"Always eager to explore music and education, Michael Halvorson has been homegrown as an 

appreciator, educator, and performer of all varieties of music. Hailing from Marquette, Michigan, he grew up in a community that instilled a passion for the arts.

Fluent in the classical and jazz saxophone realms, Michael has performed for/with professional 

musicians such as Dr. John Sampen, Hans de Jong, Dr. Timothy McAllister, ~Nois Quartet, Ted 

Nash, Vincent Herring, and Allen Vizzutti, among others. He has performed with the 

Central Wisconsin Symphony, Marquette Symphony, River Cities Jazz Band, and NEW Jazz Ensemble.

Michael also teaches in central Wisconsin, where he maintains a studio of middle school—adult-

aged students teaching classical and jazz saxophone pedagogy. He is also the Woodwind Specialist at Antigo High School and performs clinics and workshops throughout the state.

Michael is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. Michael's past mentors include Patrick Booth and Dr. Myles Boothroyd.

Michael is a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) and is a proud brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia."

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Hailing from Shawano, Wisconsin, Will Myers is an avid trombonist, pianist, and musician. From a young age, Will has been invested in music, starting piano lessons at nine years old and picking up the trombone in middle school band at age twelve. Since then, Will has been devoted to music, playing in the concert and jazz bands in high school and competing in various music competitions. Continuing this trend, Will chose to pursue a degree in music performance at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and is set to graduate in 2026. 

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Brayden Bellile is a jazz vocalist and educator from Wisconsin, recently earning his degree in Choral Music Education with a Jazz Studies minor from UW–Stevens Point. He begins his teaching career this fall as the 5–12 choir director for Merrill Area Public Schools. Brayden has experience performing in both a group and as a soloist with the UWSP Vocal Jazz Ensemble and has worked with renowned artists including säje, m-pact, Kerry Marsh, The New York Voices, Benny Benack III and Richard Cortez. Brayden is beyond excited to begin working with the wonderful N.E.W. Jazz Ensemble and cannot wait to share this opportunity with you all!

Cole Pecor is a guitarist and educator currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at UW-Madison. A graduate of UW-Stevens Point, he has performed in a wide range of ensembles, with a focus on swing, bebop, funk and more. 

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Known for his precision, creativity, and ability to adapt to any musical setting, Colt Maichle continues to leave his mark as one of Wisconsin’s premier drummers. Whether driving a jazz combo, adding groove to a brass band, or pushing the boundaries with conventional pop and rock music, Colt is a passionate performer and educator

Colt Maichle is a highly sought-after drummer and percussionist based in the Green Bay and Fox Valley region of Wisconsin. A versatile musician, Colt specializes in classical and jazz styles but brings his dynamic energy and creativity to a wide range of genres. He is a core member of the Point of Jazz Quintet, the high-energy Brewster Street Brass Band, and the indie surf-punk group Collective Ex. Colt also serves as the host of a popular weekly jazz jam session at Stone Arch Brewpub in Appleton, where musicians and enthusiasts gather every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 PM to celebrate live jazz.

Colt Received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree and a minor in Jazz Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Where he learned from current professors Mathew Buchman, Dr. John Lynch, Dr. Brian Bauldauff, Dr. Patrick Lawrence, and past professor Dr. Rachel Brashier who is now the Head of Music Education at the Peabody Institute of Music.

With a robust performance history, Colt has showcased his talent across Wisconsin, including memorable appearances at prestigious venues and events such as the Riverfront Jazz Fest, the Sentry Theatre, and Milwaukee’s renowned Summerfest. As a skilled classical percussionist, he frequently substitutes with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Weidner Philharmonic, and collaborates with various musical groups in the region.

Colt Maichle is the band teacher at Green Bay East High School and a private percussion instructor through his independent studio. In the past he has coached the Amherst High School drumline and worked as a behavioral technician at Caravel Autism Health.

When Colt is not playing or teaching, he enjoys adventuring to new places, listening to new music, and meeting new people.