At our annual meeting on October 28 at 6:30 pm, we will be electing six members to our Board of Directors.  Voting information will be mailed to those who filled out the Voting Member Registration and/or participated in the Member Patron Program. The following individuals have been nominated for your consideration.  Good luck to all!  

Patrick Downing first became involved with QC Music Guild in 2010 when he played saxophone in the pit orchestra for The Pajama Game. He has since been on stage in two shows; as Olin Britt in The Music Man in 2011, and most recently as Inspector Javert in Les Miserables earlier this summer. In 2012, Patrick was Assistant Music Director for The 25th Annual Putnam Co. Spelling Bee. Additionally, he has volunteered as a pianist in the Music Guild lobby for seven productions since June 2012. Patrick is employed at West Music Co. in Moline as a Piano Sales Consultant, and he is also the Saturday Evening Worship pianist at First Congregational Church in Moline. He is a member of Quad City Choral Arts, the Sanctuary Choir and Vesper Bell Choir of First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, and is currently serving in his first year as a member of the Board of Directors for the Nova Singers. Patrick has a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Illinois University, and he resides in Davenport with his wife, Kristena (who has performed in pit orchestras at Music Guild). Patrick is excited to bring his professional and musical experiences to the Music Guild Board of Directors.

Bob Manasco is a computer programmer, project manager, and business analyst for John Deere.  He received his MBA in 2005, and studied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Music at Augustana for his undergraduate.  Growing up in rural Hillsdale, he has attended QCMG performances (in "the big city" of Moline) since childhood, and has been an active participant since moving back to the area in 2010.  Since that time, he has music directed four shows (most recently, Les Misérables in June), played in three pit orchestras, and appeared onstage in two casts, in addition to doing a variety of other volunteering activities. Bob is also the chairperson of the programs committee, and has participated on each of the last three play selection committees.  Prior to returning to the QCA, he was very active at various theatres in Peoria and Bloomington, where he participated in over 75 productions (both on- and off-stage), served on a number of boards and committees, and was treasurer of the Caterpillar Employees' Mixed Chorus.

Cathy Marsoun has been involved with Music Guild since 1975, when at 16, she worked props and wardrobe.  Cathy is currently on the QCMG board and serves as our Social Committee Chairman and Costume Shoppe Chairman.  As Social Committee Chair, she chairs the committee which organizes the Brunch and Tea.  As Costume Shoppe Chair, she manages the shoppe volunteers who rent and maintain the QCMG costume inventory.  She has also recently served as Costume Designer for Les Miserables, Peter Pan, Cinderella and Little Women.  Cathy has also worked wardrobe on almost every show in recent years.  Cathy also serves as President of the Junior Woman's Club of Rock Island.  She has also served GFWC Illinois as a District President and Junior Director, and currently serves the District as Secretary.  She lives in Rock Island with her husband, Bill, who has served QCMG as a Director, Producer, Set Designer and board member.  They have happily raised two children at the Music Guild.  Beth served QCMG as a Director and Choreographer.  Rich served QCMG as a Tech Director.

Heidi Pedersen is completing her first term on the board and has been Secretary since Jan. 2014, and would be honored to continue in this role if reelected.  She lives in Moline with her husband Dave and son Mason.  Heidi has been involved with QCMG since 2000.  She has been on stage for twelve productions, worked stage crew for three and has been Props chair for two shows.  Heidi is co-chair on the Concessions committee and prints the invited-dress tickets.  She has also helped with costumes, bus greeting, box office, ushering, choosing scholarship winners, play selection and board nominations.  Although Heidi has performed on eight other stages in the area, she feels the QCMG stage is like coming home.

Dan Pepper currently teaches music at Sudlow Intermediate School in Davenport. There he is responsible for the general music program, Men's Choir, 6th Grade Honor Choir, and the Ukulele Club. He is serving has second year as the Youth Choir Director at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, IA. He also serves as a member of the 2136 Planning Team at St. Paul. Dan has also been a 3-year member of the Quad City Choral Arts.  At QCMG, Dan has been on stage for Curtains, Cinderella, 25th Annual Putnam..., Something's Afoot, and Les Miserables. He has also lent a hand off-stage as a bus greeter, parking attendant, as well as selling tickets in the box office.  I would like to serve on the QCMG board to further my involvement with this wonderful organization.

Deb Shippy has helped with numerous productions at Quad City Music Guild. She has served as assistant book director for 4 shows, most recently "Legally Blonde". She also directed "It's a Wonderful Life" and has worked stage crew for numerous shows, assisted with props for "Curtains", and helped build a few sets. She has been chair or co-chair of Concessions for the last 3 summers. Deb has also helped out at auditions and participated in play selection. Deb is employed by the Moline Public Library and lives in Rock Island.

  Kelly Thompson first became involved with Music Guild in 2007, appearing onstage in seven productions so far. She's also worked backstage with costumes, stage crew, and props, and volunteers with concessions, cleanup days, and other activities. Kelly has worked in nonprofit organizations for more than ten years, including seven years in leadership positions, giving her extensive experience in nonprofit management. Currently, Kelly is Director of Programs at the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, overseeing the foundation's grants, scholarships, and its youth philanthropy program, Teens for Tomorrow. Kelly also serves on the board of the Scott County Housing Council. Although she didn't grow up here, Music Guild is a large part of why Kelly considers the Quad Cities home, and she's grateful for the opportunity to give back to the organization that's given her so much.

Michael Turczynski has been involved with Quad City Music Guild since 2010, spending 4 out of the last 5 summers as the Technical Assistant and designing lights for It's a Wonderful Life, 9 to 5, and Les Misérables.  Mike graduated from the University of Iowa in 2012 with a degree in Theatre Arts, with emphases on stage management and technical theatre.  He also holds a certificate in Entrepreneurship in the Performing Arts.  Mike's theatrical career has spanned many different roles in many different theatres in professional, community and academic settings.  He has worked as a Production Manager, Stage Manager, Designer (Scenic, Lighting, and Sound), Carpenter, Sound Engineer, Lighting Tech, and Actor.  Originally from Moline, Mike recently moved back after an extended stay in Florida working for a theatre in Naples, but has returned to the area to work as a freelance theatrical designer and technician in the Midwest.  One such bonus of moving back the area gives Mike the opportunity to give back to the theatre where it all started for him 5 years ago.  He hopes that he can bring his experience in the field to the organization and continue the great tradition that Quad City Music Guild is known for.