Drewcilla Holifield plays clarinet and serves as the primary speaker at concerts. She has performed on a local, national, and international level with groups such as the Mississippi Lions All State Band and the Sound of America Honor Band and Choir. She served as the concert master for the Wind Ensemble and VP of Bands at Liberty University. Drew also serves on the Board for the Mat-Su Ski Club. She currently works at an Edward Jones office in downtown Palmer.

Sara is a long-time member of the Mat-Su Concert Band flute section. She has performed throughout the Pacific Northwest and internationally with a wide variety of bands, choirs, symphonies, and honor groups. A librarian specializing in Children’s Literature and Early Childhood Development, Ms. Saxton is a Past President of the Alaska Library Association, a board member with the Mat-Su Imagination Library, and an active member of the American Library Association and the Association for Library Services to Children.

Zaz Hollander plays alto clarinet in the band. She started playing clarinet in 5th grade and received musical instruction at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. Zaz has performed with the North Idaho College Symphonic Band, Anchorage Community Band and the Anchorage Civic Orchestra. She works as a journalist and lives near Hatcher Pass with two spirited, smart daughters who inspire her every day.

Doug grew up Lebanon, Pennsylvania, attended Lancaster Bible College and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October, 1987. During his 26-year trumpet career, he performed in 48 states and over 30 countries for heads of state and dignitaries, to include eight American presidents. He’s performed with Allen Vizzutti, Frank Sinatra Jr., Wayne Newton, Arturo Sandoval, Sherry Lewis, The Temptations, John O’Hurley, Debra Carr and The Manhattan Transfer. He enjoys performing and tutoring trumpet here in Alaska

Jade plays percussion for the Mat-Su Concert Band and supports the band’s social media presence. She has played with a variety of ensembles across the United States for over 20 years, most recently joining various ensembles across the Valley. She enjoys teaching private lessons at Percussion in the Valley and has been honored to teach at the past two percussion summer camps. Jade is a middle school special education teacher for the Mat-Su Borough School District.

Lisa plays percussion and serves as stage manager for the Mat-Su Concert Band. She began taking music lessons in retirement and joined the band with the encouragement and support from her instructor, Dr. Meggie Aube-Trammell, at Percussion in the Valley where she is currently a student. Lisa also plays with the percussion ensemble, The Matanuska Beat, and has performed with numerous groups around the Valley, such as Cantora Arctica and the Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra. She is delighted and grateful to play with so many talented musicians and to share the joy of music with the community.

Rebekah began playing flute at Palmer Junior High in 1979, and though she played various instruments, at Palmer High, Biola University, and churches, flute is the instrument that feels like home. She has been an educator for more than 30 years: first in Southern California and now back home in Alaska. Currently, she is an independent consultant, providing educational technology training to teachers. Rebekah joined the band in 2013 and is thankful for the music culture in the Mat-Su and the opportunity to make music with talented musicians every week.