Our People

Mr. Groubert, raised in East Liverpool, Ohio, earned music degrees from Youngstown State University and completed PhD coursework at Kent State University. He taught award-winning bands in Ohio before moving to Wisconsin in 1987, where he shifted to a career in technical sales.

Founder of the Gracenotes Orchestra, he expanded it from a small brass ensemble to a full orchestra. Retired, he remains active in community music, conducts for the Mukwonago Village Players, and enjoys golf, fishing, woodworking, and time with his wife, Nancy, and their four grandchildren.

Michael Poytinger, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, earned a BFA and Master’s in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He founded the Milwaukee Area Youth Band, which won the 1972 American Legion Junior Band National Championship, and spent 33 years as a band director and K-12 Music Chair in Waukesha schools.

Now retired, he serves as Principal Guest Conductor of Gracenotes Orchestra, Music Director of the Waukesha Civic Band, and plays in the UW-Milwaukee-Waukesha Windy City Symphonic Band. Poytinger also leads Phi Beta Mu, serves on music boards, and enjoys family, traveling, and collecting books.

Jay Huenink, a product of Oconomowoc’s band program, played in the 1976 National Champion Oconomowoc American Legion Band. He met his wife, Heidi, at UW-Oshkosh, and they served in a U.S. Army Band. Jay graduated first in his class from the U.S. Army School of Music in 1984.

After earning a BFA at UW-Milwaukee, Jay taught at Muskego High School and later worked in IT for 21 years. He directed the South Milwaukee Municipal Band, New Berlin Community Band, and co-founded the East Troy Community Band in 2002, retiring in 2022.

Jay now runs Jay’s RV Inspection Services, LLC, and enjoys traveling, motorcycle riding, bass guitar, and spending time with his grandson.

Bernie, from North Dakota, led percussion in the 1966 International Music Camp World Tour Band, winning a Gold Medal. He holds a Music/Education degree from Minot State and a Master’s from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He’s served as a guest percussionist, clinician, and soloist with the 145th Army National Guard Band.

After a 20-year break, Bernie returned to music in the 1990s and now advises the Wisconsin School Music Association and its Foundation.

He plays bass with Dreamer, enjoys fast cars, and spends time with his nine grandchildren and wife Margaret at their Wisconsin River home.

Gracenotes is 501(c)3 charitable non-profit which is governed by a 7-member board of directors.

Elected Board Members:

Dale Trafton, President

Anna Jaeger, Vice President

Emma Hardin, Secretary

Nancy Groubert, Treasurer

Ted Cefalu, Member at Large

Alysia St George, Member at Large

Andrew Hoefs, Member at Large

Appointed Board Members:

Gary Groubert, Director of Music

Jay Heunink, Conductor Brass Choir

Bernie Fiedler, Director Jazz Band

Charles Piette, Finance Manager

Gracenotes Orchestra is a vibrant ensemble composed of musicians from a wide array of professions and backgrounds, including students, music educators, healthcare professionals, business leaders, service industry workers, technologists, and more. This rich tapestry of experiences enhances the orchestra, with each member contributing their unique perspectives and talents to the group.

Our musicians represent a broad spectrum of experience levels. From seasoned professionals to aspiring students, and those rediscovering their passion for music after a hiatus, each performer brings something special to the ensemble. 

At the heart of Gracenotes is the dedication and passion of its members. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and perseverance are the driving forces behind every rehearsal and performance.