AN R. GEHRMANN—Woodwinds Instructor & Section Leader
(and Band Member – Trumpet)

An R. Gehrman is a graduate of Appleton’s Xavier High School and  earned her degree in Music from St. Norbert College, De Pere. After 38 years of service, An retired from her career as band director for ACES /Xavier, the last 17 of which were at St. Joseph Middle School.

An has spent a lifetime learning, teaching and performing music, including 40 years with the Fox Valley Symphony. She is also president of the Appleton City Band and has been performing with them for 50 years.

Owing to her many years of teaching, An can play all band instruments except tuba. Although, her primary instrument is Clarinet, followed by other woodwinds, she recently joined the NHBFV’s trumpet section because she “wanted a new experience in performing concert music.”

“Considering I have been in music as a student, teacher and performer for so many years, I can attest to the joys of playing an instrument in concert bands and ensembles. The effort and hard work of practices and rehearsals give such a good feeling with the goal and result of the actual performance. I am amazed to hear some of the stories of the members, some of whom have been away from playing an Instrument for 20 years and who want to have that friendship and camaraderie of working together and enjoying the success of a performance, and are thus willing to put in so much personal time to meet that challenge.”

RON OLSON—Brass Instructor & Section Leader

In 1974, Ron began his U.S. Army career, spending 29 years in the Army Band field. After 6 years on active duty, he continued serving with the 484th Army Band in Milwaukee, where he played euphonium, trombone, and tuba.

Ron became the band commander in 1992 and had the privilege of taking 6 soldiers to Romania to work with a Romanian Army Band on unit structure. Ron and the band also traveled to Germany for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

Ron’s teaching career began in 1995 after earning his teaching certificate from UW Oshkosh (BA from Lakeland College). For the next 15 years, Ron taught band (at all levels) and general music. Earning the designation of Master Adjudicator, Ron also very much enjoyed judging solo and ensemble festivals for WSMA at both the district and state levels.  Ron also had a brass studio through which he gave lessons on all brass instruments for over 10 years.

Ron and his wife, Lisa, live in Oshkosh, where they’ve resided for over 30 years. Their son, RJ, attended Ripon College – where he was involved with both music and athletics – and is pursuing a career in physical education and coaching.

Quote coming soon…

MICHAEL RATSCH—Percussion Instructor & Section Leader

Michael Ratsch is a magna cum laude graduate of Lawrence University and holds a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Michigan. In 2004, he retired after teaching instrumental music in the public schools for 32 years, the last 30 of which were at Little Chute.

Michael currently operates a private music studio at Appleton Christian School, where he instructs both young and adult students.  He also teaches percussion for the Lawrence Arts Academy and is on staff for the New Horizons Band Fox Valley adult band. He is active as an adjudicator and clinician for the Wisconsin School Music Association.

In 2009, Michael retired from the Fox Valley Symphony after performing as a percussionist with that organization for 39 years, and he has been a member of the Appleton City Band for over 30 years. He has also performed with the Green Bay Symphony, the Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra, and the Green Lake Music Festival Orchestra.

“Music has brought profound beauty and joy into my life. It is indeed a privilege to share my love of music with others through teaching.”