George Blank

We have been fortunate that George has shared his talents with us now for a few years. He orginally joined our band playing the electric bass guitar when we were tuba poor. He gave our bass voices a boost.

More recently, George found an antique baritone sax in reasonably good condition which he determined to play. He now not only plays with verve but can, if not restrained, can easily dominate the entire bass register. George, always modest, was known to quip, "I am the 1,750th best bass guitar player.. in Cass County.

George's experience spans from farming to running his own construction-related manufacturing company. .

Theresa Tallackson

Theresa is another musician who makes a long commute in order to to play with us.
Her career background is also in teaching.

Theresa was a teacher of English, and that discipline expands into the humanities, language and culture gleaned through the written word with all its cultural implications and meanings.

Though she prefers to be a quiet presence
in the background she adds to our growing cadre of saxophones.

Nancy Weiser

Our principal among the fabulous flutes, Nancy, is a retired music professional. She is among those whose versatile contributions have so greatly enriched our band.

When we need an accompanist we can call on her; When we need a piccolo obbligato, we call on her; when we need a substitute director we can call on Nancy. She also is helping to keep our music library organized and that is a tough assignment.

Michele Vannote

Originally a Golden Notes "groupie," Michele was encouraged to join by a friend who extolled the philosophy and fun of being in the band. Michele relocated her clarinet that was last played at Williston High and last seen in Montana! Well, after tracking it down, she took some refresher lessons and has been blowing up a storm ever since!

Michele is a retired Fargo school principal. Since her arrival she has used her administrative skills and connections to grow the band and give it an official standing in the community. Michele clearly has become the most active person in recruiting musical candidates from among her large array of city connections.

"I'm not perfect yet but what's a squeak among friends? Look out, Woody Allen!"

Bill Kitzman

As a farm kid from Sawyer, North Dakota, Bill grew up with music in the home. His dad played a concertina and his mother an accordian. Although they encouraged his playing, it was only later he took an interest in his dad's concertina. Bill stayed busy with music ever since.

After his military days he was able to earn a few bucks playing cordovox with local Fargo bands. Bill played mostly by ear in those days with a group called the "Happy Jacks." One of our number was a talented 'button trombone' player, Ed Christianson.
Bill's tuba career was launched in Foreman, N. Dakota when a community band was started. After moving to Fargo, Bill joined the �Royal Melodies,� dividing his time between accordian and tuba. After finishing his work career, Bill continues to enjoy playing. He performs with a brass ensemble at church and is now a welcome member of the FM Golden Notes band. Bill is a talented master showman. We are so happy Bill shares his talent with us.

Mike Wavra

Mike joined the band in the fall of 2017. He grew up in Enderlin, North Dakota where he played trumpet in high school. After graduating he played at Moorhead State University. He is retired from the Fargo Post Office.

His wife is a piano teacher. He and his wife have two grown daughters. Mike also sings baritone with the Great Plains Harmony barbershop chorus.

Maury Morgan

We are glad that we have a versatile percussionist to add to our rhythm making team. Maury has had a long career of playing with musical groups in the Fargo Moorhead area.

Clearly the percussionists keep the band from going astray when and if we fail to watch the man with the baton. ; )

Maury, a little unpredictable, has one of those personalities that is able to improvise on the fly, as when he substituted a brake drum for a needed percussion instrument.

Shirley Platfers

Shirley P. is a former Williston native. Before moving to Fargo, she played snare drum with the Williston City Band. The desire to be closer to her sons� families was a strong motivation in moving to Fargo.

Shirley keeps busy with numerous hobbies; sewing, biking, music, and especially enjoying her grandchildren.

Sylvia Benser

Sylvia brings a lot of musical experience with her to share with the band and the audiences. She can hold her own on an array of percussion tools as well as being able to play piano if needed.
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Sylvia has always enjoyed music. She is retired from a multifaceted career. A business owner, bookeeper and music teacher.

Sylvia says, "Finding this group to promote smiles in others gives me joy." She gives us joy as well!

Stanley Iverson

Stan is another retired academic. He taught at Concordia College in the department of religion. Stan is returning to music after many years. If you encounter a situation that is "all Greek to me." Just ask Stan, that is his forte.

After having no tuba or bass instruments for a long time it is very satisfying to have multiple tubas and a sousaphone to enhance musical experience.

As our founding director said, "There is no more important instrument in the band, except for a trombone."

Sue Helms

Sue and her husband Ted live in south Moorhead. She has 3 sons, and 2 grandsons, keeping her life fun and fulfilling. Sue worked several years as an elementary para and now works part time as a customer service representative for an insurance agency in Fargo.

The Golden Notes has been a delight to me since attending a 2014 Spring Concert and then joining the group that fall. Music has always been a love of mine but who knew I would pick up the saxophone again, after playing in my high school band 40 years ago. The Golden Notes are well, "music to my ears."

Karen Tabor

Karen is a welcome addition to our clarinet section. She joined the band after attending our 2015 spring concert. She is retired from her 30+ years as a med lab tech, & is excited to play clarinet again after many years.

Karen is a highly versatile musician.
She also sings with Valley Voices (Valley City) She enjoys all genres of music. She lives in a rural home with her husband, has 2 children & 2 grandchildren