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Ed Martin
Founding member
Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet, Flugelhorn,
Euphonium
Ed was a music major at Grand Rapids Baptist College and
at Ferris State University, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
business administration from Western Michigan University. While at
Ferris, Ed had the privilege of playing with Doc Severinson, who was a
guest artist performing with the band. Ed is a retired Staff
Sergeant, having played trumpet professionally for 20 years in the
126th
US Army Band based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ed currently is the Manager of Radiology Services for Healthcare Midwest
on the campus of Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
 Gary Pross
Member since 2005
Tuba, Euphonium
Gary's college education was at Northwest Missouri State
University, where he earned a degree in chemistry, biology, and
mathematics. After graduation, he did post-graduate work in
physical chemistry at the University of Nebraska. Gary played tuba
and string bass in his high school days in Iowa, and after a 20 year
layoff, picked the tuba back up and has been using it in ministry
ever since in church orchestras in Pennsylvania and in Michigan, and in
the Sounds of Praise Brass Ensemble. Gary is a retiree from the
Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan, and is enjoying his
retirement by working at Kellogg again, this time as a consultant with
William Barr Associates.
Joel Francis
Founding member
Trumpet, Flugelhorn
 Joel graduated from Western Michigan University's College
of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He
has been playing trumpet since 3rd grade, and counts Leonard Maretta
(professor, Western Michigan University School of Music) among his
principal teachers. Joel has played in a number of trumpet trios
over the years, including with the Singing Crusaders, and in high school
with David Joyce, a former student of Reynold Schilke, and with Dave
Monette, who is today generally regarded as the finest trumpet builder
in the world. Also in high school, Joel competed nationally with
Youth for Christ International and Independent Bible Church
competitions, and walked away with several 1st and 2nd place finishes.
Currently, Joel is the owner of real estate appraisal firms Kal-Creek
Appraisers, L.C., and Kal-Creek Commercial Appraisers, L.C.
Leward Fluty
Founding Member
Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Leward holds a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Sacred
Music from Maranatha Baptist Bible College, where he studied trumpet
with Heather Minion and Dr. Monty Budahl. While a student, he spent a
total of 45 weeks representing the college in brass quintets, concert
bands, and concert choirs, ministering in churches from coast to coast
across the United States and Canada. After college, he attended graduate
school at the Western Michigan University School of Music, studying with
Dr. Stephen Jones. As a youngster, his family attended church with
fellow member Joel
Francis’ family, and Leward has “fond” memories of his
mother using Joel’s trumpet prowess to “encourage” him to practice
harder. Leward is currently a Product Engineering Manager with Manatron,
Incorporated, in Portage, Michigan.
Marsha Postma
Member since 2007
Trumpet
Marsha is a recent graduate of Western Michigan
University, where she studied trumpet with Dr. Stephen Jones and Scott
Thornburg. She currently teaches music with Kalamazoo Public
Schools.
Mike Nelson
Founding Member, Current Honorary Member
Tuba, Trombone
Mike was "instrumental" in getting the Proclamation
Brass off the ground in 2004, and while he has since been transferred by
his employer, NETech Corporation, to their Indianapolis office, he
returns to Michigan for occasional performances with us. Mike is a
graduate of Cornerstone University, and son-in-law of fellow member Ed
Martin.
 Paul Armstrong
Member since 2005
Trombone
Paul has been playing trombone since he was 10 years old,
and has studied with or been in clinics with a number of prominent
musicians, including Anthony Aversano and Dave "Stumpy" Stienmeyer.
He has performed on television, on live radio, at the Kennedy Center,
and at events with weather legend Willard Scott and current ABC News
correspondent Tom Gager, as well as with numerous church orchestras.
Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies at
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was
commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
He earned his USAF pilot wings in 1985, the same year he met Jesus
Christ. Paul has flown B-52 and AWACS aircraft, as well as Boeing
747s. He currently is employed as an Airspace System
Inspector Pilot with the Federal Aviation Administration in Battle
Creek, Michigan.
Sara Knight
Member since 2006
French Horn
Sara is a graduate of Bob Jones University with a
Bachelor of Science in Music Education. While at Bob Jones, Sara
toured the United States with the university's symphonic band and its
brass choir, performed with the BJU Orchestra in major concerts and
operas, and, in her senior year, won the brass division of the
university's annual Commencement Contest. Sara also spent three
years with the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. Sara loves swimming
and water-skiing, and worked at Camp Michawana for 11 summers as a
lifeguard and counselor. Currently, Sara is the Band Director for
Delton Kellogg Middle and High Schools, teaches piano and horn
lessons, and is also pursuing a Master's degree in Music Education at Western Michigan
University.
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