Gordon Krunnfusz (July 22, 1931 – July 8, 2011) displayed an early passion for music, starting with the accordion at age 5 and progressing to the piano, trumpet, and organ by age 11. His musical journey continued as he earned a Bachelor of Music Education from North Central College in 1952 and later a Master of Music Education from Northwestern University in 1958. After a brief stint playing French Horn in the Army band, he dedicated years to teaching choral music in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Despite retiring from school, Mr. Krunnfusz remained an active church organist and engaged in various musical pursuits, including directing choirs and participating in community groups. As a devoted family man, he found immense joy in his wife, four children, and their families. Notably, he was the father of composer Dan Krunnfusz and maintained honorary membership in the Trelawnyd Male Choir in Wales, where he had once contributed to their two national competition victories.

Václav Nelhýbel stands as a prolific Czech-American composer and conductor renowned for his significant contributions to contemporary classical music. His diverse body of work encompasses symphonies, chamber music, and over 400 compositions for concert band and choir. Nelhýbel’s compositions reflect a fusion of modernist and traditional elements, showcasing his innovative approach to musical expression. His enduring impact is evident in the lasting influence he has had on the realm of American and European classical music.

David J. Gardner’s compositions include marches, pop, classical and ragtime music for sax choir, brass choir, woodwind choir and smaller ensembles. He holds a B.M.E. and M.S.T. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with additional credits from Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago. He has been the band director at East High School, Green Bay, Wisconsin since 1979.

Anita Smisek, OP, born in 1941 in Lonsdale, Minnesota, is a versatile musician—soprano, organist, pianist, and composer. Raised by her musically inclined mother, Rose Smisek, she cherishes memories of family piano sessions. An accomplished piano student, she earned a Certificate Piano Recital in 1959. As a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister since 1960, Anita promotes Czechoslovak music and directs special concerts. Serving as Music Director-Organist at St. Wenceslaus Church from 1983-1991, she restored the parish’s ethnic religious song. Anita actively engages in music research, recording ancestral heritage, and co-founded Alliance Publications, Inc. in 1989. Since 1992, she’s been a staff member at Sinsinawa Mound Center, coordinating Sinsinawa Studios and teaching music.