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Sam Grotte
Music Director and Principal Conductor
Raised in North Dakota and Montana, Sam graduated from the University of Montana in 1955 with a Bachelor of Music degree. Sam immediately went into the Air Force and spent 13 years as a fighter pilot, then 25 years flying for American Airlines. Finally free, Sam picked up his trumpet after 36 years and began playing with the White Salmon Jazz Band. After directing the Jazz Band for a few years, Sam started The Gorge Winds in January 2000 with a whole lot of help from Greg Weast. Since then, Sam has been the Music Director, chief cook and bottle washer.
"I love this band and the musicians who play in it. From age 14 to 85 or so, these wonderful musicians (and even better human beings) have given me a new lease on life. My thanks to them to the end of my life."
-- Sam Grotte
Greg Weast
Assistant Conductor
Greg Weast is very involved with the music world. After finishing his grad work at the now known Western Oregon University, Greg received his advanced teaching degree and taught music for four years. In 1976, Greg decided to expand his horizons and went to work for American Music. It was a natural stepping stone for his next venture - opening his own music store, Columbia River Music, in 1986 with his wife Shirley. Amid his many talents, Greg plays the trumpet for the Gorge Winds Concert Band.
Greg also volunteers his time, energy, and enthusiasm, to direct the St. Mary's Academy School band every week.
"Volunteering at St. Mary's is the essence of why I went to college for - passing on the love of making good music. As a side benefit, music helps each and every one of the students be a better, more well rounded person."
-- Greg Weast
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