For January 2025, meet Saxophonist Rod Russeau of the Naperville Municipal Band
Number of years in the NMB: 3
Past and/or Current Occupation(s):
- Retired; 2023-present
- Director of Technology, Downers Grove High School District; 1996-2023
- Software Engineer and Development Manager; 1977-1996
Hobbies or Interests outside of music:
Photography, cooking, outdoor adventures, home improvement, and travel.
How many years have you played your horn, and what drew you to your horn?
I started playing the alto saxophone in fourth grade. My dad was a clarinet player and high school band director who encouraged me to choose the clarinet, but being a dorky fourth grader, I thought the sizeable carrying case of the saxophone would make me look cooler! Well, it’s no surprise it didn’t make me look cooler, but I am so glad I made that choice. I love the saxophone! I own and play four saxes: alto, tenor, baritone, and soprano.
Why have you kept playing all of these years?
I was a total band geek throughout high school, but shortly after graduation, an opportunity to enter the technology field in 1977 suspended my relationship with the saxophone. Sadly, I put my saxophone in the closet for nearly 30 years due to this work and other significant demands. Fast-forward to 2006. I could no longer live without playing music, so I got my saxophone out, started practicing, and slowly regained enough proficiency to join a local community band.
Now, I could never imagine my life without playing music! It’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. It brings me peace, joy, and a strong sense of accomplishment. Making dear friends who share a similar passion is an indescribable gift.
Do you play anywhere else?
When I started playing again in 2006, I joined the College of DuPage Community Band and the Lisle Community Band, as there were no openings in the NMB at the time. I played with COD and Lisle until the pandemic shut everything down in March 2020. A series of fortunate events and coincidences enabled me to join the NMB in 2021.
I currently play the baritone saxophone with the NMB and have also played alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones with the band.
I play in several other groups:
- Lead alto saxophone in the NMB Big Band.
- Tenor saxophone in the NMB saxophone quartet/quintet.
- Baritone saxophone in the Swingset Jazz Band.
- Tenor saxophone in the Falconaire’s Jazz Orchestra.
- Soprano saxophone in a local church saxophone quartet.
- I’m also a regular saxophone section substitute with the Yorkville Big Band.
Who was/is your greatest musical mentor, and why?
In my early teens, my saxophone teacher, Roger Birkeland, challenged me and gave me a strong and lasting foundation for what it means to play the saxophone well. I thought of him often over the years, and before the pandemic, I had the thrill of reconnecting with him some 45+ years after taking lessons with him. I visited Roger at his house, and he asked me to bring my saxophone! We played duets together and talked for hours—What a joy-filled night of music and a celebration of a lifelong friendship!
What makes the Naperville Municipal Band so special?
Participating in the NMB offers members a unique blend of camaraderie, creativity, and personal growth. It is a fantastic place to stay connected with music, relieve stress, and continue learning. It is an extraordinarily rewarding experience that fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared achievement through hard work and fun.
The NMB’s incredibly long and storied tradition, strong community support, and devoted band members make it truly a one-of-a-kind, very special place. I am so fortunate to be a member of the NMB!
What is a favorite memory or funny story from playing in the Naperville Municipal Band?
Since many band members have celebrated well over 50 years with the NMB, I am a newcomer with only 3 years under my belt. Rather than a memory or story, I would like to share how incredibly welcoming, supportive, and encouraging my fellow band members are to newcomers like me. It feels like I have been a band member for decades! I quickly became comfortable playing alongside senior members, many of whom are now dear friends. Give me a few years; I am sure the funny stories will develop! In the meantime, I am blessed and honored to be a part of the NMB family, and I look forward to many more years of fun music-making!