Past and Present Conductors
The NEW Concert band has been, and continues to be led by excellent conductors.
Paul Luhring
Founder & Director Emeritus
May 6, 1935 - November 12, 2018
Following a teaching career of 34 years in the public schools of Shawano and Marinette, Wisconsin, Paul founded the Northeastern Wisconsin Concert Band. He had been active in music organizations in the state; serving as State Band Chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association from 1985-89; Chairman of the State Chapter - N.B.A., All State Band 1985-95; Chairman of the Wisconsin Chapter N.B.A. New Music Commission Project from 1997-2011 and served as a Field Representative for the Wisconsin School Music Association starting in 1993.
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Mr. Luhring received his BA degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis and his Masters Degree in Music and Education from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He was the owner of PEL Music Publications which focused on music for middle school and high school aged musicians. He was known for his enjoyment of music and his hobbies of wine making, travel, music arranging and reading.
The former director of music in Gillett, Wisconsin and currently director of music at St. James Lutheran School and Wolf River Lutheran High School in Shawano, WI. Pelow holds Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Science in Music Education degrees from The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He is a member and Past President of the American School of Band Directors Association and a past Vice President of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, and an active member of the NBA, the American Federation of Musicians, and the Wisconsin Band Masters Association.
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In 1989, David was one of twelve teachers selected to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's first Teacher World Activity and in 1990 was named Gillet's Teacher of the Year. He is co-author of the books "Technical Method for Alto and Bass Clarinet"
(PEL Music Publications, 1995) and "Ears Before Books - Ten Aural Techniques for Teaching Jazz Improvisation" (Band World, 1991). Mr. Pelow is an active guest conductor, clinician, panelist and performer in Wisconsin and neighboring states.
David Pelow
Assistant Conductor Emeritus
Connie Kramer
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​Assistant Conductor Emeritus
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May 15, 1949 - January 28, 2013
Connie Kramer found her passion for music early on. During her time at St. Paul Lutheran School and East High School in Green Bay, she discovered her musical talent and embarked on a journey that would shape her life. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in instrumental music education in 1971, Connie began her illustrious career at Lena High School.
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For 38 years, Connie dedicated herself to her students, serving as a role model, confidant, mentor, and cherished friend. Her kindness and wisdom left an enduring impact on countless lives. A strong advocate for veterans, Connie instilled a deep respect for their service in her students and the community through annual Memorial Day parades and Veterans Day programs.
Even after retiring in 2009, Connie continued to share her love for music by volunteering at St. Martin's Lutheran School in Clintonville for four years. An active member of the Wisconsin School Music Association, the National Band Association, and the North East Wisconsin Concert Band, she tirelessly worked to provide high-quality music education opportunities for young people across the state.
Connie's contributions extended beyond the classroom. She served as a staff member at UWGB band camp for many years, guest conducted various Honor Bands throughout Wisconsin, and spearheaded the National Band Association Junior High All State Honors Band, a program she coordinated for several years.
Her commitment to community was evident in her many endeavors. She played a crucial role in the creation of the Lena Community Veterans Memorial Park in 2009. Her "Wild Game Feed," held annually for the past 15 years, raised funds for Cerebral Palsy. She also organized the "Targeting Breast Cancer" trap shoot and was an active member of the Oconto Falls Sportsmen's Club.
Connie's dedication to music education and community service was recognized with numerous accolades, including the John Phillip Sousa Band Award and the State of Wisconsin Music Educator of the Year award in 2009. She received appreciation awards from various organizations, including the Sons of the American Revolution, the Oconto Jaycees, the American Legion, and numerous Veteran Groups.
Mr. Reinke received his BA in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and his Masters from Lesley College. He taught in Wisconsin’s public schools for 33 years. His first two years were at the Gibraltar Area Schools teaching grades 5-12 instrumental music; he spent 21 years in the Peshtigo School District responsible for grades 7-12; and spent his last ten years at Marinette High School and Marinette Middle School before his retirement at the end of the 2007-08 school year.
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Glen is a member and Co-Conductor of the N.E.W. Concert Band, belongs to the National Band Association, NAfME (National Association for Music Education), WMEA (Wisconsin Music Educators Association) and plays saxophone in the Marinette Community Jazz Ensemble. He has been active in the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) as an Honors Band staff member and is an active Master Level Adjudicator for the WSMA. He also served as conductor of the All-State Junior Band at the National Band Association-Wisconsin Chapter state convention, as conductor of the Eastern Valley Middle School Honors Band and most recently as conductor of the Marinette and Oconto County Honor Band. Glen is an avid golfer who coached the Marinette High School golf team for eight years. He and his wife Debbie enjoy spending time with their family including four grandchildren.
Mr. Glen Reinke
Mr. Robert Berndt
Mr. Berndt most recently had been the Superintendent/Principal of the Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School District. Prior to coming to Pembine, Bob taught instrumental music grades 5 through 12 for 28 years at the Crivitz School District. He received his B.A. in music from Carroll College and his Masters in Music from UW-Stevens Point. His Administrative Degree was completed at Winona State in Minnesota. As an Administrator, Bob continues to be active in the field of music, serving on Board of Directors for the Wisconsin School Music Association and the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music. He is also an active adjudicator, and performs regularly with the German Band "Dorf Kapelle".