Board of Directors

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Jeff Hancock has been a member of the New Gardens Band for nearly 10 years and has performed with the Indian River Pops Orchestra for the last 5. Upon graduating high school, Jeff enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard and was assigned to the 13th Army Band. He played Euphonium, Tuba, and Bass Trombone until his medical discharge. Since 2000, Jeff has been a member of several local groups.

During the day, Jeff works with individuals with disabilities to support them in preparing for and finding employment within the community. Having served as the chairperson for the Treasure Coast Interagency Transition Counsel, Board Member for several Not-for-Profits, and previously owner of Pathway to Independence, Jeff brings a wealth of leadership and operations knowledge to the Pops. He is supported in his role as President by his wife, Carolyn, and two amazing children, James and Emma. 

Jennifer Grim plays violin 2 and is currently studying at Bach Children’s Music School. She started violin lessons 5 years ago having never played an instrument but WITH a love for music, wanted to learn her favorite pieces from Bach and Vivaldi. She has been a member of the Indian River Pops for the past three seasons. Jennifer is recently and happily retired. She was an Industrial Engineer in Ohio, took time off to raise her two children who are currently college students and resumed her career in healthcare in patient experience after a move to Florida. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, dog, traveling, and of course learning how to play the violin. 

 Fred Gartner has been playing with many local groups and is currently the Principal Clarinet as well as President for the Stuart Community Concert Band. Fred has performed with the Florida Symphonic Winds throughout Europe and performs with the Florida All-Star Community Band. His skill-sets as a director include accountant, businessman, and high school math teacher. Fred's goal for the Indian River Pops is to make this group one of the preeminent orchestras in the state of Florida.  

Kathy Alcox has played in community music groups ever since she was a serious

percussionist in HS and played with (gulp) adults in the South Orange Symphony (NJ).

From this experience, she knew she could pursue a career as a marine biologist and

STILL be a musician all her life. She later switched to French horn and between

research trips and having a family, she managed to find music groups everywhere she

went. She was a Board member at her children’s school for 8 years (4 as Secretary)

and helped with the science program at there. She also organized very popular school

assemblies, roping in generous musician friends who demonstrated their instruments,

made the students laugh, and spoke directly to them about their lifelong love of music.

 Kathy started her musical journey in Carmel NY where she began playing violin in the 4th grade. Playing in a symphony orchestra all through grade school and high school she branched out after college at Boston University to play fiddle in a contra dance band and then in an Irish band specializing in traditional music.  Most of her working career (aside from summer waitressing jobs) was as a social worker in skilled nursing facilities.  She is now happily retired from that arena but continues in the health care field part time in pain management. Kathy enjoys pickleball, crossword puzzles, traveling and spending time with her husband and two children, Brandon and Kelly, whenever their paths cross. 

Michael is a teacher, vocalist, instrumentalist, and conductor who lives to share, teach, and explore the endless possibilities of music.

He earned his Bachelors Degree of Music Education from Missouri State University.

Michael has performed with the OakRidge Boys and Mannheim Steamroller. While touring in London he performed in St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abby, and the internationally televised 2006 London New Years' Day Parade. 

Michael taught K-12 music in the public schools for eight years directing bands and choirs. His ensembles performed in Branson Promenade of the Stars, Universal Studios, Disney, and he directed 18 elementary musicals.

Michael started his own music school called Robbins Music. Michael has been self-employed for seven years and enjoys teaching piano, guitar, and voice at his studio.

While in Stuart, Michael has directed the Treasure Coast Community Singers, Treasure Coast Youth Choir, and was featured by Stuart Magazine as one of Stuart’s 40 under 40. He played French Horn and was Assistant Conductor for the Indian River Pops Orchestra for seven years after which he accepted the Conductor position. 

When not saving the world from misspelling Tchaikovsky, Michael ponders the meaning of "Salt Life" and can often be observed in his natural habitat at local music venues.  He is looking forward to cultivating the Indian River Pops Orchestra towards their full potential.