About
We love to play, and keep people playing!
Dr. Jonathan Laflamme is a Signed Brass and Hercules Artist with KHS America, learn more HERE
Jazz HD provides professional jazz performances via four ensembles: Duals, Octets, and a full ‘Big-band’ experience.
Jazz HD Also offering clinics, consultations, lessons and performances with KHS America XO & Hercules Artist Dr. Jonathan Laflamme: in both classical and jazz genres, as a guest soloist, conductor and vocalist.
Parlour Blue offers sophisticated and high energy concerts and the most Boujee Speakeasy Experiences.
Dr. Jonathan Laflamme
Dr. Jonathan Laflamme began his musical journey on the trumpet at the age of seven and later had the privilege of studying under esteemed professors Earl Salemink, Robert Baca, and Allen Moore. Throughout his 14-year career as a high school band director in Pierz and Little Falls, Minnesota, Dr. Laflamme utilized the trumpet as a central teaching tool. Under his direction, his concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands earned regional, state, and national recognition. His ensembles have toured and performed in 16 countries.
Dr. Laflamme currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Central Lakes College, a Minnesota State institution, where he authored and implemented its first accredited, open-source Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music degree; recognized as the most affordable music degree in Minnesota. He additionally co-authored the Music Technology AFA and three music certificates in Performance, Music Technology, and Jazz Studies. Dr. Laflamme directs five ensembles and teaches applied lessons, music education, a biannual international travel-study program, and a variety of music survey courses. Beyond his on-campus work, he collaborates with numerous Minnesota high schools through the College in the Schools program and maintains seven transfer agreements.
Dr. Laflamme’s expertise extends beyond teaching; he is an active adjudicator, performer, director, and clinician at the regional, national, and international levels. His contributions to music education have earned him recognition as Minnesota’s Music Educator of the Year by School Band & Orchestra Magazine in its annual “50 Directors from 50 States Who Make a Difference” feature.
Dr. Laflamme’s dedication to the trumpet led to his signing as an XO Professional Brass and Hercules Artist, a distinction awarded by the K.H.S. International Family of Brands. As a performer, composer, and conductor, he has had the honor of collaborating with many distinguished artists and ensembles, and he has premiered several of his compositions with the United States Army Band. His work American Veteran was recognized in Google’s “Top Ten Events to Attend on Veterans Day.”
In 2020, Dr. Laflamme founded The Jazz Authority, a professional jazz octet, and he maintains an active performance schedule with several jazz ensembles, alongside freelance classical and symphonic engagements-activities that contributed to the formation of JazzHD LLC. Beyond his musical pursuits, he co-owns a MN business connecting foundational elements to the modern speakeasy movement. Dr. Laflamme finds inspiration in nature and enjoys archery hunting, fishing, skiing, and international travel. Most importantly, he cherishes time with his wife, Alicia, and their three children: Elise, Noelle, and Sean. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from St. Cloud State University, and a Doctor of Music Education from Liberty University. Dr. Laflamme is a member of CBDNA, NAfME, MMEA, and MBDA.
Dr. Lara M. Moline
Dr. Lara M. Moline is a graduate of the University of Wyoming. She received her Bachelor degree of Music Education, with a Vocal Emphasis in 2007. She continued her studies with the late Dr. Stephen Zegree at Western Michigan University, obtaining a Masters degree of Vocal Performance, Jazz Studies in 2009. Lara graduated with a Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, in Choral Conducting, with an emphasis in Vocal Jazz and Music History. Her dissertation, Vocal Jazz in the Choral Classroom: A Pedagogical Study, discusses the need for the vocal jazz style within the choral classroom, introduces transitional elements that are accessible to choral directors of any level, & involves an observational curriculum study. Lara has since presented her dissertation research at the Jazz Educators Network Conference, Wyoming Music Educators All State Conventions (2021), Minnesota Music Educators Conference, and Minnesota American Choral Directors Association Fall Conference (2022).
Lara is a sought-after guest adjudicator, clinician, and conductor. As an adjudicator and clinician, she has worked with students from middle school to college levels in solo voice, small voice ensembles, & large vocal ensembles in both traditional and vocal jazz idioms since 2014.
Currently, Lara is Director of Choirs at Monticello High School and directs the All College Choir at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Prior to her current post, she served as Associate Professor of Voice and Choral Music Education at St. Cloud State University. In that role, Lara conducted all choral ensembles, taught contemporary and classical voice lessons, and instructed music education and aural theory courses. Lara regularly performs as a solo artist (jazz and popular styles) around the Central MN area & with groups The Jazz Authority, Jazz Sophisticate, & Radio Nation.
