About Us

The Cary Town Band has a rich and enduring history deeply intertwined with the story of Cary itself. Founded in the fall of 1987 by Cary Mayor Harold Ritter and Dr. James R. Hammerle, who led the band for an impressive 21 years, the group was created to offer a genuine “19th Century Town Band Experience”. Complete with authentic band coats and music from that era, the band quickly became a cornerstone of the community’s cultural life.

With initial funding from the Cary Town Council, Dr. Hammerle recruited sixteen dedicated members and secured the necessary instruments and music to launch performances at local community events. His passion and commitment earned him the title of “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” by the Town of Cary in 2009. What began as a small ensemble has grown into a thriving group of over fifty volunteer musicians, many of whom are professionals outside of music.

After Dr. Hammerle’s retirement, Director Stuart Holoman took the helm, dedicating himself to preserving the original vision of the Cary Town Band while emphasizing its cultural significance within the community. Under his leadership, the band continued to flourish, and in 2014, it was honored as Cary’s Partner Organization of the Year.

In October 2022, Connie Varner assumed the role of director after Holoman’s retirement. Under Connie’s leadership, the band has not only grown in size but also begun exploring new musical styles and expanding its repertoire. While embracing these new directions, the band remains committed to preserving the spirit and tradition of a true community band.

Since its inception, the Cary Town Band has enriched the cultural life of Cary and neighboring communities through performances at beloved events such as Lazy Daze, Memorial Day ceremonies, July 4th celebrations, and annual concerts at venues like the Cary Arts Center and Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The band proudly offers free concerts featuring a blend of modern and traditional music, including the ever-popular Silly Prize Concerts.

Looking to the future, the Cary Town Band remains dedicated to growing both in size and in musical diversity, fostering community connections through the power of music. We invite you to join us at an upcoming concert and experience the vibrant spirit of Cary through music.

Musicians

Director

Connie Varner (’11)

Director

Connie Varner (’11)

Flute / Piccolo

Liz Holoman (’90)

Greg Buol (’05)

Barbara Kirkpatrick (’15)

Erin Ziegler (’23)

Michelle Lewis (’23)

Oboe

Natalie Fulwider (’21)

Bassoon

David Brook (’05)

Kim Chantala (’19)

Alto Saxophone

Marilyn Wolf (’21)

Allison Shapiro (’24)

Tenor Saxophone

Doug Kelly (’12)

Baritone Saxophone

Edward Hall (’16)

Percussion

Cindy Sinkez (’10)

Mark Hill (’17)

Simon Capell (’23)

Trumpet

Chuck Moore (’04)

Meryl Moore (’07)

Milton Carawan (’09)

Steve Chambers (’15)

AJ Kochanowski (’15)

Frank Fulton (’17)

Jay Shealy (’17)

Dan Carlson (’18)

Jeff Greenwood (’21)

Dave Varnas (’23)

French Horn

Casey Parshall (‘22)

Jessica Bradley (‘22)

Jess Albert (‘22)

Anita Hynus (’23)

Ryan Saathoff (’24)

Trombone

Yoshi Nakamura (’98)

Lisa Kooker (’22)

Tom Palmatier (’22)

Jay Brock (’24)

Euphonium

Jack Marinello (’18)

Mac Gilbert (’22)

Buddy West (’23) *

Eb Soprano Clarinet

Wendy Real (’17)

Bb Clarinet

Nancy Colegrove (’87) *

Bennie Fussell (’87) * 

Joan Fleming (’10)

Cindy Hiltenbrand (’15)

Wendy Real (’17)

Gail Caverly (’18)

Kristine Clements (’19)

Jeneal Teander (’20) *

Jessica Bousquet (’21) 

Tom Blodgett (’21)

Mike Fussell (’23)

Eb Alto Clarinet

Jane Caldwell (’23)

Bb Bass Clarinet

Rosemary Kelly (’21)

Contrabass Clarinet

Tom Amoreno (’23)

Tuba

Bill White (’17)

Jeff Davis (’21)

Mark Hunzaker (’23)

Associate Members

Clark Colegrove (’97)

Gordon Sinkez (’12)

Pat Walker (’21)

Marlene White (’22)

Karlea White (’23)

Jesse Kooker (’23)

Associate Members

Clark Colegrove (’97)

Gordon Sinkez (’12)

Pat Walker (’21)

Marlene White (’22)

Karlea White (’23)

Jesse Kooker (’23)

*  = Denotes Charter Member

Board of Directors

President

Director

Secretary

Treasurer / Marketing Chair

At-Large

Cindy Sinkez

Connie Varner

Nancy Colegrove

Barbara Kirkpatrick

Cindy Hiltenbrand

President

Cindy Sinkez

Vice-President

Doug Kelly

Director

Connie Varner

Secretary

Nancy Colegrove

Treasurer / Marketing Chair

Barbara Kirkpatrick

At-Large

Cindy Hiltenbrand

Don't miss our concert!

International Flair
Cary Arts Center
March 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM

The Cary Town Band is thrilled to present an evening of global music and dance! Experience the rich tapestry of cultures as we collaborate with the Triangle Taiko group, renowned for their traditional Japanese drumming, and the wonderful Graceful Expressions dance company. Join us for a performance that celebrates the beauty and diversity of international traditions!