Peninsula Symphonic Band began in 1990 with a simple idea: Door County needed a community band.
At the time, John Stangel was serving as music director at Sturgeon Bay’s T.J. Walker Middle School when several community members approached him about forming an ensemble for local musicians. That summer, Stangel joined forces with Patrice Champeau and Sevastopol music teacher Cheryl Kaster to bring the vision to life.
Only seven musicians attended the first rehearsal – a humble and slightly uncertain beginning. But word quickly spread, and by the fall the group had grown into a respectable | solid symphonic band.
Within a year, membership had expanded to nearly 50 musicians from across Door County. The ensemble also welcomed players from existing groups such as the Door County Trombone Quartet and the Door County Swing Band, strengthening both its size and its musical scope. Concerts were presented throughout the county in a wide variety of venues, and the band became known not only for its performances, but for its service to the community – offering benefit concerts, participating in commemorative ceremonies, supporting local nonprofits, and even helping to christen and launch a ship.
As interest and support continued to grow, the Friends of the Peninsula Symphonic Band was formed to provide fundraising and organizational support for music purchases, equipment rentals, and performance expenses.
After four years on the podium, Stangel passed the baton to John Quigley, band director at Gibraltar High School and a longtime member of the ensemble as well as the Door County Five. Under Quigley’s leadership, the band continued to grow musically and in visibility, performing up to six concerts each year and expanding its role in supporting area nonprofit organizations through benefit performances.
In 2000, Quigley handed the baton to founding member Paula Eggert. Paula believed the band should be a true voice for the community. In that spirit, she established the ensemble’s first Veterans Day Concert on November 11, 2001 – just two months after the events of 9/11 – creating a tradition that continues to honor the service and sacrifice of our armed forces. She also launched the beloved Fourth of July concerts, with freewill donations shared with local nonprofit organizations. Paula served for 18 years, becoming the longest-tenured music director in the band’s history.
In 2018, Paula passed the baton to current Music Director Jason Palmer. Jason brings more than four decades of experience as a church musician and educator. He and his wife, Jamie, founded the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance in Aurora, Illinois, where Jamie served as Executive Director and Jason conducted both high school and adult orchestras.
Today, under Jason’s leadership, Peninsula Symphonic Band continues to grow in artistry, membership, and community impact – carrying forward a tradition of musical excellence while remaining deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Door County.
peninsulasymphonicband.org 