Kelly Tyma is a founding member of the band, having served as a conductor since 2007 and Music Director since 2013. She recently retired as the music specialist at Oak Hill Academy in Lincroft, NJ where for twenty years she taught music to students in Kindergarten through eighth grades, directed a chorus, two percussion ensembles and a recorder ensemble. Currently she conducts a handbell choir at Colts Neck Reformed Church.
Ms. Tyma has developed music programs in a number of institutions including the American Boychoir School, NJ Youth Symphony, Wharton Music Center, and in private and public schools in NJ. She taught recorder in the Orff Schulwerk teacher-certification program at Columbia Teachers College and has given lectures on the Orff Schulwerk music-education philosophy at Westminster Choir College and at Monmouth University, and served as a clinician for Orff Schulwerk teacher-training workshops in NJ. As a flutist, she has performed as a soloist with numerous chamber ensembles and orchestras in New Jersey and Michigan.
Don Swinchoski is currently the Music Director at Central Jersey College Prep Charter School in Somerset, NJ. In addition to conducting the Colts Neck Community Band, he is the founding member and music director and conductor of the Band of the Two Rivers, in Fair Haven, NJ. Mr. Swinchoski holds a B.A. degree from Johnson State College and a M.M. from New England Conservatory in Wind Ensemble Conducting and studied conducting with Frank L. Battisti. He has lived in central New Jersey for the last 20 years and performs as a free lance trumpet player and conductor, especially with the Navesink Brass and St. Peter's Brass. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with so many fine musicians in Colts Neck Community Band.
As the orchestra director of Knollwood School in Fair Haven, NJ, Mel Chayette teaches fourth through eighth grade strings, sixth through eighth grade general music, and adaptive music. Mx. Chayette is an active local musician, playing the tuba, electric bass, guitar, trombone, and percussion in a variety of ensembles, including the Asbury Brass Quintet, the Cantique tuba quartet, and the Moondance Big Band.
Eric Robertshaw is an active musician and conductor throughout New Jersey. In addition to conducting the Colts Neck Community Band, Eric is also one of the conductors of the Old Bridge Concert Band, and has conducted over 30 concerts for the Imperial Band of South River. His background in the performing arts includes designing shows for Marching Bands and Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as adjudicating Marching Band and indoor Colorguard competitions. Eric works full time as a Hearing Specialist for Beltone Hearing Centers.
David Crosby is a resident of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and has been a member of the Colts Neck Community Band since 2010. Mr. Crosby holds a degree in Music Education from Montclair State University, where he studied instrumental and vocal music. Mr. Crosby is the music director and conductor of the Two Counties Symphonic Band. He also frequents as guest conductor for The Old Bridge Concert Band, The Imperial Symphonic Band, The Mason Gross Brass Band and the Saint Clare Roman Catholic Church Chorus. Mr. Crosby’s principle conducting teachers are Dr. Shelley Axelson and Dr. Thomas McCauley.
