Rhea Allen
Instrument: Cello

Rhea Allen joined the cello section in 2002.  Prior to this, she had played clarinet in the orchestra for two years.  Rhea played clarinet in the University of Iowa Concert Band and Wind Symphony, and continues to play clarinet in the Muscatine Woodwind Quintet.  She began to study cello in 2002, and has enjoyed the challenge of learning to play a string instrument. Rhea works for Unity Healthcare in Muscatine as a physician in the Occupational Medicine department, and also serves as the Medical Director for Unity.

I grew up in Iowa City and started on the violin in 5th grade.  I enjoyed playing all through school.  After college I moved to Muscatine and in 1975 joined the orchestra at Muscatine Community College.  After a few years that was dissolved and I stopped playing my violin!  When Jan Phillips and Dr. Beverly Everett created the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, I began using my talents once again.  I began a string quartet this fall, thanks to participating in orchestra.

I am married to Otis, professor of Horse Science at Kirkwood Community College.  We have a daughter, Brooke, a student at Muscatine High School.  I am a full time dental hygienist and Mary Kay beauty consultant.  I really enjoy the orchestra!!

Jon was born in 1953 in Iowa City, Iowa and was raised in Chicago (Hyde Park). He played the trumpet and cornet in elementary school, high school, college bands, and amateur symphony.

Jon was trained in Art (Intaglio Printmaking) at the University of Iowa and he was personal assistant to Mauricio Lasansky.

Jon is a practicing artist in intaglio printmaking with national and international experience. He plays in a number of local and area groups. Jon resides in Muscatine and he is married to Diane Calzaretta with two daughters, Michaella and Marina.

Mary L. Gieselman
Instrument:  Clarinet

Playing in the Muscatine Symphony is a wonderful way to again be involved in music. My first years were spent playing the clarinet and saxaphone in marching band, concert band and various jazz ensembles that covered the first 12 years of my music education. I continued lessons my first year of college, then put the instrument away to concentrate on other endeavors. I guess I could be seen as a good example of, "you are never too old to pick it up again!"  Now that my three children are grown and the last in college, I have also started taking piano lessons. Music just continues to be the challenge that calms my soul and soothes my spirit after a day of work.

I was born and raised in Louisa County, lived in Des Moines, and finally moved to Muscatine in 2003. I can be found working daily at Unity Physican Clinics as a family nurse practitioner. My other interests include perennial flower gardening, biking, walking for exercise, and reading.

I encourage anyone who has an interest to come join the symphony. We have a great time exploring new music, playing with other groups in Muscatine, and hosting a variety of guest artists.

Dave has played string bass since learning to play it in the West Junior High School band in Muscatine. - Thanks to band director Charles Piotrowski, who learned the instrument in order to teach Dave. Dave is a past member of the Muscatine High School Band, Tri-City (currently Quad City)Youth Symphony, Luther College Concert Band, Luther College Orchestra, and is a founding member of the original Muscatine Symphony Orchestra (circa 1975). In addition to being a member of the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra since the 2002/2003 season, Dave is also a current member of the River City Big Band.

Unusual fact:...The original Muscatine Symphony Orchestra once consisted of a 2 member bass section - both with the name of Dave Hanson.

I grew up in Washington, Iowa and began playing violin in 1st grade. When that did not work out, I tried piano. Again, another flop! I began playing bassoon in the 5th grade and while I did not love it at first, I also didn't hate it. I am a 3rd generation bassoon player following in my mother and great aunt's footsteps and enjoyed having my father, Gary McCurdy, as my band director while in grades 7 through 9 (a fact I deny from time to time).

I work for CDS (Communication Data Services) in Wilton, Iowa, having been with the company for 12 years. In addition to playing in MSO, I am an active member of the Tipton Woodwind Quintet and ISDTA (Iowa State Dance/Drill Team Association). In my free time I work with various color guards in central and eastern Iowa.

I am married to Henry W. Harris, Jr., who also is employed by CDS. We have one 'child' Peanut, a black lab/chow/shar pei mixed pup.

Gail is a violinist with the MSO Orchestra and is originally from Flint, Michigan.  She is  married and the mother of two fine boys. 

As far back as Gail can remember, she had wanted to play a musical instrument.  For whatever reason, the opportunity had not presented itself.  She wanted to play an instrument so badly that she decided at an early age to teach herself how to play her oldest sister’s flute…she broke it!  That was the end of her music career until 1997, when as an adult, she decided to go ahead and give the violin a try.  Other than the flute fiasco, Gail had no prior music experience.  She took lessons from Virginia Ewoldt at Griggs Studio as well as Mary Wilkinson here in Muscatine.  Gail is currently studying with Michele Nemmers in Davenport, and continues to learn with membership in the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. 

