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
Director
Connie Varner
Secretary
Nancy Colegrove
Treasurer / Marketing Chair
Barbara Kirkpatrick
At-Large
Cindy Hiltenbrand