Dr. Terry Vermillion
Dr. Terry Vermillion has performed with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Brass, Boston Brass, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra to name a few. He has been a featured soloist for Milhaud’s Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra, Rosauro’s Concerto no. 1 for Marimba and small orchestra, Saint Saens’ Introduction, Rondo, et Capriccioso, a variety of xylophone ragtime arrangements, Ian Krouse’s Cronica, and Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto and received a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study Grant to study with ECM recording artist Peter Erskine. Other awards include Downbeat magazine’s Jazz Instrumental Soloist Outstanding College Performance Award, Grand Prize in the Rocky Mountain Concerto Competition, the 2010 Bruce and Dee Pearson Faculty Excellence Award, the United Arts of Central Minnesota Outstanding Educator Award for 2010, and a Carnegie Hall performance in 2012 with SCSU’s Trio Lorca.
Dr. Vermillion directed the Percussion Studies curriculum at St. Cloud State University where he taught Applied Percussion, Arts Entrepreneurship, World Drumming, and directed the Contemporary Music Ensemble. He also oversaw the David Swenson Foundation Scholarship program and the David Swenson Foundation Guest Artist Series. Dr. Vermillion received his B.M. from the University of Montana, M.M & D.A. from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dr. Vermillion has always been attracted to improvised music, where great musicians create music in the moment as if it were flowing from their inner self. His studies of the amazingly complex traditions of Western contemporary music, Indonesian gamelan, Brazilian samba, Afro-Cuban rhumba, and the world of jazz and popular music confirm this belief.
Chris Fogderud
Christopher Fogderud is currently in his 19th year as Director of Bands at Brainerd High School. His responsibilities include teaching the BHS Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles, AP Music Theory as well as the BHS Marching Band and Pep Bands. He received his B.A in Music Education from Gustavus Adolphus College and his M.M. with a concentration in conducting from The American Band College of Sam Houston State University. He has served as clinician and guest conductor for MSHSL music contests and MBDA honor bands. Mr. Fogderud holds memberships in NAfME, MMEA, MBDA, Phi Beta Mu and has served on the College Board’s Instructional Design Team in AP Music Theory.
As a performer, Mr. Fogderud is an active musician in area jazz groups, including The Jazz Authority & the Rusty Crayfish Brass Band. He is assistant conductor and principal trumpet of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed frequently with the Lakes Area Music Festival. As an active composer of liturgical jazz music, Mr. Fogderud has written, arranged and performed jazz music for church services in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Apart from teaching and performing, Mr. Fogderud enjoys golfing, reading, running, and hanging out with his two cats, Louis and Dizzy. He lives in Brainerd with his wife, Sarah and their two children: Harrison and Grace.
Michael Sommerness
Michael Sommerness is currently in his third decade instructing bands in the Brainerd Lakes Area, having taught 17 years for the Pequot Lakes School District and now as the Associate Director of Bands at Brainerd High School. His responsibilities include teaching the BHS Symphonic Band, 9th Grade Varsity Bands as well as co-teaching Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles, BHS Marching Band, Pep Bands and Acoustic Guitar. He received his B.S. in Instrumental Music Education from St. Cloud State University and his M.S. from Southwest Minnesota State University. Mr. Sommerness holds memberships in NAfME, and MMEA. As a performer, Mr. Sommerness is an active saxophonist in various jazz ensembles in the area including the Jazz Authority, the Rusty Crayfish Brass Band and the Josh Duffee Big Band.
Apart from teaching and performing, Mr. Sommerness enjoys canoeing, camping, fishing and woodworking. He lives in Breezy Point with his wife, Jennifer and has two kiddos: Bug and River.
Preston Weber
Preston Weber serves as Minnesota State College Faculty at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota, where his duties include teaching a variety of music and music production courses & ensembles. At CLC, Preston co-wrote a new Music Technology degree with Jonathan Laflamme that is Open-Sourced and fully accredited. He performs on saxophone regularly with The Jazz Authority & Rhapsody Jazz. Preston earned a M.M. degree in Conducting and a B.M.E from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Prior to his work at Central Lakes College, Preston taught as a Graduate Assistant at the U of M, Holdingford Public Schools in Holdingford, MN, and at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, MN.
Preston conducted the Crosstown Community Band in Minneapolis for several years, performing free concerts at a variety of community and cultural events. He also performs occasionally on drum set and oboe. Preston is principal oboe in the semi-professional community band, The Central Lakes Wind Symphony and lead alto and assistant drum kit in the semi-professional big band, the Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra at Central Lakes College.
Preston believes there are three important tenets to music education. Music education is for all people, music education is one of the best ways to develop the whole person, and music’s artistic value connects people through the sharing of vulnerability and emotion.
Growing up in Pierz, MN, Preston values family and time going on adventures with his wife and children. He is passionate for learning about all things, especially music and the universe.
Joe McGown (Counsel) J.D.
