My name is Chris Hastreiter. I play Timpani and Percussion with the MFSO. I joined the orchestra in the Fall of 2013 when I moved to Milwaukee. I have performed in musical ensembles continuously since 8th grade, but the MFSO was my first orchestra since college. While in college, I played with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra – principal timpanist for my last two years. Currently, I am also a member of the Knightwind Ensemble of Milwaukee and the South Milwaukee Municipal Band. Occasionally, I also get the opportunity to work with other Milwaukee area wind bands when they are short on percussionists.
Timpani
My percussion studies started in 4th grade, and I play piano. In the last three years, I have dabbled with alto clarinet – though I’ve likely lost all my chops during the pandemic.
Professionally, I am an electrical engineer at Eaton Corporation in the Switchgear Products Division where I design recloser controls. (Reclosers and the other associated products made by Eaton’s Power Systems Group are the devices you see hanging on utility poles.)
Beyond playing music, my hobbies include water skiing, alpine skiing, electronic design and repair – specifically audio equipment and amplifiers, and working on my hobby-car – a 1981 DeLorean. As for other parts of my life, I read a little of everything from engineering textbooks to theology to novels (think Tom Clancy), I enjoy cooking and trying new foods, and I direct the Handbell Choir at my Lutheran Church.
When listening to music, 1960’s-70’s rock is my primary background music, but you will catch me listening to just about anything from Bach to today. In the realm of classical music, I tend to gravitate toward pieces that I have dug into and performed. The amount of mental dedication involved in learning and performing a work enhances the listening experience.
The MFSO provides for me a creative right-brain activity and an escape from spending my days thoroughly entrenched in the left-brain world of engineering. It offers mental balance, a reset, and a refreshing contrast to my work and other hobbies.
When I recall some of the concerts I have done, one favorite concert moment was when we played Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. I had a couple little boys sitting in front of me on stage that practically jumped out of their seats when I played. (They were totally enthralled during the rest of the piece!) I don’t recall the piece we played immediately afterwards, but it was highly contrasting in nature – quiet and melodic. As I prepared for my entrance, the boys, who were still watching intently, frantically covered their ears. They were quite surprised to find that I could play quietly as well!
I have continuously played in music ensembles year-round since 8th grade - sometimes up to 5 groups at a time. This year-long break starting March, 2020 is the longest I've ever gone without a performance. I greatly look forward to returning to the MFSO soon!
My family moved to Wisconsin about 6 years ago because of my husband's job. This was very exciting because Wisconsin was the place we always went to for family vacations. I tell people that I am now living in vacation land.
About 4 years ago I started playing Principal Bassoon with the MFSO. I was told about this playing opportunity by a trumpet player (Eli) in the ensemble who knew that I was new to the Wisconsin area. This is such a wonderful playing opportunity with a beautiful mix of orchestral players from the area.
Music has always been an important part of my life. I started playing piano when I was 5 years old. As a child I always wanted to be singing or playing piano. I joined the church choir when I was 5 years old and within a few years I was given the chance to also play piano as the choir accompanist. At school I was also known as the piano player for all the school music programs. I guess music was always part of my life.
Growing up in Chicago, I had the chance to be a Music Major at Lane Tech HS where I was encouraged to play bassoon because of a shortage of bassoon players. Learning bassoon opened lots of doors to musical ensembles. I had the chance to play in the Youth Orchestra of Greater Chicago and they encouraged me to learn Contrabassoon. I was a Music Major at Northwestern University and played in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Summers included the Aspen Music Festival.
I went to Carnegie Mellon University and got a Masters of Music on Bassoon. A year after graduation I got the job of playing Bassoon and Contrabassoon in the Mexico City Filharmonic. I lived south of the border for 4 years before returning to Illinois for more educational opportunities. I went to Northern Illinois University for a Performance Certificate and a second Masters in Music Education. I found that I really enjoyed teaching music. While in the college setting, I taught Music Appreciation to non-majors, sharing my enjoyment of music history and theory.
After college, I had the chance to teach both piano and bassoon lessons to students of all ages. One of my teaching jobs was teaching general music to preschool through 8th grade at a Catholic School. This was a wonderful opportunity to create musical programs and to work with the students on Church music for daily Mass. The school also had a church choir giving me a chance to direct an ensemble for more musical opportunities.
