BAND DIRECTOR

 Pete Stephenson

Pete Stephenson has led the Hilton Head Big Band since 2019, after five years as a trumpet player. Originally from Athens and Columbus, Ohio, he holds a Music Education degree from Ohio University, where he played in a wide range of ensembles, including a pop group he formed himself.

He began his career as a band director, building a high school program from 34 to 166 students in four years and overseeing a middle school program of 260 students. He later worked in product sales fundraising with schools, youth groups, and nonprofit organizations for over 30 years, during which he hired, trained, and managed sales representatives—all while continuing to perform with his wife’s show choir and musicals. Now living in Bluffton, Pete plays with several local groups including the Evolution Big Band, the Lowcountry Jazz Band, the Bluffton Brass Quintet, and the Alligator Dixieland Band.

As director of the HHBB, Pete fosters a collaborative, ego-free family atmosphere and selects a variety of music that entertains audiences and challenges the band’s talented musicians.  He values the band’s mission to support junior music programs in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, especially through its Junior Jazz initiative. “Without music in schools,” he says, “we have no musical future.

Saxophone Section

The Hilton Head Big Band’s saxophone section brings a rich blend of experience, passion, and swing to every performance. From seasoned educators to lifelong hobbyists, these musicians share a love of jazz and a commitment to keeping big band music alive in the Lowcountry.

Bruce Kimball

Lead Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet

Originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, Bruce Kimball plays lead alto saxophone, flute, and clarinet with the Hilton Head Big Band. He joined the band in 2023, bringing decades of experience as a performer, educator, and ensemble director.

Bruce spent much of his career directing concert bands, jazz ensembles, a 16-voice a cappella group, and a men’s choir. As a woodwind performer, he worked professionally in orchestras, jazz bands, and musical theater productions throughout the tri-state area. With his deep musical background, Bruce adds depth and versatility to the HHBB’s reed section.  He especially enjoys the quality of the music the band creates—and even more, the talented musicians he has the privilege of making it with.

Deb Stephenson

Second Alto Sax, HHBB Board Member

Deb Stephenson has been performing with the Hilton Head Big Band since 2018, joining when it was still the Hilton Head Plantation Band. A native of the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, she holds degrees in saxophone and music education at Ohio University, where she participated in the Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. Her career began as an assistant high school band director and middle school band director for four years, then 24 years as a high school choir and theater director. After completing a Master’s degree in administration, she was hired as a Director of a 1,200 Career and Technical school in the Columbus, OH area.

In addition to HHBB, where she also serves as an “at large” Board Member, Deb performs with the Evolution Big Band on tenor saxophone, the Lowcountry Jazz Band on alto saxophone, and the Lowcountry saxophone quartet playing alto and tenor. She believes in HHBB’s mission to support student musicians and enjoys the camaraderie of the band members.

Steve Ryden

Lead Tenor Sax, Clarinet

Originally from Flemington, New Jersey, Steve Ryden plays first tenor saxophone and clarinet. He’s been performing for over 60 years and joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2021. While his professional career was in organizational development, corporate training, and career coaching, Steve stayed deeply connected to music, playing in ensembles throughout his life.  He began clarinet in the 5th grade, added saxophone in high school, and studied privately for eight years. Steve has performed with a variety of groups over the decades and continues to play with several other local ensembles in the Lowcountry.

His early musical highlights include performing at President Lyndon Johnson’s 1966 inauguration with his high school marching band and opening for Maynard Ferguson at the 1964 New York World’s Fair with his high school jazz band. He learned the Real Book standards alongside Danny Federici, who later became the keyboardist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.  Steve’s high school director and saxophone teacher was the renowned arranger Jerry Nowak, whose big band charts are still performed by HHBB today. “I was honored to reconnect with Jerry just months before he passed in 2015,” Steve shares. Steve values the HHBB’s mission and the friendships formed through music.

Rick Eckstein

Second Tenor Sax

Originally from Salem, Ohio, Rick Eckstein plays second tenor saxophone and has been a Hilton Head Big Band member since 2021. He began his musical journey in the 5th grade on clarinet, later adding bass clarinet, saxophone and baritone horn. Rick studied privately through high school and performed for three summers with the Ohio State Fair Boys Band.

