Our Director: Jeff Mix

Jeff Mix is the 11th Director of the Manitowoc Marine Band since its conception in 1898. Jeff is a native of Manitowoc and currently resides in Menchalville with his wife Anne. He works for Instrumental Music Company of Green Bay as an Educational Sales Representative.

Jeff began his career in the Royal Knights Drum Corp and then with the Manitowoc Marine Band at the early age of 14, as a drummer. At the time, he was the youngest member ever accepted into the band. Jeff played along side his dad, John, who also played drums for several years before getting Jeff involved. Jeff left the band in 1980 during his freshman year at Silver Lake College where he majored in Instrumental Education. After graduating from SLC, he began his teaching/directing career in Two Rivers, the Neenah/Menasha area, and eventually back in Manitowoc.

Jeff has played with several area dance bands, was the original drummer for the 50's show band Out*A*Time, a local favorite and had the opportunity to travel around the state performing at festivals, county and state fairs, Summerfest, and opening for celebrities. After Out*A*Time, he started DJ Mixer DJ service which he ran for 10 years.

After a time away from instrumental music, Jeff was asked to join the Manitowoc Marine Band in February 2004 as a percussionist. Right before the 2004 summer concert season, Jeff was asked to become Assistant Director, and later that year, Director.

Since then, the band has grown to its current full capacity of 62 members, has seen audience attendance steadily grow to around 500, and has taken on a more entertaining show quality performance style. Still performing a wide variety of music such as marches, polkas, show tunes, classical, and much more, the band has members from the age of 14 on up, with several members who have been in the band for over 30 years.

If you haven't seen a Manitowoc Marine Band concert in several years, please come down to Manitowoc's Washington Park on Thursday evening! You'll be glad you did.