I have always been a member of church choirs – either singing in the ensemble or as the choir accompanist. Here in Wisconsin, I am an adult choir accompanist and direct the children's choir at a church in Brookfield. This has been a challenging year of learning how to teach kids on-line with Zoom. It has been exciting to see that children can still learn in this world of technology through the computer camera. The biggest challenge was figuring out how to make this process work. My children's choir meets every week and we still find ways to sing together and discuss musical knowledge.
I have also assisted locally with MYSO and WSM competitions as a piano accompanist and bassoon teacher. These events give me a chance to share my performance experience. It is so nice to see the strong musical opportunities here in Wisconsin. My husband Paul and I have two boys, Ryan (at MSOE) and Kyle (at UW Whitewater). We moved to this area of Wisconsin because of the strong educational environment. Both sons have had a chance to add music to their lives. Our oldest, Ryan, played bass drum in the drum line and bassoon in the ensembles. Kyle is a trumpet player who also enjoyed being part of the marching band wind ensemble experience.
During the day, I work at the front desk of an Assisted Living Residence. Again, I use my piano skills to share music with the residents who enjoy melodies from the 40's to today.
My musical philosophy is to keep music fun and enjoyable. While teaching and playing in ensembles I enjoy both the piano and bassoon experience. It is always exciting for me to share my love of music in an approachable way.
When I am not doing music, I enjoy shopping and cooking. I enjoy making Norwegian and German family favorites as well as Mexican foods from our years in Mexico. Our boys have learned to enjoy cooking as well and share these favorites with their friends. When we relax in the evening with a good movie you will find me sitting with our two cats - one on each shoulder.
Ed began his music career at the age of 13 when his paternal grandmother and step-grandfather bought him his first trombone. His father played trombone in the high school band in Madison. He immediately took to his instrument and never had to be reminded to practice the mandatory half-hour a day, sometimes practicing for hours. His family moved to West Allis and he joined the Jr. High Band, direct by Henry Canitz. Ed took private lessons from Henry and when the family moved to Milwaukee, he continued his lessons. He played for South Division High School.
Ed was one of four trombone players known as “God’s Trombones” to play at Ascension Lutheran Church for Easter Sunrise services.
Ed joined the Milwaukee Pops Youth band, a group of first and second chair musicians from the greater Milwaukee area. He was a member from ages 15 to 21. He was voted by fellow band members as having the “sweetest tone” in the group.
Later, he became a member of the West Allis, West Milwaukee Civic Band. He played first chair trombone and baritone. After some years he became a member of the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony, now the Menomonee Falls Symphony.
In 1973 he accepted the position as choir director at Bethel Lutheran Church in Muskego. Ed had no choral training but decided he would try it temporarily. This voluntary position lasted for 40 years. He was best known for the Christmas concerts he presented each year with the choir and members of the Menomonee Falls Symphony.
After retiring from being a choir director, he and his wife Kathy joined Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church where he continued to be a member of the choir.
In his younger days, Ed enjoyed bowling on leagues with family members. In the summer, he spent every Sunday morning golfing. Ed’s favorite movie was The Sound of Music.
Written by wife, Kathy
Tributes from the lower brass of the MFSO
I first heard Ed play in 1963 or 1964. He was the lead euphonium player in the Milwaukee Pops Youth Band. He had a big tone and a lyrical style that added a lot to the ensemble. The next time I became involved with Ed was in the early 80’s when he asked me to play trombone in a brass ensemble for an Easter church service at his church in Muskego. Ed directed the choir. The church wasn’t large and the choir wasn’t either, but they were very good! They sang in tune and with great precision - not typical of every choir. This was due to Ed’s teaching and conducting. I was impressed.
The last ten years I’ve been in the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra, sitting next to Ed. In those ten years I got to know Ed much better than ever before. We had fun at rehearsals and concerts, each of us playing as well as we could (not always perfect). Ed seemed to enjoy my nasty sense of humor and he could give as good as he got. I know Ed loved playing in the orchestra. He gave a lot to the orchestra, both of his time and his money. He was the one who took care of getting the baskets for the brass and percussion sections for the Valentine’s Day concert. We each contributed $20. I know Ed put in quite a bit more. This is just what he did. I thought we would have more years and more concerts playing together. I will miss him.
