About Us
James Kuzmic
Executive Director and Music Director
Tuba & Arranger
James Kuzmic hails from Allenton Wisconsin and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Music degree in Low Brass Performance at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.
An active musician, James performs regularly across Central Wisconsin in various ensembles, including community bands, jazz ensembles, musicals, and has performed several solo and chamber recitals. He has been featured as a guest soloist on multiple occasions with the UWSP Low Brass Choir and Community Bands.
In addition to performing, James enjoys sharing his talents with the next generation of musicians, teaching masterclasses at band camps for middle and high school brass players.
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Valerie Evans
Events and Media Coordinator
Trombone & Vocalist
Valerie Evans is a senior Vocal and Trombone Performance Major at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in pursuit of a lifelong journey with music. Her passion is to exist with curiosity, kindness, and conviction.
An avid performer, Valerie has been a part of the UWSP Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Opera Workshop, and has given numerous recitals. Outside UWSP, she performs regularly with Northwoods Brass, Hip Pocket, and engages in other freelance opportunities. In addition to performing, Valerie teaches trombone and voice lessons at Scaletta Music in Marshfield, WI, as well as holding her own private studio at home in Stevens Point, WI.
When she is not making music, Valerie enjoys practicing yoga & meditation, being outdoors, cooking, reading, journaling, and communing with others.
For more performance history, recordings, and info about Val, check out her website:
Kayla Wenos
Horn & Vocalist
Kayla Wenos grew up in Rhinelander, WI in the beautiful northwoods where she developed a love of the outdoors and discovered a passion for music. She is currently finishing her studies at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point working towards a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental, Choral, and General Music Education. There she has performed in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Choir, Operas, solo performances, and in multiple chamber ensembles. Outside of the university, she has performed with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, the Central Wisconsin Jazz Ensemble, and several community ensembles.
Per her studies in Music Education, Kayla’s passion for music encompasses not only performance, but also sharing music with others through teaching. Alongside her studies, she has been on staff at multiple music camps. She has been a counselor for two years at UWSP’s Camp COFAC and advanced to the head counselor position in her third year. She held positions as Assistant Director of Speed Dating Tonight by Michael Ching and Chorus Master of Puccini’s Suor Angelica, both produced by UWSP’s Opera Workshop. Kayla has stepped on the podium as an apprentice conductor with both the UWSP Campus Band and Concert Choir.
Kayla is currently student teaching, the final steps to earn her degree, and is the Horn player for Northwoods Brass.
Benjamin Sawyer
Trumpet & Arranger
Ben Sawyer is currently a Trumpet Performance Major at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and is in his 11th year playing the trumpet. Like the other members of Northwoods Brass, he hails from the Northwoods, from the city of Rhinelander, where he started his education as a musician. All throughout high school, he took every opportunity available to perform with various ensembles and learn new instruments, and his passion for music has only deepened throughout his undergraduate education.
In college, Ben has played trombone, horn, and trumpet in various ensembles, and has been a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, pit bands, brass ensembles, and other musical groups. Outside of school, he has played with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, served as the brass section coach for their Youth program (CWYSOP), taught private lessons, and studied instrument repair.
After his time at UWSP, Ben is determined to continue performing whenever possible while exploring the field of music repair/industry. His taste in music is as wide and diverse as the range of fruits and vegetables typically offered at a sizable farmer’s market, including classical/romantic orchestral music, big band, rock, film score, death metal, and many others. Some of his hobbies include building functioning mechanisms with legos, blacksmithing, playing D&D, reading fantasy novels, and enjoying perfect weather (overcast, 50 degrees, dry, sight breeze).
Adam Warnke
Trumpet
Adam Warnke is an active performer and music educator in the Northeastern and Central Wisconsin area. He is currently pursuing a Trumpet Performance Degree under Brent Turney as well as a Jazz Studies minor under Mathew Buchman at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
For information about Adam check out his website - https://www.adamwarnke.com/
Alyson Evans
Percussion & Vocalist
Aly Evans is a multifaceted performer who enjoys educating others as much as she enjoys making music herself. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2018 with a Music Education Degree and certifications in Instrumental, Choral, and General music.
Aly has performed with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, percussion ensembles, community groups, and of course, Northwoods Brass. She currently works in the DC Everest School District teaching Orchestra and General Music.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, practicing, and getting outside. She is a devoted fish mom.