The Musicians

The Mountain Winds is a chamber ensemble of five wind players. Formed in 1991 each player is a classically trained musician with many years of experience.

julie-1Julie Belle – Flute

Julie Belle was a member of the United States Army Band in Europe, performing extensively throughout Europe, for all levels of dignitaries and VIP’s. She was a featured soloist on both piccolo and flute on several tours. She received her degree at the University of Minnesota, and has studied with Donald Peck, Wilfred Kujala, and Sidney Zeitlin. Currently Julie plays with the Pueblo Symphony and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Julie is a counselor in Colorado Springs.

cheryl-1Cheryl Poules- Oboe

With a degree in Music Education from Grove City College and Piano pedagogy from Dana School of music, Cheryl studied with Eldon Gatwood, Richard Woodhams, and Kathryn DuPuy. Currently principal oboe with the Parker Symphony and Mountain Winds Quintet, Cheryl also plays oboe and English Horn with the Lone Tree Symphony and Denver Concert Band. Recently retired from teaching band, orchestra and choir in the Douglas County Schools, Cheryl plays extensively throughout the Denver Metro Area. Cheryl’s private music studio, Castlewood Music Studio in Castle Rock offers private instruction on oboe and piano to both youth and adult students. In 2011 Cheryl’s young adult fantasy book, The Empaths of Drayon was published and she is in the final stages of the second book in the series.

lee-1Lee Barnes- Clarinet

Lee Barnes, born in San Francisco, is in high demand and has had an extensive career as an orchestral and chamber musician. Lee’s clarinet has found its way into virtually every style of music. He has served as principal clarinetist for 15 years with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, clarinetist with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, and solo clarinetist for 15 years with the USAF Academy Band. Lee’s distinguished teachers include Fred Ormand, David Glazer, Philip Fath, Donald Carol, and Phil Aahom. Currently, Lee performs with several concert bands and symphony orchestras. He also plays saxophone in several jazz bands.

bill-1Bill Hamaker – French Horn

Bill Hamaker has taught instrumental music in the public schools and privately for over 30 years. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Bill studied horn with Dr. William K. Kearns and Dr. David Pinkow and performs in the Arapahoe Philharmonic, small ensembles and solo performances. Bill continues to teach before and after school band classes in Douglas County elementary schools and maintains a private music studio with his wife, Sheila, who teaches piano. His hobbies are running, swimming and craft beers!

tim-1Tim Hoyman- Bassoon

Tim Hoyman started playing the bassoon in the 7th grade, when the junior high music teacher offered him the position of 2nd bassoon next to an attractive 7th grade girl. Tim has been playing ever since. When Tim was graduating from High School, he visited his elementary music teacher, and when Tim told his teacher he was a going to be a music major at the University of Northern Colorado, the elementary teacher was dumbfounded and said “Of all of my students, you were the last I thought would be a music major.” Tim joined the Colorado Army National Guard band and was in that organization for 20 years. He currently plays bassoon with the Littleton Symphony Orchestra and has been there for over 20 years. He loves playing classical music and has played woodwind quintet music for longer than he will admit to. Tim is a Realtor in the Denver metro area since 1997. Tim also serves on the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation Board of Directors. He has a special needs child and enjoys life.