Mark Gerard, trombone
Ed Beale was one of the first trombonists I met when I moved to Wisconsin in 2003. It was clear from the beginning he was a force of nature. His passion for playing trombone and for the MFSO was so strong and his enthusiasm was contagious. I remember thinking during my first rehearsal that “this guy should be president.” Lo and behold… He took great pride in his ability as a trombonist. Later I would learn that he also was a prominent member and leader of his church choir. Anyone who knew Ed would recognize his booming bass voice from great distances. It made sense that his ability to sing would make him a valuable member of any choral ensemble. As president of the MFSO he worked tirelessly, helping in any way he could. His dedication to the group, and the arts in general, was admirable. Ed also knew how to enjoy himself. During rehearsal, whether it was murmuring musical puns or “dad” jokes to the low brass section or broadcasting those comments for all, he helped keep levity in the group, commandeering his “one man peanut gallery.” He also wouldn’t hesitate to lend a hand whenever anyone needed. With Ed, all you had to do was ask. I think back to our last rehearsal in March, just as the pandemic was beginning. It’s hard to believe that he won’t be sitting in that chair anymore. We all will miss him. Godspeed Ed.
James Gagne, trombone
For as long as I have been in the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra, Ed led the low brass section. His respect as leader derived both from his ability to seriously guide the section and to also exhibit a sense of humor in the lighter moments. He knew well the orchestral repertoire and could provide direction to the section as needed. When events called for it, he was ever ready with a robust laugh. But probably the action that most affected me was the "good job" that Ed declared to each of us after a performance.
Ed also provided leadership in other areas of musical performance. One of the more harrowing was playing in a wind ensemble while riding on a trailer during the Menomonee Falls Fourth of July parade. Ed organized a group of volunteers to represent the orchestra and also recognize the sponsorship of the Menomonee Falls Festival Corporation. It's likely none of the other bands were playing excerpts from Carmen or the theme from Masterpiece Theater. The parade itself was quite enjoyable. The return to the staging area at near normal street speeds while trying to hold on to instruments, music stands, and music had its challenging moments.
One other activity in which Ed provided several members of the MFSO the opportunity to participate was the Christmas Cantata at the Bethel Lutheran Church where Ed was the choir director. A chamber orchestra accompanied the church choir to present a very enjoyable Christmas program to the congregation. Rehearsals often had their chaotic moments when Ed was off the podium. But when he was ready to start a piece, all attention turned to Ed. Respect for his musical expertise and his leadership was readily apparent. His contributions to an array of musical endeavors will be deeply missed.
John Sandrik, tuba
From members of the Board of Directors for the MFSO
I’ve known Ed for many years. I remember when he first joined The Milwaukee Catholic Symphony Orchestra, now known as The Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. Ed brought liveliness to the orchestra, he was not afraid to speak up and make known his thoughts. Somehow, some way, the MFSO Board coerced Ed to join the Board. First, as a general member, next he dabbled as our Treasurer (who made sure our monies were being paid out in the best interest of the Orchestra), and finally, we, the Board Members convinced Ed he would fit the roll of President quite well. During his tenure on the Board, Ed was instrumental in moving the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony to the Falls. In working with Ed on the Board of Directors, he was known to be tenacious, stuck to his point of view, witty, loved a good laugh, and was very good at delegating assignments to Board Members. Ed was the backbone of the MFSO Board of Directors and Trombone Section and proud to make known that the MFSO was a “community” orchestra for all musicians. Ed left this earth too early in life, he will be missed by all.
I joined the MFSO in 2004 and got to know Ed as a trombone player. In 2013, I joined the MFSO board and got to know him as president. He was a kind and generous person. For the valentine concerts he always took care of getting the brass/percussion’s valentine basket for the raffle and they would have the best baskets. He was also a heck of a trombone player and musician that provided a tremendous amount of support for the orchestra. He will be missed.
Louise Adams
Ed and I worked on many MFSO projects – some big, some small. The bigger ones included both a name change and location change to become the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. This took much leadership and, shall I say, hutzpah! Ed had what was needed and more.
Ed dearly loved music of all kinds: instrumental, choral, solo, classical, jazz, and big band. As many have stated, Ed did have a love for levity, never taking things too seriously, not even himself. He was sensitive to the inner workings of groups so that mission was clear and so that people could work together to accomplish that mission.