Though his professional path led him to a 20-year career as a U.S. Naval Officer and another two decades as a nuclear safety and management consultant, music has always remained a constant passion. In high school, Rick played Motown music in a traveling rock band. At the U.S. Naval Academy, he joined the big band on baritone sax and played in a small rock combo. He even performed aboard submarines while serving.  

After the Navy, Rick continued his musical involvement with community bands and pit orchestras for local shows like HMS Pinafore, Oklahoma!, and The Pajama Game. Today, besides HHBB, he performs with the Evolution Big Band and the Lowcountry Jazz Band. Rick enjoys the camaraderie of the Hilton Head Big Band and the style of music they play. His favorite jazz artists include Paul Desmond, Art Pepper and Dave Steinmeyer. When asked about notable musical collaborations, he names fellow HHBB members Rich Orr and Tim Leahey with a smile.

Trumpet Section

The trumpet section of the Hilton Head Big Band is a dynamic ensemble of seasoned educators, performers, and music lovers. From backing legendary artists to leading high school music programs, each player brings a deep musical legacy to the stage.

Roger Decelled

Trumpet, Band President

Originally from Massachusetts and most recently Cape Cod, Roger has been a Hilton Head Big Band member since 2018. In his early years, he studied trumpet through private lessons and played regularly throughout school. While working in a recording and sound studio in his 20s, Roger met musicians who gave him the opportunity to warm up for a Three Dog Night concert and back up the Righteous Brothers on tour in New England.

Although he stepped away from music at 24 to build a successful career as CEO of an industrial equipment manufacturing company, Roger returned to the trumpet at age 66, performing at his church. After nine months of playing, he was invited to a Hilton Head Big Band rehearsal. He immediately saw a group with heart but limited resources, and knew he could help.

Today, as lead trumpet and president, Roger brings both musical energy and leadership to the HHBB. He especially appreciates the leadership of their band director, Pete Stephenson, and the shared mission to entertain audiences with great, crowd-pleasing music. He finds joy in making music with a talented and fun group of musicians, vocalists, sound engineers, and board members.

John DaBaldo

Lead Trumpet

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2023. He began playing trumpet and violin in third grade, studied privately, and performed with school ensembles and the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony. He earned bachelor and master degrees in music education from West Virginia University, majoring in violin, and performed with the West Virginia Symphonette as well as the Charleston and Wheeling symphonies.

John spent 37 years as a music educator in the San Francisco Bay Area, teaching band, orchestra, and jazz at all grade levels. He concluded his career directing a high school music program with 300 students. For over 14 years, he also served as a chamber music coach and board member for the Peninsula Youth Orchestra, mentoring young musicians.

As a performer, John had the honor of playing with the Charleston Symphony in concerts featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles. After retiring and relocating to the Lowcountry, he joined HHBB out of a love for big band music and a desire to continue playing at a high level. John especially enjoys the camaraderie and family feel of the group and values HHBB’s mission of helping the next generation of musicians.

Tim Leahey

Solo Trumpet, Section Leader

Tim Leahey plays trumpet with the Hilton Head Big Band, joining in Spring 2025 for his first full season. Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Tim studied at Youngstown State University from 1986–1991 with Esotto Pellegrini, Susan Sexton, and Tony Leonardi. In 1991, he was named Intercollegiate Musician of the Year and won first place in the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition.

From 1994–2017, Tim served as a member and jazz soloist with the U.S. Air Force premier jazz ensemble, The Airmen of Note, and spent his final four years as the group’s administrative leader. He was also a member of the Shook Russo Quintet (2008–2018), has appeared as a soloist on over 30 recordings, and on the recording of Alfred Publishing’s Approaching the Standards jazz improvisation series. Tim has been a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor at numerous educational events.

He has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, the Brecker Brothers, The Temptations, and Frankie Valli, and appeared with major big bands including the Tonight Show Orchestra under Doc Severinsen, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Today, Tim teaches trumpet remotely for the University of Arkansas at Monticello, freelances in the Lowcountry, and is a member of the South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble.

Charlene Gorrell

Second Trumet

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Charlene has been a member of the Hilton Head Big Band since 2020. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Friends University and her master’s in Music Education from the University of Hawaii. Following her husband’s military career, Charlene played trumpet in churches and community groups across multiple states, adapting her musical talents wherever life took her.

