Steve Genteline, Saxophone

Saxophonist Steve Genteline was born on June 15, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio. His mother, a lover of the arts, encouraged Steve to play music. In the fourth grade, he picked up a soprano saxophone, a gift from his uncle, and it wasn't long before he was performing in front of the PTA. His first "gig" was at age 15 with the Dave Wheeler Jazz Quintet.

Steve graduated from Whitehall Yearling High School in 1959 and continued his education at Capital University, where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet and Saxophone Performance.

It was during his college years that Steve truly began his music career, performing with the Jerry Kaye Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony and the pit orchestra for the Kenley Players Theatre. From 1967-1969, Steve played in the Al Waslohn Orchestra, the house band for live television programs such as Spook Beckman's and Nick Clooney's. In 1967, Steve joined the Army Reserves, and played in the 338th Army Band at Fort Hayes for seven years. ("I carried a clarinet… it's a lot easier than carrying a weapon!")

In 1965 Steve met his future wife Barbara, an usher for the Kenley Players Theatre and a public school teacher. The two wed in 1969. Shortly thereafter, Steve became a saxophone instructor and jazz band director at Otterbein College. He also received his teaching certificate from Otterbein, and in 1975, left the college to pursue his teaching career with the Columbus Public Schools. He taught instrumental music for 26 years, retiring in 2001.

Steve joined the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in 1974. His favorite moments with the band were the tours to Spain and Denmark. "I feel very fortunate and very lucky to play with this bunch of guys!"

In 1983, Steve's beloved Barbara passed away. Less than a year later, he received a phone call from Linda, who had recently lost her husband and had seen Steve's memoriam for his wife in the Capital University Alumni magazine. She offered her condolences and a cup of coffee. Eventually Steve took her up on her offer and found in Linda the second love of his life. They married on January 1, 1986. Linda has a son, Eddie, whom Steve looks upon as his own.

When not playing music, Steve loves to jog, hike and travel with Linda.