Brassy would describe not only his musical contributions (a proud trombonist, willing to hold up the bottom in the orchestra and shine when the orchestrations called for it) but also his personality. Not shy, ever direct and clear, he would make sure he was making a contribution to the world, be it for an orchestra, a band, a church or his wife and family.
Ed did contribute to the MFSO – much, and well! It is a tremendous complement to such a person when it is said that he will leave a hole, not ever to be replaced.
My name is Bob Steliga and I am the current Treasurer of the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. 12-4-2020
In the late 1990's Ed Beale [most recent President of the Board and trombone in the Orchestra – recently deceased November, 2020] and I were talking at our favorite bar in West Allis. He told me he was a member of the Catholic Symphony Orchestra and that they were looking for a new home for the Symphony. I am a country western guy but do have an appreciation for Symphony music. I got Ed and his group to come out and try Menomonee Falls. The school district has a nice auditorium at the middle school and so that is where they began to play and practice.
In 1998 they officially changed their name to the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. After using the middle school for concerts and rehearsals for a few years, Dr. Kathy Cook, who was the superintendent of the Sussex Hamilton School District, invited the symphony to play at their new fine arts center. They did not know how to break the news to me that they were thinking of moving to the fine arts center. I told them it was not a problem as the southern part of Menomonee Falls is in the Sussex Hamilton School District. In fact, I have lived in the Hamilton School District for almost 60 years. My three sons attended school until 9th grade in the Hamilton District following which they went to Marquette University High School. My wife taught for 10 years at Templeton Middle School in Sussex. What is so nice about the move is that the Fine Arts Center is a great facility and we could still call the Symphony the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra.
I have always tried to be active in Menomonee Falls. In fact, I was a member of the Village Board from 1972-1992. The last 14 years I was Village President. 1992 was the Village Centennial year so we had a 10-day celebration. Afterwards a group of us got together and said that it was so much fun that we should organize a 4-day event each year. My son Jeff and I formed Falls Fest and ran that for 26 years. We were able to do this for so long because we had a great group of people who served on the Falls Fest Committee.
I have always enjoyed music and in fact I played the clarinet in my high school band. After 10 years of teaching, my wife was looking for change so she opened her own Tour Company called Travel America. She ran a great business and at one time had 5 escorts working for her. She ran the business for 26 years before we closed it in December, 2010 because of her health. She was developing dementia and lasted until October, 2017 when the disease took her life. I have 6 grandchildren that I really love and enjoy.
I have really enjoyed being on the Symphony Board. The Board is made up of some great people who are so willing to devote time to the Symphony. Mike Kamenski is another great asset to the board and is a great conductor and symphony planner.
Elizabeth Jorgensen is a writer and teacher. Her memoir, Go, Gwen, Go: A Family’s Journey to Olympic Gold is available now (Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2019). She hopes you’ll buy it from a local bookseller.
Nancy (mom) and Liz Jorgensen
Elizabeth is an avid Real Housewives and sijo (a Korean form of poetry) fan; she also loves working out with her trainer, Ryan Bloor, at Right Body Fitness. Learn more on her website: lizjorgensen.weebly.com.
Liz has been playing the violin since age five; she graduated in 2001 from Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Senior Symphony as a violist and continued playing violin and viola with local groups. In college, she was the president of Marquette University’s orchestra.
After trying out different local orchestras, Liz finally found her home in the MFSO.
How long have you been in MFSO? I joined MFSO in 2018.
What instrument do you play in the orchestra? First violin.
Do you play others? I also play the viola.
What has the MFSO meant to you? I really love that the orchestra is filled with accomplished musicians. The musicianship pushes me to be better every rehearsal. Our conductor, Mike, is so supportive and interesting. He has great ideas for music and I really love the themed concerts each year (especially the Valentine’s Day concert). I learn something new each rehearsal and I also enjoy that I get to play and carpool to MFSO rehearsals and concerts with my lifelong friends, Kassie Slotty and Eric Slotty.
NOTE from Mike Kamenski: I have read Liz’s book and it is a riveting account of her sister’s trials and triumphs [achieving a U.S. Gold Medal in Triathlon], uniquely narrated in stereo by sister and mother. Their vivid storytelling affords the reader a rare opportunity to “be there” – behind the scenes and inside the emotions of the entire family. I recommend it highly!
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