Our People

Gracenotes Orchestra is a community ensemble made up of musicians from a wide range of backgrounds, including students, educators, healthcare, service industry, business leaders, and others from across the community. Each member brings their own perspective and experience, adding to the character of the group.

Our players span a broad range of experience levels, from seasoned performers to students and those returning to music after time away. This mix creates an environment that values both growth and shared music-making.

At the heart of Gracenotes is a genuine love of music and a strong commitment to the ensemble. Members support one another and take pride in what they build together, a spirit that carries through every rehearsal and performance.

We would not be able to function without our volunteers, and we are truly fortunate to have so many who generously give their time and energy in support of Gracenotes.

Julie Krinke; Graphic Artist

Beth Piette; Librarian

Nick Bertino; Wind Ensemble Dir

Mitchell Strom; Wind Ensemble Dir

Nancy Groubert; Choir Director

Dale Trafton; Technology

Section Leaders:

Brian Peterson; violin I (concertmaster)

Jodi Volmer; violin II

Anna Hardin; viola

Emma Hardin; cello/bass

Julie Krinki; oboe/flute

Scott Halvorsen; clarinet/bass clarinet

Mitch Strom; bassoon

Michelle Lacock; horns

Keith Trafton; Trumpet

Andy Gross/Mark Klein; trombone/baritone/tuba

Karl Goetch; percussion/keyboard/harp

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

Elected Board Members:

Dale Trafton, President

Anna Jaeger, Vice President

Veronica Groubert, Secretary

Charlie Piette, Treasurer

Ted Cefalu, Member at Large

Alysia St George, Member at Large

Appointed Board Members:

Gary Groubert; Director of Music

Jay Heunink; Director Brass Choir and Jazz Band

Nancy Grouber; Director of Fine Arts, 

Beth Piette; String Ensemble Manager

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.

Alerdale (Dale) Wimer is a musician, educator, and arts advocate. Born and raised in Walworth county, he began his music career in the 4th grade orchestra in Delavan, WI. From rock bands to symphonic orchestras, Alerdale's passion for music fueled him and earned him a music education degree from UW Whitewater. Now an orchestra teacher in Mukwonago for 15 years, he fosters a love of music in everyone he has the pleasure to work with.

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.

Beth Piette began her musical education at age five with piano and joined church choirs at age six. Her orchestral journey started at age nine on the violin in the West Allis School District. At 12, she joined the MFY (precursor to MYSO), advancing to the senior orchestra.

Beth earned her BA in Music from UW-Oshkosh. While she initially planned to pursue a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy, she transitioned into a 20-year career as a RN after starting a family.

For the past 21 years, Beth has performed in community symphonies, including 17 years in Wyoming and with Gracenotes since 2021. Beth also serves as music librarian for the orchestra.