The mission of the Wasatch Music Alliance consisting of the Wasatch Winds and the Wasatch Show Band, is to foster and promote the concept of the adult music performance community through the following objectives:
1. To prepare and perform pieces from the full spectrum of Concert Band and Jazz Band literature.
2. To provide adults with an opportunity to expand their musical performance skills within the context of a large ensemble.
3. To provide entertainment and education to the community by means of public performance.
4. To provide a continuing opportunity for young people and adults to continue their involvement in music.
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In Utah County, the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band is the largest ensemble for adult musicians seeking a full band experience.
The Wasatch Winds provides such an experience. As with other community and school music groups in the American Fork area the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band strives for musical excellence in everything they do. The Wasatch Winds is a fine example of continuing music education and musical excellence throughout a person’s life.
We are a 22-piece community big band based in American Fork, Utah. Headed by John Miller.
Our group performs jazz, Motown and popular songs from today and years past at local special events, festivals and private parties. With blaring horns, tight vocals and driving rhythms, the Wasatch Show Band guarantees to entertain!
Meet a Crew of Professionals
John Miller retired as the 30-year director of bands at American Fork High School in Utah in 2016. Under his direction, the band performed at the Utah Music Educators State Conference, the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, the Peaks Jazz Festival, the Fiesta Bowl, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., as well as regular appearances at Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, Regionals, and Grand National Championships. Miller has been widely lauded at the district, state, regional and national levels, and in 2016 was awarded the Sorenson “Lifetime Achievement in Arts Education” Award by the Utah State Board of Education.
Miller believes strongly in the development of student leaders and the growth of the students in all areas of their lives, and believes that every student should experience the joy of music performance and continues to serve as a mentor to many younger teachers—including over 30 of his own former students.
Miller, who holds a master’s degree in music education from Brigham Young University, is an adjudicator and clinician throughout the United States. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Midwest Clinic and is the founding director of the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band, an adult community band with over 85 members and an established concert series in the community and the Wasatch Show Band, a community big band based in American Fork.
Jeanine Cooper grew up in Wayzata, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis and started playing the clarinet when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with clarinet as her principal instrument. She has taught music privately for over 30 years and currently participates with several musical groups. She has played clarinet with the Wasatch Winds since 2012 and became their Band Manager in August 2019.
Not only is she passionate about music but she is committed to helping others heal their body, mind and spirit. She has been married to Jim since 1976 and they have 4 sons and 6 beautiful grandchildren. One of Jeanine’s mottos is: “Forward With Faith”.
Melanie Mumme earned her bachelor’s degree in web development in 2012, but the performing arts are her true passion. She has been performing in choirs, musicals and local bands her whole life. Melanie participated in the Ambassadors of Music program, in the summer of 2001, where she had the opportunity to rehearse and perform with a superlative staff of Utah music educators. The tour included music performances in 7 different European countries, in historic chapels, cathedrals and public parks. She now shares her love of music with her two sons, who are both learning to play the drums, guitar and piano. She formed a family band, Melanie and the Constellations, to give her boys opportunities to perform in public, easing stage fright at an early age, and creating beautiful memories for them. Melanie is excited to be a part of the Wasatch Music Alliance as a Board Member and Webmaster, as well as the Wasatch Show Band as a vocalist.
Ruth studied at Snow College and Utah State University.
Her favorite food is fries from JCWs.
Her favorite weather season is late spring!
Her favorite type of pet is a horse, because it’s the closest thing to a pegasus a person can legally own.
Ruth Says “When I was 5 years old, I was pretty sure I’d be old when I grew up.”
Melissa Borget currently serves as Vice President in the Wasatch Winds and lead Euphonium player. She began playing with the Wasatch Winds a few years ago on clarinet. After too many years away from formally playing she quickly realized how much she needed music in her life. She was inspired to learn the Euphonium to support the only Euphonium player at the time, Floyd Murphy. It was through his kindness and acceptance that she had the courage to learn a new instrument.
Melissa continues to find joy in learning new instruments and recently bought a cello and has started lessons. She loves being a member of the Wasatch Winds and the opportunity to meet other forever band nerds and play her heart out.
