Who We Are


	*Click here to Meet the Musicians*


	Click here to Meet the Board of Directors

Music Director: Stephen Bulla received his degree in arranging and composition from Boston's Berklee College of Music, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He has entered his third decade as Chief Arranger to The President's Own U.S. Marine Band and White House Orchestra, where he has been responsible for the production of ceremonial and entertainment music for the administrations of Ronald Reagan through to the present First Family.

His compositions are performed both in the concert hall and on broadcast media. In 1990 he was awarded the prestigious ADDY Award for best original music/TV spot. In 1998 he was honored by The Salvation Army in New York for his extensive contribution to their catalog of published music for bands and choirs. His commissioned concert works are performed and recorded internationally. The Dutch, British, Swiss and New Zealand Brass Band Championship organizations have all commissioned test pieces from his pen.

One of many career highlights was a commission from the Library of Congress to complete and orchestrate the last known manuscript march of John Philip Sousa. In addition to his responsibilities as Music Director to NEBB, he remains active as a clinician traveling frequently as a guest conductor of All-State bands around the USA. His music for Wind Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band is published by Hal Leonard Publications.

Assistant Music Director: Al Stickland has been a member of the New England Brass Band since 1999. His musical career began early when he was introduced to a tenor trombone at the age of 11. He went on to play with a variety of Salvation Army bands in Canada. He moved to the USA to join The Salvation Army’s New York Staff Band, becoming principle trombone and soloist. He toured with the band throughout the USA, Canada and Europe. During a short hitch in the US Army he was assigned to the 60^th US Army Band.

Though music has always been a huge part of his life, Al chose to pursue a business degree and had a career with TRW, Inc., in California. On the West Coast he became bass trombone soloist with the Salvation Army’s Tustin Ranch Band and also served as choir director. Al joined the New England Brass Band after returning to the East.

Throughout the years Al has participated in various music circles, leading ensembles, teaching at summer music camps, and mentoring young musicians. Al now lives in Old Orchard Beach, ME, where he is the Band Director of the local Salvation Army Band.

Principal Cornet: Kelly Watkins has been a member of the Coast Guard Band trumpet section since 2003. Prior to joining the Band, she attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. She was a member of the Faculty Brass Quintet at Illinois State and performed regularly with the Illinois Symphony, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Illinois. She graduated with honors from ISU with a master’s degree in trumpet performance.

Kelly has received prizes from several competitions, including 1st place in the North American Brass Band Association solo melody competition in April 2009, the grand prize from the International Women’s Brass Conference Solo Competition in 2003, the National Trumpet Competition in 2002, and the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition in 2001 and 2002.

Since joining the Band, Kelly has been a member of the Coast Guard Brass Quintet and frequently appears as soloist on trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn. Most recently, she was a featured soloist on the Band’s 2007 concert tour, visiting Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

When not entertaining her cat Oliver, Kelly dedicates her time to the International Women’s Brass Conference, of which she was elected President in 2010.


	[NEBB] [Concerts] [Recording] [Patrons] [Who We Are] [Musicians] [New Players] [Directors] [History] [Instruments] [Rehearsals] [Photos] [News] [Auditions] [Contact Us]