Meet the Musicians

Brian Burke (clarinet) is currently the interim minister for the Christ United Church of Christ in Orrville, after serving congregations in Wellington, Amherst, and Valley City. Before his ordination with UCC, Brian was a high school band director for the Sandusky and Oak Harbor school districts. He received his Bachelor of Music from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary.  Brian performs with the Patriots Symphonic Band as the principal clarinetist and concert narrator as well as being a core/founding member of the Lake Erie Winds. He and his wife Carol reside in Wellington. They have two children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In their free time, they enjoy attending theater productions and traveling.

Sheryl Cawrse (Eb clarinet & clarinet) is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in music education has had a distinguished career as both teacher and woodwind performer. She taught music for many years in the public schools in both Elyria and Lorain. As a working musician, Sheryl can often be found in musical orchestra pits in the area. She also held the principal clarinet chair in North Central Ohio’s own Firelands Symphony Orchestra for many years and is a core/founding member of the LEW. Sheryl’s working career took an interesting turn in 2009 when she joined others in the Cawrse Family in opening the Paper Moon Vineyards in Vermillion. She takes an active role working in the vineyard during all seasons and overseeing the growing tasting room activities. The rest of the time, she and her husband Dick pamper their grandchildren.  

Megan Hayes (Eb, Bb, and bass clarinet) is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting. Currently she is pursuing a Master’s degree in school administration. She is the Director of Bands for the Elmwood School District and has held instrumental music posts with Ayersville Local, Oregon City, and Toledo Public School districts. Megan does freelance woodwind work in the Toledo area and serves as Co-chair of the Ohio Music Education Association District 1 Honors Festival. Megan and her husband John have three lovely children Molly (9), Ruth (7), and Connor (4). In their spare time, the Hayes Family enjoys traveling and checking out local restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

Henry “Hank” Lehrer (bass clarinet & clarinet), a core/founding member of the Lake Erie Winds, has followed two career paths based on his love of music and of aviation. A graduate of Ohio University (BSEd.), Kent State University (MEd.), and Bowling Green State University (PhD.) he spent the first 18 years of his academic career as a high school band director. The next 34 years were as a professor and administrator in aviation and air transportation at BGSU, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Purdue University. Hank is still a working woodwind player, particularly on clarinet, bass clarinet, and saxophone. Now, you may just as easily find him playing a jazz gig, on stage with a symphonic concert band, or in the orchestra pit for a local musical. His wife Lynne loves being his "roadie" for all out-of-town gigs.

Victoria Nagy (bass clarinet & clarinet) is an attorney by day and a musician by night. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and the Cleveland John Marshall Law School. "Vic" has more than 25 years practicing estate planning and administration and is associated with the law firm of Shapero & Green. As a musician Victoria performs in concert bands on multiple woodwind instruments including Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, and baritone sax and is one of LEW's core/founding members. In her spare time, besides music, she enjoys the company of her three sons, vegetable gardening and beekeeping.