Master of Ceremony

Mark Skumatz

Mark has been involved the the OHS band parent group "OHS Band Aids" for the the last 7 years. Mark is very proud of his children and supports the music program by helping out with many of the fundraisers and chaperoning field trips.

He and his wife Chris have 4 children ranging in age from 21-12. All have been or are currently involved in music at school. Mackenzie (flute) currently plays at Ripon college, Zachary (percussion), Logan (piano, French horn) will be attending UWSP next Year with a music minor and Katherine (percussion).

Mark is also active with Boys Scouts and the YMCA.

Conductor

Donn Gasner

Gasner is a retired music educator of 32 years. He spent 29 years of that as Director of Bands and Choir Director at Horicon High School. A certified Master Adjudicator with the Wisconsin Schools Music Association, Gasner has adjudicated and cliniced soloists, ensembles, bands and choirs throughout Wisconsin.

Gasner has served as an instructor with the WSMA Honors Band and Orchestra. He was one of the first 100 educators in the state to receive the Herb Kohl Excellence in Teaching recognition. He also was awarded a Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) Fellowship. Upon his retirement Gasner was recognized for his contributions to the community by the Horicon Phoenix Program.

Gasner was also active with the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater, serving as Director, Music Director, Vocal Coach, Actor and Support Personnel for over 20 productions. He continues to be active with music in the Madison area, substitute teaching instrumental music and actively performing in Madison.

Soloist

Bill Fursteneau

Bill Fuerstenau, currently serving as principal and grades 5-8 teacher at Bethany in Hustisford, WI, has been involved in music throughout his schooling. While at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, he participated in the Echoes, a highly decorated show choir, and the traveling Concert Choir. Bill then attended UW-Eau Claire and was a member of the audition-only traveling choir for two years. After transferring to Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN to train as a Lutheran teacher, Bill spent three years in the traveling College Choir there.

Since graduating and beginning his career as a teacher, Bill has stayed involved with music at his congregations. First serving in Montello, WI, he organized a monthly contemporary worship service and was the song leader. Now at Bethany, he regularly sings as both a song leader and soloist in various church services. He is always excited to use the musical gifts with which God has blessed him, and he is honored to have been asked to participate in this year’s Tuba Christmas!