Gail says, “I have learned so much from our director and the other musicians that I could never have learned from lessons alone.  It is very challenging for me, but so very rewarding.  A great big Thank You to our director, and everyone on the board and throughout the community who make this wonderful opportunity happen.  Please come join us. You’ll love it, too!”

Dick Marr is a retired engineer from Stanley Consultants in Muscatine, Iowa.  Upon retirement, Dick started his own engineering company, Marr Engineering, Inc., in 1996.

Dick also retired from the Muscatine Elk’s Chanters after almost 30 years in that men’s vocal group.  The Chanters featured a “swing band” in its annual concerts which provided an avenue for picking up the trombone after being dormant since high school.  Formal training consisted of Jr. High and Sr. High band in Lyons (Clinton), Iowa.

Dick and Evie have lived in Muscatine continuously since 1960 after returning from a 2-year tour of duty in the Army.  Two sons, Michael and Craig, were born in Muscatine and graduated from Muscatine High School in 1976 and 1979 respectively.  Michael is a high school teacher and coach in Westby, Wisconsin.    He and Barb have two children, Erich and Katie.  Craig is a lawyer in St. Louis, Mo.  He and Ann have two children, Eve and Mia.

Dick joined the orchestra in 2002 and plays 2^nd trombone.  Dick presently serves on the MSO Board of Directors.

Jan Phillips
Instrument: Oboe

Jan Phillips plays oboe and was a part of the first orchestra that was organized in Muscatine in 1975.  For the past several years she has been a part of the Muscatine Woodwind Quintet. Jan is the Director of Music Activities at Muscatine Community College and is very pleased that the Orchestra is a part of their fine arts community.  Jan also directs the Muscatine Civic Chorale and a church choir.

Jan was originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin but currently resides in Muscatine with her husband Steve, and their two children, Kristin and Tim.

Julie Plummer
Instrument:  Principal B flat Clarinet

Since her days as a member of the Augustana College Concert Band, Julie has participated in various community music organizations in both the Quad Cities and Muscatine, and was excited to join the Muscatine Symphony.  Being a part of the group has even inspired her to begin violin lessons!

 Julie is a biologist, employed by Eastern Iowa Community College District as a representative of the Iowa Waste Exchange – an organization dedicated to assisting Iowa business and industry in recycling by-products and wastes that would otherwise end up in Iowa landfills.  This position has earned her various titles such as “Dumpster Diver” and “Waste Queen”, which she wears proudly of course. 

Julie lives along (and sometimes in) the Mississippi River in Montpelier Iowa, with her husband and three cats.  She has nearly completed work for her Masters Degree in Archaeology from the University of Iowa, and when she’s not studying or practicing, she loves to go sailing.  Julie and her husband spent three years sailing their 27 foot sailboat throughout the South Pacific several years ago, and are looking forward to more such adventures in the coming years.

Miriam Pusateri is currently attending the University of Iowa where she is studying Music Education with an emphasis in oboe performance. She plays in the Concert Band, Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as playing alto saxophone in the Hawkeye Marching Band. She started her music studies at age seven on the piano and continues to play at church and for fun. Miriam also enjoys being able to make and play music with her two sisters, Anna and Kathleen, who play violin and french horn. Also, with her mom, Gail, who plays cello, and her dad, Dave, who never fails to cheer on.

Gail Pusateri
Instrument: Principal Cello

As a youngster growing up in Aurora, Illinois, Gail began taking piano lessons in second grade. She added the violin a few years later, but switched to cello in junior high. The cello is her favorite!

As a student at Augustana College in Rock Island, Gail had many musical opportunities.  Gail and two friends currently play in the GEM piano trio. Gail's biggest musical committment now is the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra which she truly enjoys.

By profession, Gail is a fourth-grade teacher at Grant School in Muscatine. She lives at home with her husband David, and her three daughters (who all enjoy playing their own musical instruments).

Music has always been part of my life. I have been playing the flute since fourth grade. I have been very fortunate to have had some wonderful band directors and teachers. Growing up in Northern Michigan, I had the opportunity to study flute each summer at Bay View. In addition, I participated in the marching band, symphonic band, pep band, and pit band. My career also included many trips to the solo and ensemble festivals. It is with great pleasure that I have been able to find other opportunities such as MSO to continue enjoying music. If you have any interest in music we hope you will hear us play!

