The SJO Rhythm Section

Tony Hall - Drums

SJO Returning Alumni - 2009

Tony Hall is the color and character of the SJO. His musical traits are those that other drummers aspire to given his 30 years of performance with the likes of:
The Canadian Brass, Gordon MacRae, Helen O’Connell, Buddy DeFranco, Enrico Pieranunzi, Freddy Cole, Ann Jillian, Susan Anton, Les Elgart, Larry Elgart and Little Anthony (I’m leaving out the gig with Tiny Tim…so don’t ask).
He keeps a variety of big bands and orchestras on his plate:
The Atlanta Seventeen Orchestra, The Still Swinging Orchestra, The Modernaires, The Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, The Chattanooga Opera and Ballet, The Dekalb Community Jazz Ensemble and The Rehoboth Baptist Orchestra plus freelance work in and around Chattanooga, his home town.
Tony studied with Les Heard, Dan Spalding and Jack Bell during his formative years at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Middle Tennessee State University and Georgia State University. He has chosen to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with young percussionists with personal lessons at his studios.

Dan Turner - Piano
SJO Member Since 2004

After 27 years in SJO's piano chair, our friend Doyle Faler passed away in December of 2004. Filling those shoes was not the easiest thing we've ever undertaken, but we think we've exceeded all expectations. Please meet Dan Turner, a native Georgian, prodigious performer, award-winning piano player and an all-around nice guy!

Dan started out taking piano lessons in the latter 50's and continued, studying with Charles Wade, Archie Mosley, Paul Mitchell, Don Reitan and Don Tweedy among others. While studying piano and synthesizers at the University of Georgia he also studied timpani and other percussion instruments. Dan has played with various groups in all sorts of musical genres; classical, country, pop and swing ... combos to large ensembles. He's played with: U. GA's Orchestra and Band, DeKalb County's Orchestra and Band, the Gwinnett Community Band, After Hours Jazz Trio, Jazz Creed Sextet, Rocky Creek Band (sextet), Mike Rogers (quintet), Brothel Blues Band, Atlanta Jazz Krewe, Atlanta Blues Krewe and the Atlanta Swing Orchestra.

Dan was awarded the Atlanta Society of Entertainers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 as well as their award for Best Blues Band (Brothel Blues Band) in the same year. In November of 2004 Dan was inducted into the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame! Seems to us that Doyle's piano chair is in great hands! Welcome Dan!!

Lauran Hunt - Bass
SJO Member Since 1985

Lauran came to Atlanta as an infant from Boston, Massachusetts where he was born. He attended Druid Hills High School in Decatur where he played in both marching and stage bands. When finally he entered college he decided to major in music. He attended Georgia State University to pursue his degree and while there, played with the GSU Jazz Band.

He has also played with the Dekalb College Stage Band, The Baker Williams Big Band and several other area big bands and ensembles. He has his own trio/quartette called "Night Wind," and together with his wife they have a steel band that plays around the metro area. They have quite a musical family! He and his wife Karen (who is herself a fellow musician and accomplished percussionist) have two children, Christopher and Lindsay.

Jerome "Jerry" Aull - Guitar
SJO Member Since 1998

Jerry Aull grew up in Indiana as the oldest son of a family of nine children. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Louis University earning highest honors. He earned his master's degree while serving as a university fellow in the doctoral program in theology at the University of Notre Dame. Jerry had a successful sales career as a financial planner. He also worked for a decade as a teacher, football coach, and administrator in secondary schools and colleges. He has authored two textbooks.

Jerry has presented numerous seminars in time management and productivity and is a sought-after motivational speaker. His keynote and workshop clients include most of the Fortune 500; IBM, UPS, USPS, COCA COLA, PRICE WATERHOUSE, COMPAQ, AOL, SAP, CNN, TURNER BROADCASTING, THE NY TIMES, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, ELI LILLY, LEVI STRAUSS, GLAXO SMITHKLINE, VANDERBILT UNIV, et al. He has also shared the speaking platform with the likes of:Zig Ziglar, Peter Drucker, Denis Waitley, Stephen Covey, Elizabeth Dole, Colin Powell, & Jimmy Carter.

Today family life is Jerry's top priority. He and his wife, Cricket, have six children and spend a lot of time in family activities. Jerry continues his interest in music by playing with the SJO, performing solo jazz concerts, and is soon to release his third Adult Inspirational music CD. His music is also given to nursing homes, hospices, and prisons where he plays while on the road. He is also a fitness champion who has completed over 25 marathons and bicycles 50 miles a week.

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