Board

President
Mike Fordney

I joined the Peninsula Symphonic Band (horn) and the Swingin’ Door Big Band (guitar) in early 2020. I have been the Treasurer starting in 2022. I have played horn since sixth grade, and played through college (’78, UW-EC) but then took a long period off due to family and career issues. In the 1990s, I played with the UWM Community Orchestra. In 2018, I joined the UWM Community Band and I essentially started over as a horn player. I took some lessons when I retired, and it really helped me get back into the instrument.

I have been a guitar player since 8th grade, formed a band in junior high school (that band is still active), and played in a big band when I was at UW Eau Claire. I have been active as a rock guitar player, and took up jazz guitar in the past several years. In addition to PSB/SDBB, I play guitar with Cathy Grier & the Troublemakers. I am on the boards of the Door County Housing Partnership, the Peninsula Players, and volunteer with Gibraltar School, the Door County Land Trust, and I also paint pottery at ClayBay Pottery in Ellison Bay. 

Vice President
Nancy Stults

I played clarinet in middle school through my junior year of high school. Upon retirement, Paula Eggert introduced me to the New Horizons Band to refresh my memory and redevelop long lost embouchure muscles! Then Peninsula Symphonic Band welcomed me into their fold. I have learned to appreciate different types of music, while growing in my musical skill and enjoying being involved with a great group of people!

Secretary
Becky Fredrickson-LaCrosse

I’ve played on and off with the Peninsula Symphonic Band for over ten years and joined the board in December 2024. A Door County native, I got my start on piano at an early age, later adding flute and piccolo. I took part in as many musical opportunities as Sturgeon Bay school district had to offer, among them concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, and marching band, where I served as drum major. I also fondly remember playing keys in a blues/jazz quintet made up of fellow students that played at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club.

I continued studying flute throughout college (SNC ’16), performing in concert band under the direction of Michael Knight and in flute choir, taking lessons with Kortney James. After moving back to Door County post-graduation, I’ve been grateful for the chance to continue making music with PSB — it’s always been a warm, welcoming, and joyful community. I currently serve as board Secretary and have enjoyed contributing behind the scenes with marketing. I’ve previously served on the boards of United Way of Door County and Mentor Door County.

Treasurer
Paula Kocken

I have played the French Horn since elementary school and have continued playing in bands ever since with a 25-year hiatus in the middle for medical school and starting a family. I discovered community bands in Minneapolis and loved the multi-generational interaction and intellectual stimulus. When my husband and I retired to Door County, I was so pleased to join the Peninsula Symphonic Band.

Now, fully transitioned to Door County, I am actively involved with volunteering at Newport State Park, The Clearing Folk School, The Ridges Sanctuary and sit on the board for Northern Sky Theater. I have enjoyed increasing my proficiency on the horn by having the time to practice and the stimulus of a vibrant ensemble like PSB!

Members-at-Large
Erik Torkelson

I grew up in Manitowoc, and after graduating from college, I taught elementary music for thirty-four years in the southwest Chicago suburbs. While there, I played alto saxophone in a community band and sang with a community chorale.

After retiring, my wife and I moved back to Wisconsin and built a home outside of Fish Creek. I am the saxophone section leader in the Peninsula Symphonic Band and play alto and soprano saxophone in the Swingin’ Door Big Band. In addition, I sing with the Dudley Birder Chorale in Green Bay.

Jarrod Parks

I’ve had the privilege of playing in the percussion section of the Peninsula Symphonic Band for several years. My musical journey began in school, and after a long hiatus from reading music, I welcomed the challenge of symphonic performance—a return that rekindled my deep passion for percussion. With a background as an active drum set drummer, I continue to hone my craft while collaborating with a vibrant mix of professionals and amateurs alike.

Kaira Rouer

I am an active flutist and educator in Door County and have been playing with the Peninsula Symphonic Band for five years, joining the board in 2023. I am also the Executive Director of MUSE Sturgeon Bay and maintain a private teaching studio.

I earned my Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, where I studied under Julie Thornton of the Colorado Symphony, and my Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Lawrence University Conservatory of Music under Dr. Erin Lesser.

Alongside my performance and teaching work, I bring experience in arts leadership and organizational management to my role on the PSB board. I enjoy collaborating across a wide range of musical styles and ensembles within the Door County community, including the chamber group The Door County Northwinds and the country-rock band Belgian Silo Experience. I am passionate about community music-making and supporting opportunities for musicians of all ages to continue learning, performing, and connecting through music.