Tom Winkers appointed Director of Shell Lake Arts Center's Rock Band Camp

The Shell Lake Arts Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Winkers as director of the Rock Band Camp at the Shell Lake Arts Center. As we move into an era of exploring career pathways and preparing students for their life journey, Tom and his work in the Markesan School District as band director and Guitar instructor make him an ideal fit for a future direction of the Rock Band Camp--a blend of performance, education and career readiness for students that are part of the Modern Band Movement.

From Tom's Website:
My name is Tom Winkers. By day, I am a music teacher at Markesan District Schools in Markesan, Wisconsin and by night I am a performer.

I have been a musician and educator for well over 30 years. In that vast amount of time, I have had many great music experiences, both collegiately and professionally. I was the lead trumpet and soloist with the UW-La Crosse Marching Chiefs (now the Screaming Eagles) where I was able to perform for thousands of football fans, both at Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers halftime performances. I have played trumpet, saxophone, guitar and lead vocals in various rock bands throughout Wisconsin. I have had the opportunity to open up for bands such as KISS, Godsmack and Deep Purple at Cadott’s RockFest.

As a trumpet player, I am currently 1st chair in the Beaver Dam Community Band and lead trumpet in the Paddle City Big Band, also based in Beaver Dam. Between the two groups, I perform up to 8 major shows throughout the year.

My other side project is performing a solo acoustic guitar and vocal show that is perfect for any small to medium size venue that is looking for easy listening music that is still entertaining. You will find some examples from those shows on this website. I am performing at wineries, micro breweries, private parties, patio venues, weddings.

We welcome Tom to our ranks of Master Teachers!