Before moving to the Lowcountry, she performed exclusively for 22 years at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, Illinois, where she also directed the church’s orchestra and junior orchestra. In addition to her music involvement, Charlene taught music and first grade in several states and retired from teaching in 2011.

Since settling in Bluffton in 2012, she has remained deeply connected to music, performing with the Sun City Chorus and Orchestra, Community Bible Church Orchestra, the May River Brass Quintet, Hilton Head Big Band, and Evolution Big Band. Charlene loves the wide-ranging music selections the HHBB performs and values being part of such a talented and passionate ensemble.

Jeff Wright

Fourth Trumpet

Originally from Sherrill, New York, Jeff has been a Hilton Head Big Band member since 2023. His musical journey began in high school, where he developed a lasting love for the trumpet.

While Jeff built a 40-year naval and commercial nuclear power career, music remained a meaningful personal pursuit. After relocating to the Lowcountry, he saw the Hilton Head Big Band perform at Hilton Head Plantation and was inspired to join the group.

Jeff enjoys playing lively, well-loved tunes alongside a talented and dedicated group of musicians. He values the sense of camaraderie within the band and appreciates the opportunity to continue growing musically while contributing to performances that truly connect with audiences.

Trombone Section

The Hilton Head Big Band’s trombone section is composed of passionate musicians with decades of experience in performance, education, and leadership. Whether on stage or in rehearsal, these trombonists bring depth, drive, and character to the band’s powerful brass sound.

Richard Orr

Lead Trombone

Rich plays lead trombone, serves as section leader, and proudly holds the title of “Kibitzer-in-Chief” for the Hilton Head Big Band, which he joined in 2018. Originally from the South Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA, Rich learned ukulele from his father, a former childhood vaudeville performer, and began piano lessons at age eight, receiving early instruction focused on the foundation skills, ear training and harmony. When a trombone demonstration captivated him in sixth grade, Rich knew he had found his instrument. By high school, he was co-leading a jazz combo, arranging music, and composing.

Though Rich pursued a career in electrical engineering—earning four degrees, including a Ph.D. from MIT—he maintained a lifelong commitment to music. Primarily self-taught in many areas, he played, composed, arranged, and taught in various musical settings, including jazz and show orchestras. Rich served as lead trombonist for the Buddy Rich Orchestra and has performed with icons such as James Brown, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, Chick Corea, and many more.

After moving to the Lowcountry, Rich joined the faculty of the Hilton Head Jazz Camp in 2013. He is currently authoring a book on jazz improvisation. Rich values the fellowship and good vibrations of the Hilton Head Big Band and especially enjoys writing music for the ensemble.

Bill Brewster

Second Trombone, HHBB Board Member

A lifelong trombonist with roots in Waverly, New York, Bill joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2022. He began playing trombone in fifth grade and continued through high school and college, performing in concert, stage, marching, pit, and jazz ensembles. Though he didn’t major in music at the State University of New York at Albany, he remained an active musician while pursuing a career in financial services and government relations.

Bill stayed connected to music through community bands and jazz groups in Maryland, Texas, and Illinois. While living in the Washington, D.C. area, he joined the Baltimore Colts Marching Band and played trombone during the Baltimore Ravens’ first NFL season. “The memory of the sell-out crowd’s roar at Memorial Stadium as the band launched into the old Colts fight song still gives me goose bumps”, says Bill.

He enjoys the camaraderie of the Hilton Head Big Band and the opportunity to perform a wide variety of music for local audiences.Playing jazz in the Hilton Head area holds special meaning, as Bob Masteller—the co-founder of The Jazz Corner—is from Bill’s hometown and was part of the musical legacy that influenced is early years.

Brian Stacey

Third Trombone, Webmaster

Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Brian has been a Hilton Head Big Band member since 2023. A 1990 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in music education and performing with PSU Blue Band, Jazz Band and Trombone ensemble. Brian enjoyed a 24-year career as a high school band director before transitioning into school administration as a high school principal.

Throughout his career in education, Brian remained an active performer, playing trombone for school musicals, church services, and community theater productions. He was also a member of the Jazz in Your Face Big Band. After retiring and relocating to the Lowcountry, he was eager to continue playing music. He discovered a thriving musical community with more opportunities than he imagined.

