Member Bios

Trumpeter Herm Matlock was a member of the music faculty at Plattsburgh State University from 1977 until 1986. While there he directed the PSU Jazz Ensemble, PSU Brass Ensemble, and was Chair of the Music Department. After teaching a year at the Crane School of Music at Potsdam State University, he became director of bands at Franklin Academy in Malone, NY. He retired a year ago, and is an adjunct faculty member at North Country Community College. Matlock is frequently seen umpiring local softball games, and refereeing basketball games.

Trumpeter Brian Schneckenburger is from the Rochester, NY area and is currently an elementary band director in the Beekmantown School District. Brian is also adjunct instructor of trumpet at Plattsburgh State University. He graduated from the Crane School pf Music, Potsdam, NY, where he studied trumpet with Dr. John Ellis. He performs locally with the PSU Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Brass Ensemble, as well as the Plattsburgh Community Orchestra and Champlain Valley Oratorio Society. In addition to his performing endeavors, Brian has founded and conducts the Adirondack Youth Wind Training Band, a group for local school students in grades five through nine.

Janet Gaeddert, horn, is adjunct instructor of horn at Plattsburgh State University, where she has also taught courses in the psychology and counseling departments. She Performs with the Plattsburgh Community Orchestra, and the PSU Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble. Born in Indianapolis, IN, she performed with the Des Moines (IA) Symphony, the Madison (WI) Symphony and several Midwestern ensembles prior to moving to Plattsburgh. Gaeddert is a marriage and family counselor for Catholic Charities and is a board member of Behavioral Health Services North.

Trombonist Andrew West is a North Country native. Born in Chazy, West is a graduate of Mount Assumption Institute and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He has performed in several jazz and blues ensembles in this region and in Atlanta, GA, and enjoys playing in the Plattsburgh Community Orchestra. West has recently performed leading roles in local productions of The Music Man, Brigadoon, and Godspell , and has played in the pit orchestra for several productions as well. West is a Doctor of Chiropractic in Champlain.

Tubist Craig Russell is from Yonkers, NY. A music graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, Russell taught music for almost two decades in the Clinton Correctional Facility, where he now teaches mathematics and prepares inmates for the GED. Russell performs with the Plattsburgh Community Orchestra, Strawhatters, and the Plattsburgh State University Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble. He is active in regional historical reenactments, appearing in period dress with flintlock and quill pen.