About Us:
Less Talk More Polka was started in 2007 by John Sens to play polkas and have fun. The group played a little bit around Lincoln, but mostly focused on having fun as a group. In December 2008, the band was featured in the Daily Nebraskan in an article, which was picked up by the associated press and published in several newspapers. The attention we got from the article has inspired us to perform more and promote Polka in Nebraska.
The band is composed of two clarinets, two trumpets, a saxophone, a tuba, and a trombone. We play a number of Czech polkas, along with waltzes, marches, schottisches, and even some dixieland. We are constantly expanding our repertoire and are open to suggestions.
Less Talk More Polka has performed at the Wilbur Czech Festival, Celebrate Lincoln, the Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival, Oktobeerfest, and many other location. They were also featured on local radio station 89.3 KZUM and played a live Christmas show in 2010.
In July 2011, John Sens moved to Minnesota and transferred leadership of Less Talk More Polka to the talented Molly Boyd who leads it to this day.
The Czech tradition
A increasing part of the group's goal is to strengthen young people's interest in traditional polka music and keep the Czech tradition strong. The band feels that the best way to accomplish our goal is to demonstrate the joy of folk music and inspire other young people to become involved in their cultural heritage.
Playing in Less Talk More Polka also enriches the band members, and has given many of the players an appreciation for polka music. We are always humbled by the response of the audience when we perform, and we are very thankful to everyone who supports us.
Bios
Molly Boyd - Molly joined in group in the fall of 2008, and became the leader of the band in 2011. Molly plays the Alto Saxophone and does a lot of work for the group. Molly graduated from UNL with a double major in Biology and Music performance. She works in Lincoln and continues to participate in a several music groups in Lincoln.
Lisa Keown - Lisa has been with the group since its beginning in the Spring of 2007. She plays the clarinet and also contributes a razor sharp wit to the group. Lisa is a recent graduate of UNL with a degree in Music Education. She is currently working in Lincoln and playing in several bands. Her steadfast presence in the otherwise tumultuous
Clarinet section is much appreciated.
Evan Nash - Evan is a recent addition to the group. He began as a semi-regular sub with the group in the spring of 2010, and was fully absorbed as a regular in September 2010. He plays trumpet and contributes a stunning mastery of the instrument that surpasses any known technique. He is a Sophomore Math major at UNL. His wit and stellar character are a truly valuable asset to the group.
Kristin Malone - Kristin brings a vast history of Clarinet mastery and musicianship to the table. With an attitude of childlike joy and a sense of humor, Kristin is what some may refer to as a, "hoot"! Kristin is a Senior at UNL where she is pursuing a degree in both Industrial Education and Math. Her participate in a variety of musical ensembles and coursework exposes the diverse talents she possesses.
Michael Taylor - Michael is a Freshman Chemical Engineering Major who was drafted into Less Talk More Polka in the Spring of 2010. His improvisatory skills are greatly appreciated on the Dixieland tunes we play, and his Czech heritage gives us credibility! Hooray! He plays a mean, but sonorous, trumpet and has a relaxed attitude.
Willie Neubaur - Willie joined the band in July of 2011. He currently keeps busy as a Music Education major at UNL. He has been doing great as the new trombonist, using his fun personality and great skill to keep LTMP going strong. We are glad to have him share his gift of trombone with us!
Matt Erb - Matt brought his tuba skills to the band in the summer of 2011. He graduated from UNL with a degree in Music Education and is currently teaching in Lincoln. When Matt said that he loves playing polkas, we knew that he was destined to play the tuba for LTMP. With Matt as our tubist, we know we have our basses covered.
Past Membership:
Janet Hildebrad - Janet is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where she earned her Masters degree in clarinet performance. She has been performing with Less Talk More Polka on and off for several years, and her talents are greatly appreciated!
John Sens - John is the Band Leader and has been with the band from its beginning in Spring 2007. John graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where he graduated with a B.A. in Music and a B.S. in Environmental Studies. He is currently in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he is pursuing a Masters Degree in Bass Trombone Performance. He misses the band, and wishes it nothing but the best!
Doug Bogatz - Doug was in the group from Spring 2007 until June 2009. He has contributed his musical talents to the band in a number of ways, including originally playing the saxophone, composing for the group, and currently playing the clarinet. Doug is in the process of graduating from UNL with a degree in music education. Doug is currently teaching in Topeka Kansas
Alex Ramos - Alex was in the group from Spring 2007 until Fall 2008. He played a marvelous Clarinet and recieved a degree in both religious studies and music performance from UNL. He currently resides in his home state of New York.
Chris Watson - Chris was with the group from Spring 2007 until Summer 2009. He played trumpet in the group and is a recent graduate of UNL with a degree in Music Education. He is currently teaching music in Lincoln at North Star High School. Chris contributed his speaking talents during rehearsals and most performances, whether asked to do so or not, which helped to keep things interesting.
Joanna Crowl - Joanna joined LTMP in the Fall of 2008. She played trumpet in the band and quickly adapted to the group's dynamics. She is a Junior History Education Major at UNL. Her efforts and article suggestion at the Daily Nebraskan helped to put us on the map and her talents were greatly appreciated!
Ross Theondel - Ross was with LTMP from Spring 2007 until August 2010. He played the tuba, and was the band's bedrock during his entire time in the group. Ross graduated with a degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Ross' steady presence and tuba playing held the group together for a long time and was instrumental to our rate of polka production. Ross now teaches band in Thedford, Nebraska, and occasionally bails us out.
Jason Lenz- Jason joined LTMP in August of 2010 and played with the group until April of 2011. Jason is a Senior Music Education Major at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and plays in a wide range of groups. Just remember to keep your palms flat and you'll come away unscathed from this variety of brass player.
Paul Kenney - Paul joined LTMP and brought a fierce trumpet to the group. Paul was a Senior Music Education Major at UNL and performed with a number of ensembles.