Initially invited to sub with the Hilton Head Big Band, Brian was later offered a permanent spot and eagerly accepted. Brian also plays in the Evolution and Lowcountry Jazz Bands.  He enjoys playing great music with talented musicians and serving the group in multiple ways, including managing the band’s website.

Jim Rutgers

Bass Trombone

Originally from New Jersey, Jim has been a member of the Hilton Head Big Band since 2013. He began playing trombone in middle school, performed in high school bands, and gigged with a dance group called “The Preps.” At Gettysburg College, fraternity priorities sent his trombone home by Thanksgiving—Jim was told, “We drink beer at football games, we don’t march in bands.”

At age 50, Jim reignited his musical path by studying marimba with a world-renowned instructor. After four years of church gigs and mastering four mallets across a six-foot rosewood keyboard, he returned to trombone—“only one note at a time!” That led to playing with a community orchestra, a concert band, and forming a brass quintet. He also took up the tuba, which is now his primary instrument.

Jim spent 36 years commuting to Wall Street as an Institutional Financial Futures Broker, retiring from Goldman Sachs after 9/11. After moving to Bluffton, SC, he was recruited to the Hilton Head Plantation Big Band (now Hilton Head Big Band), where he enjoys making music and performing for the community. For Jim, every rehearsal and concert is about the joy of collaborating with fellow musicians and sharing great live music with audiences.

Rhythm Section

The heartbeat of the Hilton Head Big Band lies in its rhythm section. These talented musicians provide the groove, drive, and foundational support that propel every tune forward—whether it’s a swinging standard, a Latin favorite, or a soulful ballad. From piano and bass to guitar and percussion, each player brings a unique musical background, sharp instincts, and deep dedication to the band’s dynamic sound. Together, they create the pulse that keeps both the band—and the audience—moving.

Dana Scaglione

Drums/Percussion

Originally from Beaufort, South Carolina, Dana Scaglione is a retired public school band director with 31 years of service in Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina. In the early 1990s, he served as Adjunct Professor of Applied Percussion at Armstrong State University, where he debuted the school’s Concert Percussion Ensemble. Many of his former students have gone on to become music educators, professional musicians, and outstanding contributors to their communities.

As a performer, Dana’s credits include the Savannah Symphony, Hilton Head Symphony, Hilton Head Playhouse, USCB Theatre, Barnum & Bailey Circus, and two concerts with renowned pianist Roger Williams. A highlight of his career was guest conducting the U.S. Army Field Band in 2006. He’s also played venues from the American South to Bogotá, Colombia, spanning styles from Broadway to jazz.

Dana is the timpanist at St. Peter’s Church on Lady’s Island and actively performs with concert bands and wind ensembles in the Beaufort-Bluffton area. He joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2023 and finds great joy in the music and friendships it brings. Dana lives in Beaufort with his wife Ludelyn and their son Anthony.

Mike Feinman

Drums, Alternate Percussion, Treasurer

A member of the Hilton Head Big Band since 2014, Mike brings steady rhythm and dedication to every performance. Originally from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Mike didn’t begin playing drums until age 50, studying through private lessons and honing his skills without a formal music degree.

His professional life was spent in the electric utility industry, where he worked for 30 years as an electrical engineer and engineering manager and 20 years as a consultant. Though not a music professional, his lifelong appreciation for music laid the groundwork for his late-in-life musical pursuits.

Mike was invited to join the band when they needed a drummer and embraced the opportunity. Today, in addition to his role on drums, congas, and alternate percussion, he also serves as a board member and treasurer.  He finds great joy in the challenge and growth that come from playing with talented musicians and values the group’s camaraderie. For Mike, being part of the Hilton Head Big Band is not only about the music—it’s about the people and the continuous journey of learning and performing together.

Brian Lenehan

Bass, HHBB Board Member

Brian has been a member of the Hilton Head Big Band since 2017. Originally from southeast Michigan, Brian’s musical journey began with piano at age four and cello at age eight. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Music Education, studying various instruments, theory, and orchestration.

After graduating, Brian taught music in public schools for five years before transitioning into the retail furniture industry. In 1992, he started his own full-service restoration business, which he ran for 25 years before selling it and moving to Hilton Head in 2017.