I now reside in Muscatine with my husband, Ted and our two beautiful daughters. Being in the orchestra has been a very enriching experience and I truly enjoy it. In addition, I play in a local flute ensemble called Flute Cocktail. During the day, I work for the City of Muscatine in the Human Resources department.

Betty Smith
Instrument: Bassoon

Betty Smith chose bassoon from an informational brochure on musical instruments passed out by the Milwaukee Public School system in her 5th Grade classroom.  She liked the way it looked! Betty participated in bands and orchestra in the Milwaukee area where there were many quality groups and good teachers.

Betty attended Augustana College, Rock Island and again took part in orchestra, band and a woodwind quintet. 

Betty incorporated her playing and musical interests into her vocation of teaching the youngest children in public and private schools. (She no longer had a school system instrument to play.)

When Muscatine presented opportunities to play in local musical groups, Betty responded after her husband, Jack (her biggest supporter) encouraged her to buy her own bassoon.  She has played in all the various civic bands and orchestras in Muscatine since l965, and is very thankful for the present MSO!

Ryan Stacy played the cello for 3 years in grade school in Buffalo, Iowa and had not played the instrument again until joining the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. He joined MSO the second half of their first season.

Ryan owns and operates Stacy Printing Company in Muscatine.  His other interests include airplanes and Harley’s.

Nancy Stoos
Instrument:  Bass Clarinet / Clarinet

Nancy is a retired homemaker. She and her husband Dwayne are originally from Ottumwa, Iowa.  They have two grown children who were both very active in music while attending school in Muscatine.

Nancy has been involved in many aspects of volunteer work in Muscatine.  Most recently her involvement includes: MSO players committee, MSO Librarian/Personnel Manager, T.T.T. Society, and is a member of St. Mathias / St. Mary Church.

Nancy was born and raised on a farm in Southern Iowa. As a very young child she found music to be the outlet she needed to maintain a balance in life.  She served as Sunday School pianist and later as substitute organist, as well as playing clarinet and tenor sax in the high school band.  She says, “Music has always been at the heart of her life.”

Dan Warschauer has chaired the MSO guild since its inception in 2003. He is also the official photographer for the Orchestra. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and raised in Queens, New York, Dan attended new York College of Music (now part of NYU) as a Music Theory Major. After a tour in Viet Nam as Chaplain's Assistant and organist, he completed his BA in Music at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY. He received his MME degree with a choral emphasis from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

   Recently retired from a successful thirty-six year teaching career, Dan is a long-time member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and is still heavily involved in many aspects of Barbershopping, including directing, singing, coaching, and arranging for quartets and choruses. He is currently the director of Muscatine's heartland Harmony Barbershop Chorus. Dan is also a collaborating composer/lyricist with Peter and Marie Press for "Muscatine! The Musical". Dan's wife, Irene, is principal flutist with the MSO. They have two children, Averi, a veterinarian in Sacramento California, and Jason, an engineer with Texas Instruments in Dallas, both active and talented musicians. danwarsch@hotmail.com

Irene received her M.M. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has played for many years in community orchestras in Wisconsin, most recently in the La Crosse Symphony and the Central Wisconsin Symphony. She was on the summer teaching staff at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, and the coaching staff of the La Crosse Youth Symphony.

Irene plays in the local ensemble, Flute Cocktail.  She holds a full time day job as office manager at the Musser Public Library.  Irene also gives private lessons on flute and recorder.

Lani began her string music experience in grade school and continued playing throughout high school and college.  In 9th grade she began playing with the Clinton Symphony Orchestra in Clinton, Iowa and eventually made her way into the first violin section.

After graduation from college, Lani returned to Clinton to teach string music in the schools and resumed playing with the Clinton Symphony. 

Lani has studied under William Henigbaum, concertmaster of the Quad-City Symphony, and music professors from Cornell College and the University of Iowa. She received her B.A. from Cornell College in music education and  Spanish, and has an M.A. in Developmental Reading from the University of Iowa.

Most of her professional career has been teaching in the elementary classroom which turned out to be her real love.  Lani retired from teaching in 2002 to pursue other interests which include being a member of Wesley United Methodist Church choir and bell choir. She also loves reading, stitching, gardening, and traveling. Special times are those spent with family, especially grandchildren.

During the years that her three children were busy in high school activities, she took a hiatus from symphony playing. It was just in 2003 that she decided to pick up her violin again, after a 20 year lapse.  Working to regain some of her playing skill has been rewarding as has been the experience in MSO.