Holland

Holland

Holland Wind Players

Several band families opened their homes to musicians from Europe in February, 2003 as the Fond du Lac Concert Association hosted a performance by the internationally-acclaimed Holland Wind Players. When Fond du Lac Concert Association Board member/Band Manager Mary Arthur learned that the group would prefer to stay overnight in homes during their first-ever American tour, she immediately offered the band's services, knowing full-well that her musicians would enjoy meeting and greeting fellow musicians from abroad.

The group arrived in Fond du Lac on February 20 in time for a master class at the high school, followed by supper at Mary's office building and the evening performance at the PAC. (The concert, incidentally, was masterfully done - we note that these musicians are the principal players from the major orchestras in the Netherlands.) Following the concert, host families and the visitors spent a lively couple hours getting acquainted at a local night spot, after which hosts took their guests home with them for the night.

The next morning, guests were treated to home-cooked breakfasts or a restaurant meal. Some wanted time to practice; others were taken shopping or on a mini-tour. Hosts included Ray and Carla Wifler, Steve and Lynne Uecker, Jim Kelly, Steve and Robin Speidel, Dale and Nancee Shipe, and Bob and Patti Milanowski. It was evident when they regrouped at the high school for departure that the Holland musicians had endeared themselves to their Fond du Lac hosts, and the feeling was definitely mutual. In fact, we've already offered to "put them up" again when they return for another tour!

Steve Speidel (Right) with Niek Wijns and Jeannette Landre

Patti Milanowski (Center) with Annet Karsten and Mieke Van Dael

Jim Kelly had a great time hosting the three horn players and the tour manager, Joan Martens. From left: Toine Martens, Joan Martens, Ron Schaaper, Jim Kelly, and Eric Borninkhof

Nancee and Dale Shipe chatted with their newly-made friends (both oboists): Frank van Koten (facing Dale) and Andries Boelens (with case). Frank was a big hit at the high school master class, regaling the students with fascinating trivia about surname origins!

Ray and Carla Wifler provided housing for HWP conductor Jeroen Weierink and principal clarinetist Harrie Troquet. A tireless promoter of chamber music, Weierink is also conductor of a chamber orchestra: Camerata Amsterdam. The two conductors said their farewells as the group prepared to depart for Lakeland College in Sheboygan, where they performed that night.

The Holland Wind Players are:

Jeroen Weierink : conductor

Jeannette Landre: Flute
Frank van Koten: Oboe
Andries Boelens: Oboe
Harrie Troquet: Clarinet
Niek Wijns: Clarinet
Ron Schaaper: French horn
Toine Martens: French horn
Eric Borninkhof: French horn
Annet Kartsten Bassoon
Mieke van Dael: Bassoon
Arturo Muruzabal: Cello
Boris Kozlov: Double Bass

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