Drawn by the power of the big band sound, Brian joined the Hilton Head Big Band and has enjoyed watching it grow from a modest club band to a polished ensemble of professionals. He loves rehearsing, improving, and the excitement of a solid performance.

A memorable highlight from his music career was performing as principal cellist in the EMU Symphony Orchestra’s Scheherazade and Rhapsody in Blue. Today, Brian enjoys Sinatra’s timeless recordings of Cole Porter, Gershwin, Rodgers, and Hart. Through the band, he hopes to help preserve the Great American Songbook for future generations.

 Bob Higgins

Guitar

A native of New York, Bob has been bringing his smooth guitar stylings to the Hilton Head Big Band since 2022. He studied music education at Berklee College of Music and built a rich and varied performance career throughout New England and South Florida.

Bob spent over 20 years as a licensed funeral director in New York State while continuing to pursue his musical passion. For two decades, he served as a worship leader and church musician and has performed jazz, big band, Latin, and gospel music across the New York City metropolitan area.

He’s drawn to the Hilton Head Big Band’s mission of supporting young musicians and treasures the camaraderie and talent within the ensemble—so much so that he considers even rehearsals a highlight. For Bob, being part of HHBB is a rewarding blend of friendship, musicianship, and meaningful community impact.

Ken Lucas

Piano

Ken joined the Hilton Head Big Band family in 2023. Originally from South Carolina, Ken spent most of his life living across the Midwest and Great Lakes States, moving back to South Carolina in 2019. He began learning classical piano at nine years old and became active in various high school bands, choirs, and musicals, playing both the piano and alto sax. After high school, he initially pursued a music business degree but instead chose to pursue his second love of automotive manufacturing. Having studied at the University of Tennessee, Indiana University and Northwestern University, Ken spent his professional career leading truck and engine product development and managing strategic partnerships for the Chicago-based International Trucks.  

Ken is active in the Hilton Head/Bluffton music scene as a member of several bands, ranging from a Grateful Dead tribute to classic country.   You can also find him performing as a solo act in local wine bars, restaurants, and country clubs.  Ken loves the opportunity HHBB gives him to revisit the classic standards, be a part of a wonderful musical family and support young musicians through the Junior Jazz Foundation.

Vocalists

The vocalists bring a wealth of experience and passion to the Hilton Head Big Band. With backgrounds ranging from professional stage and broadcast performances to years of singing at major sporting events nationwide, they add a dynamic and engaging element to the band’s sound. Their powerful voices and deep connection to the music enhance every performance, creating memorable experiences for audiences and band members alike.

John Dobson

Vocalist, Keyboard, Auxiliary Percussion, Trombonist

Originally from Iowa, John joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2020 as a trombonist, later adding vocals, keyboard, and auxiliary percussion to his roles. He began piano at age six and performed across Iowa with his sister as a piano/organ duo. His passion for trombone was sparked at a summer jazz camp with Phil Wilson.  John studied trombone, voice, and piano at North Texas State University and earned his music education degree at the University of Southern Colorado. He pursued graduate work at the University of Northern Colorado with renowned trombonist Buddy Baker.

Over a 15-year teaching career, John directed high school band, orchestra, and choir, served as music director for his church, and performed as principal trombonist with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra for 14 years. He also played in local ensembles, including the Dwight Shaw Big Band, and now performs with the Sun City pit orchestra.  John shared the stage with Doc Severinsen and Clark Terry and backed Jerry Vale and Julius La Rosa in Pueblo, Colorado.  He enjoys the HHBB’s musical variety and the high level of musicianship. “The public is spreading the word that this is a special band,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of it.”

Corinne Awtrey

Vocalist

Originally from London, England, Corinne joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2024. She grew up in a musical family—her mother was a classically trained opera singer, and Corinne began studying piano and voice early on. She trained through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and gave her first public performance at age 15 with her brother’s dance band.

Corinne turned professional at 24 and built an accomplished career as a solo vocalist and entertainer. She performed in cabarets, dance bands, and stage shows across the U.K. and abroad—including the famed London Palladium—and appeared regularly on BBC television and radio. She also recorded several singles and worked alongside numerous well-known British entertainers, including The Bachelors, Des O’Connor, and Bob Monkhouse.

