Growing up on a small family farm just north of Gaylord, MN, Tom spent most of his days as a toddler singing along to his parents collection of 45's and 8-track's that included such artists as Elvis, The Four Seasons, and Three Dog Night.

 

Although he never sang in the high school choir until he was a junior and has never taken vocal lessons, he has honed his skill by singing along with the radio in an array of unique venues growing up.  Whether he was on a tractor working up ground, baling hay on a hot summer day, pitching manure, cruising the streets with friends, or even in the shower after a hard day's work, Tom took advantage of every opportunity to further develop his talent.  

 

For about six years after high school, Tom was involved in a four man acapella group that performed a variety of gigs throughout Minnesota including appearances at various colleges, Minnesota Twins & Timberwolves games, and an appearance in the State Fair Talent Show Finals.  He may also have been spotted singing for numerous weddings, and even a karaoke bar or two.

 

Although not the typical resume builder for a lead singer in a rock band, people are amazed by Tom's vocal range, and his ability to deliver spot on vocals across a variety of music genres.

Chad has been playing guitar since the ripe old age of twelve.  His dad, Ken (a self taught guitar player from southern Minnesota) started giving him lessons through middle and high school.  Chad then began to play in some small bands with friends as well as in his dad’s band “Carousel,” until he went to Bemidji State University in 1999.

 

After three grueling years (plus summers) of taking classes he graduated with a degree in education.  He now is in his seventh year of teaching at Maple Lake Elementary and enjoys hanging out with his posse of misfits, known as “Outside Recess” on the weekends.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After taking the Schmidt music 8-week keyboard crash course in four weeks time, Phil's teacher encouraged him to fulfill his dream of joining a rock and roll band.  He always enjoyed being outside for recess, so this band seemed like the perfect fit for him!  At first he felt like an outsider on the playground, because the band had already begun as a 4-piece.  However, with social work help, before long he wore them down, made them his friends, and was welcomed into their band.

 

Although little of that is true, Phil has always enjoyed music.  He has been playing guitar and violin since the age of ten, and joined his first band in the eighth grade.  This was the start of his true passion for playing music.  As a result of this passion, the desire to gain more knowledge in music lead him to begin playing the keyboards and accordion just after high school while working at a local music store.  He has played in a variety of bands, which include: rock bands, polka bands, country bands, pit orchestras, and duos.  He began college as a music major, but decided to pursue a teaching career instead.  Throughout his years as an educator he has enjoyed sharing his love of music with his students and now with his new circle of friends, known as "Outside Recess."

Pat grew up in Monticello, MN, and comes from a very musical family.  His dad handed him his first guitar at the age of 12 and told him to "Learn it because I want to start a band."  In as little as three months, Pat had followed through on his dad's request and soon found himself playing in his first band (The Kealys) with his father, sister, and two brothers.  From those early beginnings, Pat has been "gigging" with one band or another ever since.  

 

Pat's appreciation of music is very evident as you look at his musical background.  In addition to playing several different sports in high school (playing gigs all the while), he was also involved in the high school band, marching band, jazz band, and even several musicals.  Pat is a very versitile/seasoned musician, and has played both guitar and bass in a variety of different bands featuring rock, hard rock, country, old time (he needed the money), and everything in between.  Now, he's enjoying "Outside Recess".

Marty grew up in Monticello and has taught elementary school since 1996 at Maple Lake Elementary.  He is currently a 5th grade teacher as well as head volleyball and assistant track coach.

 

Marty was first introduced to the drums by Mr. Frederickson, his 5th grade band director. Since then, He has spent the next 26 years irritating people with continual drum noises and actually won an award for his "talents" from his 6th grade teacher, Miss Davis.  In the late 90's he spent some time behind a drum set working in a few pit bands for the Maple Lake Community Theater and then later with The Maple Lake Community Jazz Band.  In the past 8 years he has been concentrating on making even louder, more annoying drum noises, but mostly concentrating on irritating his lovely wife, Tiffini.