Gregory Alley, originally from Grand Rapids, received his trumpet performing degrees from Grand Rapids Baptist College (now Cornerstone University), and Michigan State University. In 1984, he began his full-time career in the US Army’s West Point Band, in New York, retiring as the Trumpet Section Leader in 2007 after twenty-three years. While there he founded the Regimental Brass Quintet and the Titus Trumpet Ensemble. After returning to West Michigan, he joined the King’s Brass, a nine-piece Christian touring brass ensemble and performed over 1300 performances with them worldwide. Currently, he is the trumpet instructor at Hope College, Calvin College, and Cornerstone University. Greg is an active clinician and among the places he has presented are Brigham Young University, Central Michigan University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of Minnesota, Norwegian Academy of Music, and Interlochen Arts Academy.

Dr. Kenneth L. Austin is an Educator, Conductor and Performer having taught instrumental and vocal music from the kindergarten through post-graduate levels, including all levels of music theory, music history, orchestration, conducting, instrumental techniques, music education, jazz band, and ensembles. Ken has directed middle school, high school, college and professional ensembles, including choir, band and orchestra. He initiated and established three university band programs and three high school honor band festivals.  As a professional trumpet player, Ken performed in numerous symphony orchestras, brass ensembles, and as a soloist in the US, South America and Canada.

Bruce Formsma, originally from Zeeland, graduated with honors from Hope College and received his master’s degree in performance from the University of Michigan. He returned to Hope as a trumpet instructor for ten years and also was a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony for nine years. For twenty-five years he educated young musicians, most recently at Zeeland Christian Schools. Currently he is a private trumpet instructor, a frequent soloist in the area and principal trumpeter with the Holland Symphony Orchestra.

Ted Golden is the founder of Gold ‘N Trumpets and has arranged numerous songs for the group. Ted is also a comeback player, having resumed playing trumpet in 2010 after taking 30 or so years off. Prior to moving to Michigan in 2020, Ted played trumpet in the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and cornet in the Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band Festival in Silverton, Colorado and numerous community bands. Ted served 22 years as Fire Chief and 32 years total with the Mokena Fire Protection District in Mokena, Illinois.  He was awarded the status of “Fire Chief Emeritus” by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association in 2016. Only 52 retired Illinois Fire Chiefs hold this honor.  He and his wife Cindy reside in West Olive and are enjoying Western Michigan life.

Gary Matthews holds music degrees in Organ, Music Education, and Sacred Music as well as earning a Doctorate degree in Worship Studies. Ordained, Gary has a heart for shepherding God’s people and does that through his music and worship leading. Being a Worship Pastor in 3 churches during his 45 years of church worship
leadership ministry, he loves the opportunity to mentor the next generation of worship leaders. He recently retired from his church position and is involved with his musical instruments in many
different groups. He also is a composer and arranger, and has an active concert schedule with his wife, Martha. They have 5 children and reside in Holland, MI.

Keith Walker grew up in Holland and attended West Ottawa High School, followed by earning a Bachelor’s and eventually a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University.  He spent 31 years in music education, retiring in 2018 from the position of high school band director for Zeeland Public Schools. Since retiring Keith has spent time as a freelance musician in the area as well as working and performing in the InterHarmony International Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy, where he performed as a soloist in addition to the IIMF Symphony and teaching trumpet to festival participants.