A six-week singing contract with the Cunard shipping line in 1992 brought Corinne to Hilton Head Island—and she’s been here ever since. She was delighted to join the HHBB and says, “Being able to sing with these incredible musicians fills my heart with joy.”

Mary Manges

Vocalist

Originally from Illinois and most recently Rochester, Minnesota, Mary joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2024 after relocating to the Lowcountry. While not a music major, Mary attended Luther College in Iowa, where she continued her flute studies and performed with the college orchestra and concert band. Her vocal journey began later in life, and she has studied voice extensively as an adult.

Mary enjoyed a long and successful career in software development, working for over 25 years for IBM, followed by roles at a healthcare startup and Boston Scientific. She stayed musically active as an amateur flutist and vocalist throughout her professional life, performing with local choirs, church ensembles, community bands and orchestras, pit orchestras, and even rock, country, and folk bands.  Mary was drawn to the Hilton Head Big Band by its welcoming mission, incredible musicianship, and the camaraderie of its members—onstage and behind the scenes. Mary especially appreciates the dedication of the group’s sound technicians, who support both rehearsals and performances. What Mary enjoys most is getting to know the wonderful people who make up this unique musical community.

Alley Mulrain

Vocalist

Alley Mulrain hails from New York and is new to the Lowcountry. She joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2025.  Alley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music.  Alley has performed a lot of Musical Theatre, both off Broadway and abroad, with National Tours such as Hair and Not Quite Hamlet. For 20 years, she held a starring role in Murdered by the Mob, the longest-running Off-Broadway interactive Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery. In addition, Alley has written and performed her own cabaret shows, both in the States and abroad.  She has sung on multiple cruise ships with various society orchestras and companies.

Besides singing, Alley is an actress and has done several plays and interactive comedies. She has also done lots of film and TV, most notably, The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie, Law and Order, and most recently, Penguin... so many more.  Additionally, she has done a bunch of emcee work, along with children's entertainment.  Alley is thrilled to be part of the Hilton Head Big Band and to work with such talented musicians and singers.  To quote Alley, "It's very nice to be a part of the Lowcountry, and I look forward to many wonderful performances ahead!"

Sound Engineers

Behind every successful Hilton Head Big Band performance is the dedication of its sound engineers, who arrive early, stay late, and ensure that every note reaches the audience with clarity and balance. These behind-the-scenes pros attend every rehearsal and concert, often setting up and troubleshooting the sound system before the first musician arrives. Their technical expertise and commitment allow the band to perform at its best in venues large and small and indoor and outdoor.

Nick Ficurilli

Sound

Nick began his involvement with sound engineering in 2022 when his neighbor, Roger Decelles, President of the Hilton Head Big Band, asked if he would be interested in working with the band.  Originally from New York State, Nick earned a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.  Throughout his career, he held roles in process development, facility design, and construction management, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry.  

Nick worked alongside Bob Sandin to learn the basics of sound engineering then immersed himself in self-education by searching the internet for literature and training programs from established sound engineers.  This commitment to the trade has enabled him to develop his live sound processing skills quickly.  He is particularly proud of using his engineering background to create formal technical drawings that allow them to set up the band and connect all the power and audio wiring quickly and correctly.  What Nick enjoys most about being in the HHBB is the knowledge that the time spent with the band is going to such a good cause - supporting music education for those who otherwise might not have the opportunity.

Bob Sandin

Sound

Bob has been a sound engineer for the Hilton Head Big Band since 2010, when it was known as the Hilton Head Plantation Big Band. Originally from the south side of Chicago, Bob holds bachelor and master degrees in electrical engineering from Cornell University. His career has included roles in research, manufacturing, distribution, and specialized computer systems.

Though he has no formal music training, Bob’s passion for audio began at age 10, when a great uncle introduced him to radio and audio equipment. That early hands-on experience and his technical background laid the groundwork for his role in live sound. The talent and commitment of the musicians around him continually inspire him.

After moving to Hilton Head Island, Bob connected with the band when founder Ellie Perry invited him to a rehearsal. He’s been part of the group ever since. Bob finds it extremely rewarding to work with the people in the band, noting that the technology can be especially challenging during the “heat” of a performance. Among the many shows he’s engineered, Magnolia Hall in Sun City and the Italian Heritage Festival on Hilton Head Island stand out for their complexity and energy.