Joe McGown started playing guitar at a young age. He developed as a musician by listening to a variety of styles and artists and picking out songs by ear. That experience, a primarily aural approach to music with a written focus later, has proven invaluable over the years as he continues to hone his musical skills. Counsel performs regularly in The Jazz Authority and enjoys the challenge of making music with such an exceptional group of musicians.
Counsel believes that it is important to constantly be improving, simultaneously, one’s musical ear and musical reading skills. McGown’s philosophy is that ‘Music is a Lifelong Journey.’ Counsel is a professional musician performing consistently on guitar, piano and vocals. Joe also plays alto saxophone in the semi-professional community band, The Central Lakes Wind Symphony at Central Lakes College. Counsel is also an attorney. McGown spent over two decades working as a Public Defender, a ‘gig’ he resumes during slower booking periods. Counsel focuses primarily, on his musical interests. Counsel resides in Brainerd, MN and enjoys traveling to the mountains when not making music or helping vulnerable people who cannot afford representation.
McGowen received his Bachelors of Political Science from UCLA and Jurist Doctorate from the U of M-Twin Cities. Counsel also has a deep and gracious heart for young musicians and relishes when The Jazz Authority brings residency ‘Jazz Festivals’ to a large, or group of, schools.
Gunnar Kuehl
Gunnar Kuehl (pronounced KEEL) is a double bassist and bass guitarist hailing from Nisswa, MN. Gunnar is returning to the Minnesota Music Educator’s Convention where he once upon a time performed in the MMEA All State Jazz Band. Gunnar studied at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy with Business/Economics, as well as a Music Minor. He performs regularly with The Jazz Authority, the Heartland Symphony Orchestra, and his local church. As an applied bass teacher Gunnar spreads his love for upright bass throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond. Gunnar also is as passionate about jazz education as he is performing. The line of students waiting to try an upright jazz bass and/or speak with a jazz bassist after The Jazz Authority brings residency ‘Jazz Festivals’ to schools is always the longest-even longer than the drumkit line!
Gunnar’s theory focus, combined with his desire for ensemble edification, makes him one of the most competent, in-demand and enjoyable professional musicians to work with. In his free time Gunnar enjoys hiking and spending time on Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior and discussing the intersection of existentialist philosophy and practical theology. Gunnar lives in Baxter, MN.
Dr. John Harlander
Dr. John Harlander (piano) has a BA in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is an emeritus Professor of Physics and Astronomy at St Cloud State University and a Senior Scientist at Space Systems Research Corporation Alexandria, VA, where his research focuses on developing optical instrumentation for satellites and ground-based observatories. In 2020 he was recognized by NASA “For exceptional performance in the development and delivery of the successful ICON Explorer Mission”. The ICON mission and his contributions to it are described in a TED talk he presented in 2021 (https://www.ted.com/talks/john_harlander_reflections_in_space). As a pianist Dr. Harlander has performed with Mundell Lowe, Eddie Daniels, Steve Turre, the Myron Floren orchestra, the Lennon Sisters, and performed on National Public Radio broadcast of “Live at Rick’s”. He has recently been heard on the KVSC radio production “Granite City Radio Theater”, is a regular member the “Granite City Jazz Trio” and the “Monday Night Jazz” group that performs weekly at the Veranda Lounge/Pioneer Place in St Cloud.
Pete Snell
Pete Snell is a saxophonist based in the Twin Cities. He has performed with a wide range of national and local artists including Jon Weber, David Young, Bruce Henry, members of the Peterson family, Debbie Duncan, Adi Yeshaya and many more. He’s opened for international recording artist Bobby Caldwell and has been featured at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, the Lanesboro Jazz Festival, and the Minnesota Blues Festival.
Snell performs regularly with the funk/rock band The R Factor and has recorded with rock band Genius Junior. His work includes television commercials and performances in the Las Vegas area. He also fronts his own small groups throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Pete studied for years with legendary Los Angeles woodwind player Bob Sheppard, who greatly influenced his approach to playing.
He’s grateful for the many talented musicians he’s worked with and learned from throughout his career.
Craig Vogl has devoted his life to musical service, both as an educator and as a military musician. His teaching career began in Albany and Becker, Minnesota, where he directed high school band programs and cultivated strong, student-centered music communities. He currently serves as Director of Bands for Bertha-Hewitt Schools in north-central Minnesota, overseeing the entire 5–12 band program and continuing his commitment to developing young musicians.
Mr. Vogl’s service also extends to his distinguished military career. As a soldier and musician with the Minnesota Red Bull National Guard Band, he performed in a wide variety of musical styles and ensembles, representing the State of Minnesota with professionalism and artistic excellence for almost 26 years. Following his retirement from military service in 2023, he continues to contribute to the musical landscape as both an educator and a freelance performer.
Known for his versatility, leadership, and dedication to musical craftsmanship, Mr. Vogl brings decades of experience to students, audiences, and collaborators across Minnesota. He resides in Baxter with his wife and their two children.