DONALD SWINCHOSKI is in his 13th year as co-conductor of the Colts Neck Community band. He also is Conductor of the Basie Conservatory Youth Orchestra. As a public school music educator for over 45 years, Mr Swinchoski has taught instrumental and choral music in three states, currently at the Red Bank Middle School. He has participated in the West Virginia and South Carolina Conducting Institutes and was accepted as a conducting fellow for the Aspen Music School. Mr Swinchoski received a masters degree in conducting from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, studying with Frank Battisti, and holds a BA degree from Johnson State College (now VSU-Johnson) with a degree in music education. He has received an award for Outstanding Musical Direction at the annual Basie Awards and was nominated for Orchestra Direction at the Paper Mill Playhouse awards. He was twice nominated for Teacher of the Year at Rumson Fair Haven, where musical ensembles received many awards and performed in Toronto, Williamsburg, Baltimore, and at Yankee Stadium.
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.
Our Music Director Emeritus, Kelly Tyma, is a founding member of the band, who served as conductor and music director for many years. She continues to provide support and assistance to the group, and we appreciate her expertise and continued contributions.