of Music Performance at Georgia State University. In 1996, he joined The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at Fort Myer, VA. He has performed with the Army Band at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and at the televised 1996 Olympic Opening Ceremony. He has been a featured soloist with both the US Army Concert Band and Brass Band. He enjoys model railroading, sailing, and motorcycling. James, wife Tammy, and children Allison and Matthew happily reside in Springfield, VA.

Lisa Launders is a native Texan. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Music Education at The University of Texas at Arlington and a Masters in Horn from Southern Methodist University. Lisa began performing with the Dallas Symphony, Dallas Ballet, and the Ft. Worth Symphony while still in college. She joined the U.S. Air Force’s “The Band of the Golden West” at March Air Force Base, California in 1990. In 1995, Lisa joined the U.S. Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass, stationed at Bolling Air Force Base. Lisa continues to teach and free lance extensively in Metro-Washington, D.C. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and bicycling. Lisa is studying the use of herbal remedies and other natural health applications. She has enhanced her playing ability and overall good health by applying what she has learning in pursuit of becoming a Certified Natural Health Professional.

Michael Jury began playing the trumpet in the public school system in Grand Ledge, Michigan. His interest in music led him to study at the University of Michigan and finally to earn a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. While at Eastman, Michael also instructed trumpet students at the University of Rochester. In 1999, he joined the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. With the Army Band, Michael can be seen performing anywhere from Arlington National Cemetery to the White House to playing “Taps” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He has also performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, The New World Symphony, and the Annapolis Symphony, and The Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble. Michael has been a member of the Riverside Brass since 1999.