Loyal Substitutes

Amber Cole

Vocalist

Originally from Indiana, Amber has been a Hilton Head Big Band vocalist since 2018. She began singing at a young age, performing in churches for services, weddings, and funerals. Her powerful voice gained local recognition through karaoke, opening doors to professional opportunities. Taking her singing career to the next level, Amber began performing the National Anthem at major sporting events, singing for 16 years at venues for the NBA’s Pacers, NFL’s Colts, PBR events, Monster Truck rallies, the Indianapolis 100s, the WNBA’s Fever, and the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

Amber also performed with a country music band and a folklore group at venues across Indiana. Along the way, she shared the stage with notable musicians including Christian recording artist Sandi Patty, country star Andy Griggs, and pianist for country legend Lorrie Morgan. Though she declined a college music scholarship to take a break from her demanding schedule, Amber stayed active through church performances, bands, and live events. Amber enjoys singing alongside the band’s incredibly talented instrumentalists.

Peter Anderson

Sax, Clarinet, Flute

Peter Anderson is a versatile woodwind specialist who plays all saxophones, clarinet, and flute, and serves as a substitute in the saxophone section of the Hilton Head Big Band. Originally from White Plains, New York, Peter built a successful career as a freelance musician with extensive performance and recording experience across genres.

He toured with major artists including Tom Jones (1980), Engelbert Humperdinck (1977–1978), and Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1977), and performed at the Newport Jazz Festival with Gerry Mulligan and Walter Murphy’s A Fifth of Beethoven Band. His big band credits include the Peter Anderson Orchestra (1966–1969), Glenn Miller Orchestra (1977), Larry Elgart Orchestra (1976–1982), Lee Castle & Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Warren Covington & Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and Gerry Mulligan’s Band.

Peter was drawn to the Hilton Head Big Band after attending rehearsals to support his significant other, vocalist Alley Mulrain. Naturally wanting to get involved, he joined as a saxophone section substitute.

With more than 20 years of private teaching experience and a background in nearly every major musical style, Peter brings exceptional versatility and professionalism to every opportunity he has to play with the band.

Bill Gwynne

Trombone, Bass

Bill Gwynne serves the Hilton Head Big Band as a substitute trombonist, substitute bassist, audio mixing consultant, and self-proclaimed wrecker of automobiles. Though not a formal member for over five years, he remains an active and valued sub. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bill spent 39 years in Cincinnati, Ohio, before relocating to the Lowcountry.

He studied at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and proudly holds what he jokingly calls “the world’s least sought-after diploma”—a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Trombone Performance. Bill built a multifaceted career as a trombonist, bassist, bandleader, recording engineer/producer, studio owner, and college professor at CCM.

Bill has performed with many talented musicians (even if he insists “nobody anybody would know”) and once led a Dixieland band in high school that played the crew wrap party for Apocalypse Now—where Francis Ford Coppola sat in on tuba. He also spent 12 years performing in the acclaimed Cincinnati salsa band Tropicoso and currently leads his own 12-piece Lowcountry band, Tower of Funk and the Choosy Mothers Horns.  Bill appreciates how well the Hilton Head Big Band is run and enjoys contributing whenever needed.

Rev. Dr. Quin Rawls

Electric Bass and Double Bass Player

Quin joined the Hilton Head Big Band in 2025 as a bassist. Originally from Aulander, North Carolina, he holds a B.S. in Music Education from Regents University, an M.A. in Divinity and Church Music from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Covington Theological Seminary.

A 12-year U.S. Navy Band veteran, Quin studied at the Navy School of Music, Duke University, and the University of South Carolina. He retired after 30 years as a public school band and orchestra director and as an adjunct music and theology professor. He composes and arranges jazz and R&B and conducts choral and instrumental ensembles.

Quin has performed with The Hallelujah Singers, Lavon Stevens, and Savannah jazz legend Teddy Adams and studied with bassist Ben Tucker. He currently plays with the Lowcountry Jazz Band and DeazGuys and serves as a chaplain and pastor in Savannah.

Quin has been a lifelong fan of Miles Davis, Lou Rawls, and Duke Ellington. He is drawn to the HHBB’s polished sound and wide-ranging musical styles and enjoys performing and spending time with his musical brothers and sisters.