Rita Hermie (Percussion/Piano)
Rita Hermie - Music has been a part of my life forever. When I was little I would listen to my oldest sister play the piano and I couldn't wait for my lessons to begin. I was blessed to have an excellent teacher for 10 years. I also played percussion, string bass and flute during jr./high school. I enjoyed teaching in my own piano studio for 20 years and accompanied several community and church groups. Since moving to Mesquite, I have become involved in the community band and combo, the Sun City Sounds, the Treble Makers, and the community theater. I am looking forward to playing in the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra.
Linda Shannon (Percussion)
Linda Shannon; I began taking piano at age 7 for 9 years and graduated from the U. of Wisconsin with a minor in music and a major in education. Through every phase of my life, I have enjoyed playing classical music as well as pop. At age 10, I won an audition to play with the Chicago Pops Orchestra and later became a high school choir accompanist/singer. When high school musicals or fashion shows were in need of a pianist, I gladly obliged. I taught piano to several adults and at the Montessori school which my young daughter attended. I have had careers in teaching, personnel management, real estate sales, and business ownership but am happy to be retired and newly settled in Mesquite. Currently, I play piano as a sub for Valley Presbyterian Church and look forward to taking part in the Southern Nevada Symphony as a percussionist.
Chuck Hanson (Percussion)
Chuck Hanson has lived in Mesquite since 2004, and joined the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra as a percussionist in the first season. He started playing percussion in the 7th grade in 1970 in Arvada, CO., which included mostly melodic percussion; Tympani, bells, Vibraphone, chimes, etc. He then started playing the drum set in high school and began playing with a semi-professional group called The Thunderbird Band in Denver for several years, and later with Band X in British Columbia, Canada.
“I have been honored to play with the SNSO,” expressed Hanson. “Even though it had been nearly 40 years since I played in a formal orchestra environment, it has been great fun as well as a challenge. I strongly recommend to anyone in the area to join us regardless of age or experience and enrich your life as well. If you are not a musician, please join us at our next concert, and let us have the honor of entertaining you with the music we love.”
Shelton Wakefield (Percussion)
Shelton was raised in a musical family. His father organizes and conducted a community Men's Glee Club in 1920 that is still active to this day. Shelton and his brothers sang in the chorus when they were old enough, and often return to practice sessions and performances.
Shelton began playing the piano at age 9. He took up the trombone at age 12 and became a member of the High School marching band when he was in 7th grade. In High School, he played the piano in a dance band. He continued playing trombone in concerts and marching band in college, making first chair in his sophomore year.
Years later. while working at Conoco Headquarters in Houston, Shelton formed a singing group and obtained a piano and facilities for practicing and performing.
After retiring Shelton and Sharon moved to Mesquite and enjoy participating in Sun City Sounds and other clubs. Shelton got the opportunity to join Rita Hermie in the percussion section of the Southern Nevada Shymphony Orchestra in 2018.
Cathy Buchanan (Percussion)
Jean Whipple (Percussion)