Sarah, a native of Taylorsville, NC and graduate of Appalachian State University joins The Extraordinaires after years of singing all genres of music. "Music has always been a passion of mine and it is very exciting to be joining The Extraordinaries." Sarah works in the travel and tourism industry for Hickory, NC and teaches community college courses as well.
Rusty has been involved in many types of music for over thirty years. Bass and trumpet are the two primary instruments of which he plays for the group. From playing in symphonies to Big Bands, to ShowBands, throughout his career Rusty has played with numerous groups across the southest. Being business manager of the group, Rusty finds this "part-time" job extremely challenging yet rewarding, not to mention having to be the bus driver as well!
Chuck, with his trombone, has added a mellow sound in the horn section like we've never had. A graduate of N.C. State University, Chuck played in the Marching and Concert Bands as well as a big band called The New Continentals made up of fellow students and professors. Chuck has also played with The Richmond Concert Band, The Bruce Long Orchestra, and The Lenoir-Rhyne University Jazz Ensemble. In addition to playing music, Chuck is one of the lead engineer/estimators with Neil Construction Company of Hickory.
After finishing up at Belmont University in Nashville, Tn. and touring around the country with several bands, Chase decided to come back to Hickory for a while and play with his first group. With his experience and knowledge, Chase is a tremendous asset to The Extraordinaires both in the horn section as well as out front singing lead.....and we're glad to have him back.
Is back as well on sax and vocals. After finishing his degree in music performance and advanced music education from Western Carolina University, he also decided to come back to the Hickory area and get back in with the best band in Western North Carolina, and what an asset he is. Currently Steven is the band director at North Cabarraus High School in Concord.
Doug James has performed throughout the US and Europe. After playing with several variety bands throughout NC, he joined the Extraordinaires full time. Doug is from Boone, NC where he served on the music faculty of Appalachian State University, directing the guitar program there for over two decades. From unbelievable finger-picking classical to heavy rock n roll� Doug can play it all.
Raised in North Carolina, Shawn, a second generation drummer, started his musical career at a young age playing on his father's drum set. His father's band, The Lazy Rockers played with singers such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, The Coasters, and Frankie Valli. Shawn's father taught him how to hold drumsticks and play rudiments and rhythms rather than "Bang on me drum all day". Shawn's continued interest in music, and his ever improving skills lead to the purchase of his first drum set. Shawn has a wide variety of influences which include Rod Morgenstein of the Dixie Dregs and Winger, Steve Smith who has played with Journey and is currently in his own fusion group Vital Information, Jeff Porcaro of Toto, and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. "Through my years of experience and my love of music I have become a solid drummer well equipped and ready to travel anywhere anytime. I am open minded to all musical genres and an interest in the ideas of others. I enjoy being an integral part of any band I play with."