Music is all in the family for Kesslers – Viera Voice

To say Judy Kessler springs from a musical family is an understatement.

Her father was a band commander in the National Guard, and her mom a band director in high school. Her sister is a band director. Husband Rob directs the Community Band of Brevard. Son Derek plays the clarinet and daughter Erin the French horn for the Ohio National Guard Band. Her parents operated a chain of eight music stores in Ohio.

Its a little disturbing, the Merritt Island resident joked.

Judy Kessler picked up her moms favorite musical instrument at the relatively late age of fourth grade. At 18, she knew exactly what her next move would be. Just like her dad, the Mount Vernon, Ohio native joined the Ohio National Guard Band.

The military helped her connect with Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in surprise, surprise music. It also sent romance her way in the form of Rob Kessler, then commander of the 122nd Army Band Company for the Ohio Army National Guard, where Judy played clarinet.

Thats what is called fraternization, Judy Kessler said.

The couple have been married for 37 years.

And they said it wouldnt last, she added.

Obviously, the couple that stays together, plays music together, since Rob Kessler last year was named to lead the Community Band of Brevard. Judy is part of the band, too.

We are very happy to have a musician as talented as Judy with the Band, said Mike Freeman, a member of the band board of directors.

She also plays clarinet for the Melbourne Municipal Band and the Central Florida Winds, where she additionally serves on the board of directors.

The recent transplants to the area discovered the Space Coast as cruising fans who favored Port Canaveral for sailings. While the COVID-19 pandemic kept them from the high seas for a while, they are back on board whenever they can.

Their idea of playing beautiful music together goes beyond the bands and the cruises they favor. The two are happy addicts of Disney pixie dust and can often be found at one of the theme parks.

Any additional free time is devoted to repurposing and refinishing vintage and castoffs.

I have worked on everything from a file cabinet to a chair, she said.

Despite the deep musical roots, or perhaps because of it, Judy Kessler strives for perfection in her music. It doesnt matter that the clarinet has been an integral part of her life for decades. Practicing never ends.

Judy just wants everybody to be happy, and she feels that is her job, said bass clarinetist and fellow band musician Kathleen Manship.

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Music is all in the family for Kesslers - Viera Voice