Ian Bernard – I am a musician with a long history of credits in the field of jazz improvisation.  I began my career as a pianist working with other professional musicians, including Shelley Manne, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson and many more.

Later on, I became music director for Dick Haymes, Vic Damone, Rosemary Clooney and Michael Feinstein.  The work I performed for them included writing arrangements and recording with them. Additionally, my television credits include the Grammy Awards and Laugh-In.  I have experience in teaching, having taught two courses at UC Irvine.

After my six-year teaching stint, I went on to chair the Film/Video department at Brooks Institute.   Recent endeavors include serving as President of the SBJS (2014-2015).

 

Sandy Cummings – I have served a total of 7 years as a volunteer and board member of the SBJS.  Five of those years were between 1998 and 2003.  I have served the past two and a half years, stepping up to help after the previous president passed away.

As a performing musician, I have formed many relationships with both local and non-local performers.  I understand what musicians need to feel accepted and appreciated.  This information has fueled my ability to handle the emcee work required from time to time.

In my capacity as Treasurer, I am able to observe how our finances work, and I have been able to provide monthly reports so the board can make informed decisions.  Having been responsible for ticket sales, I have more than adequate customer service skills. I bring enthusiasm and consistency to my current role as a SBJS board member. I bring an awareness of ethical and legal propriety that, at times, can be helpful in determining our course of action.

Lastly, I still love the Mission of the Santa Barbara Jazz Society – bringing good music to our community at an affordable price – and educating newcomers to what Jazz is all about.

 

Middleton “Mid” Squier – As a jazz fan since my high school days, I have supported jazz for many years in Japan, Switzerland, and the USA.  Jazz history was a part of my studies at UCSB, where I received my degree in education. I also earned my M.S. degree in Educational Administration at USC.

I was co-director to and performer in jazz bands at the American School in Tokyo, Japan (15 years) and at Leysin American School in Switzerland (10 years).  Additionally I play trombone in two community bands, a brass quintet, and a big band, the Villars Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, for eight years.  Recent highlights include performing in jazz festivals in Montreux (2014), Burghausen (2014), and Villars (2015).

My wife, Carol, and I have been members of the SBJS for three years.  We have three adult children, all musicians.  I would like to offer the SBJS my experience and expertise to help it continue its growth trend and be a vital force in the Santa Barbara music community.

 

Mariella Stockmal – I am a highly motivated, personable business professional, with a 30-plus year successful track record. You will find that I am diplomatic and tactful with professionals and non-professionals at all levels. In my prior work history, I have worked in the finance department at Brightmarket, LLC, (dba/Fastspring). Additionally, I worked for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival as its Operations Manager.  In Greece, where I was born, I held a number of responsible positions, including Director of Operations for D. Kallonas & Son, Ltd.

I have excellent and extensive computer and social media experience and skills.  I am also fluent in Greek, German, English and conversational French and Italian.  I will bring experience, skills, a love of jazz, and a commitment to helping other board members manage the business side of the SBJS, as well as making a contribution to the SBJS’s mission of “preserving jazz” in our community and “for the personal pleasure of the members of the Society.”

On a personal note, I am happily married to my longtime sweetheart, professional musician/drummer, Steve Stockmal.  We reside in Santa Barbara and enjoy the sunsets, time with friends and family, and, of course, listening to music.  Thank you for your support.

 

ReVay Seifert – I have been a SBJS Member since 1999, and served as President of the Jazz Society in 2003.  I also chaired the Scholarship Committee beginning 2002, then again from 2004 through 2008.  I was also SBJS Secretary in 2002, 2004-2006 and Publicity Director 2000-2002.  For the past two years, I have served as a member of the SBJS Board of Directors as its Scholarship Chair.  My experience also includes Events Producer from 1986 to 2013, and staff writer for both the LA Jazz Scene and SBJS Jazzette publications, including CD reviews.  I bring enthusiasm and love for jazz, as well as a wealth of experience and would like to continue to serve the SBJS in 2016-2017.

Peter Clark – Although I was a classically trained pianist starting at age 10, my professional career was born when my family and I moved from London, where I was born, to Australia.

Influenced by Fats Waller, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing and Nat Cole, I started playing with jazz groups in Sydney at the age of 17.  Through the years, I have made guest television appearances, and hosted “Six O’clock Rock,” a featured program in Australia stationed on ABC.  I’ve opened for the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, Oscar Peterson and many others.  In addition to founding “Music 88,” a recording studio in Santa Barbara, where I produced albums with many talented artists, I also produced the Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival in 1998-1999.  I was Conductor/Accompanist for actress and singer Jane Russell from 1998-2011.  I have enjoyed playing hundreds of concert halls throughout California and the world, including China and Russia.

In 1991, we acquired Andria’s Harborside restaurant in Santa Barbara, where I played jazz regularly.    Andria’s was also home to the SBJS’s monthly events. I’ve served as the jazz society’s President from 2004 – 2006.  Currently, I am its Ambassador at Large.

Music has obviously been a large part of my life.  I am able to bring a wealth of experience to help further the mission of the Santa Barbara Jazz Society and to help see that the jazz torch is passed to the next generation of jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike. (For more information about Peter Clark, please visit www.ArtJazz88.com.)

 

Natalie Wilson – I have been a jazz fan most of my life and have been a member of the SBJS almost since its inception.  I have served on the board for many years and am presently Vice President and Publicity Director.  I thoroughly enjoy our concerts, as well as helping to keep jazz alive in Santa Barbara.