Featured Musicians: The Makeever House of Music

The Makeever family is a true testament to the unifying power of music. For generations, music has served as the beating heart of this remarkably talented family. Jerry and Sue along with their accomplished children, Matthew and Megan, have enriched the Bozeman community with their musical fervor for decades.

With a collective experience of 106 years performing in the Bozeman Symphony, the Makeevers weave their talents into a seamless blend of melodies. Jerry played principal trumpet for 45 years, now playing 3rd, and Sue, who has been with the Symphony for 35 years, recently ended an 18-year tenure as principal flute and will be playing 2nd flute. Matthew, like his father and grandfather, brings alive the brassy resonance of the trumpet, while Megan, inspired by her mother’s artistry, graces audiences with the melodious tones of her flute.

Step inside the Makeevers’ home, and you will find a symphony in motion—a quartet of musicians listening to recordings as they prepare for Symphony performances. Amid this melodic chaos, the family fine-tunes their craft together, striving for perfect intonation, rhythm, and musical expression.

With the home stereo constantly blaring great music such as Mahler’s 2nd Symphony and Saint-Saën’s Organ Symphony, the children were immersed in music from the time they were born and were often swung to its rhythm and spirit. Whether gathered around the screen watching the Boston Pops under John Williams’ baton or grooving to the tunes of Yellowstone by Mannheim Steamroller, music has woven a tapestry of memories for the Makeevers.

Under the tutelage of their musically skilled parents, Matthew and Megan blossomed into exceptional musicians through determined practice and unwavering dedication. Matthew is also a conductor and Megan sings, plays piano and guitar, and teaches private lessons.

Join us on their musical journey as we delve into the flourishing talents of each musician.

Jerry

After half a century of performing with the Bozeman Symphony, Jerry continues to find immense joy in playing symphonic music alongside the Symphony’s other talented musicians. He intends to continue performing with the Symphony for as long as he is able.

Growing up with a father who was a world-class high school band director and trumpeter, Jerry was surrounded by music from a young age and was inspired to become a musician at just four years old. Listening to recordings of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony, trumpeter Rafael Mendez, and SaintSaën’s Carnival piqued his passion for music. He performed in several high school ensembles and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Illinois. After relocating to Montana, he taught music at Montana State University for over three decades, served as principal trumpet in the Billings Symphony, and performed solos and other pieces with the Helena and Butte symphonies, Montana Brass Quintet, Opera Montana, Montana Ballet, and at several music festivals.

Jerry is deeply inspired by his family member’s commitment to daily practice, tireless work, brilliance, and creativity. He believes that listening and internalizing the sound of the music is crucial to effective practice, and says after the family listens together, each dedicates time to perfecting the style, phrasing, tempo, and intonation that must be brought to rehearsals. “Surrounded by family who are so accomplished and dedicated to quality truly inspires me,” Jerry proudly said. “After all, I’ve got to keep up with them.”

When he’s not making music, Jerry enjoys walking and playing with their three dogs, repairing things, working on cars, and cheering on the New York Yankees.

Sue

Sue’s musical journey began in the fifth grade, sparked by a poignant moment at a symphony concert that inspired her to play the flute. Growing up in a household filled with music, thanks to her pianist mother, Sue’s passion for the flute only grew stronger with time.

Her dedication to mastering the flute led her to study performance and music education at the University of Illinois and later pursue a Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. Sue’s expertise led her to teach at North Texas State and Montana State University, while she also maintained a vibrant private flute studio. For 22 years, Sue graced the stage as the principal flutist for the Billings Symphony. She also left a lasting impact through her performances with Opera Montana, Montana Ballet, and at various church services alongside her family.

Despite stepping down from her Bozeman Symphony principal position after 18 years, Sue remains committed to sharing her musical talent and will continue to perform at concerts. The Bozeman Symphony celebrated Sue’s dedication to the organization at the final concert of the 2023-24 season and surprised her with the opportunity to perform under Matthew as conductor. The highlight of her career has been sharing the stage with her family, which continues to bring her immense joy.

“I love playing with the wonderful woodwind section,” Sue reflected. “It is such a treat to be in the middle of the orchestra, between the brass and strings . . . it is magical!”

Beyond her musical endeavors, Sue delights in taking her two Shelties and Westie on hikes and to dog parks. She also savors the simple pleasures of reading, catching up with friends over coffee, and eagerly anticipates future travel opportunities.

Matthew

Gifted with a natural talent for music, Matthew began honing his skills at the early age of two. Fascinated by the world of music, he can still vividly recall early home videos of himself conducting, as well as eagerly experimenting with various instruments in his household. His musical journey truly began when he received a cornet in his toy box and his father began giving him lessons, igniting a lifelong passion for music.

Throughout his high school years, Matthew immersed himself in music by joining the Symphony, a journey that continued into the 2012-13 season. Driven by his dedication and love for music, Matthew returned to the Symphony in 2023 as Concert Manager and Librarian, a role that prompted feelings of nostalgia for the Symphony.

“The Symphony has always felt like home,” said Matthew. “Many of the people who still play in the orchestra are people I have grown up with and feel like I have known my whole life.”

Matthew earned a Bachelor of Music Education at Montana State University, a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting and Trumpet Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestra Conducting at the University of Utah. His experience as principal trumpet in multiple symphonies and his conducting roles with various orchestras solidify his deep commitment to music. Reflecting on his journey, Matthew is grateful for the early moments that paved the way for his success.

When he’s not performing or practicing, Matthew and his wife, Ashley, who is a vocalist, love to travel and explore unfamiliar places. He cherishes moments with their two beloved cats, Smeagol and Goose, indulges in the occasional craft beer, and finds solace in nature through activities like jogging, walking, hiking, and immersing himself in the serene beauty of rivers and lakes.

Megan

A self-proclaimed musical nomad, Megan began performing with the Bozeman Symphony in 2012. Despite pursuing higher education elsewhere, Megan stayed connected to her roots by playing with the orchestra whenever she found herself back in Bozeman.

“I really enjoy playing for my hometown and community members who are near and dear to my heart,” Megan expressed.

Megan’s passion for music traces back to her earliest memories. Growing up in a musical household, she was captivated by melodies from an early age and began piano lessons when she was five. Reflecting on her childhood, Megan fondly remembers her parents’ penchant for music, with special songs marking everyday moments and home videos capturing the joy of music shared with her brother.

When she was nine, Megan asked her mother if she could try her flute, which began her love for the instrument, eventually leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music and flute performance at St. Olaf College and a Master of Music in Flute Performance at the University of Montana. Alongside her impressive musical accomplishments, Megan is also recognized as an award-winning singer-songwriter with three original albums and is an integral part of various musical ensembles in Bozeman.

Utilizing her talents as an instructor, Megan teaches piano and flute students, while also directing the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Choir in Bozeman. When she’s not immersed in the world of music, Megan finds happiness in creative pursuits, such as crafting dog sweaters, reviving old furniture, and indulging in the art of making hot chocolate bombs. Her love for nature shines through her zeal for hiking, bird watching, and spending time outdoors with her loyal companions, Nugget and Buddy, who hold a special place in her heart

All in the Family

As the Makeevers eagerly await the upcoming Symphony season, their excitement is palpable. From Jerry and Sue looking forward to the Copland, and Sue being particularly excited to revisit the Bartók, Matthew looking forward to the season finale, and Megan’s inspiration from Kishi Bashi, each will bring their talent to the stage. Together the Makeevers are dedicated to uplifting audiences with their exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the art form they hold dear.