Bedford Big Band

The Band : Rhythm Section

Jo-Ann Gerde - Drums

A native of Gardner, MA now living in Jaffrey, NH, Jo-Ann began playing drums while in elementary school and hasn't been able to stop. She plays in a variety of venues, including pit orchestra work in musicals and cabarets; several community bands including regular gigs with the Chelmsford, Narragansett, and Montague bands as well as the Ashby Band, and the Fitchburg Military Band. Jo-Ann also has played with Thayer Symphony Orchestra, the Marlborough Symphony and the Fitchburg State College concert and jazz bands. She played drums with the 17-piece Stardusters Orchestra for over 20 years, and although her love is big band, an as yet unfulfilled dream is to play in a Polka Band. Jo-Ann is a photographer, specializing in senior portraits, sports action, and pet portraits.

Bernie Campbell - Upright and Electric Bass

Bernie is a resident of Manchester. The native Brooklynite began his musical career in 1952, taking private lessons in classical music on the acoustic bass (bass/violin). He and other HS students formed a jazz quintet, which for the next ten years performed at weddings, night clubs and dances. Four years after graduation from the seminary, 1973, he purchased a new acoustic bass so that he could play in religious settings. From 1973-1979, Bernie began weekly lessons on the acoustic guitar. In 2001, Bernie started playing in the Bedford Big Band, and also numerous other bands and small groups. In 2006, Bernie began lessons on the bass/guitar, from Grant Stinnett. Bernie has participated in several week-long big band workshops. Recently, he has attended bass workshops directed by the world famous bass musician and Berklee professor, James Stinnett. Since 2007 Bernie has become an active semi-retired priest and full time musician.

Rob Barkan - Keyboards and Publicity Manager

Rob, from Bedford, MA, started his musical career in high school, performing as a church organist and also a trombone player in a Salvation Army kettle band. He has played in many jazz, rock and classical groups, including the Chelmsford Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band, Herb's Herd, Stardusters Orchestra, Westway, Crystal Wind, and currently plays in the Jack Welsh Ensemble. He has degrees in Sound Recording and Music from Fredonia College, and a Masters degree in Computer Science. Mr. Barkan is a software architect in the Boston area, and has been known to play an occasional game of Old Man Lacrosse.