Music Center Staff
Michael Alstad, Executive Director
Michael Alstad joined Music Center of the Northwest in January of 2007. “The opportunity to be here was one I jumped at. Music Center provides people with an opportunity to make a profound difference in their lives through music. It is an honor and privilege to provide leadership to such a wonderful organization.” Michael has been involved in school and community music programs for the past 25 years in the United States and Canada. His educational background includes both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Washington University. Michael is a trumpet player who enjoys playing in all types of groups and genres, but especially loves big band jazz. In addition to his musical pursuits he is an avid golfer and on a warm spring or summer day you might find him sneaking away to a Mariners game.
Janice Gockel, Director Emeritus
Janice founded Music Center in March of 1989 and served as Executive Director of Music Center for thirteen years. Still a very active member of the faculty, she also works with the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce, and performs with Philharmonia Northwest, and other organizations. In what remaining spare time she has, Janice is also an award winning baker, which is to great benefit of the faculty and staff.
Patrick Raichart, Operations Manager
Patrick is Music Center’s Operations Manager and trombone faculty member. A native of Idaho, Pat earned a Bachelors of Music from Northwestern University and a Masters from Rice University. In addition to overseeing the day to day operations of Music Center, Pat designs and maintains the website, creates marketing materials for print and the web, and helps develop new programs.
Jane Hatfield, Executive Assistant
After serving as a member of the original Board of Directors for twelve years, Jane joined the administrative staff in 2004. “I have always believed in what MCNW was doing and was delighted to come on board.” Outside of Music Center she also works as an office manager for small construction company, likes to read, get together with family and friends, and could live on milk and potatoes if she had to.
Jackie Weddle, Administrative Assistant
Jackie Weddle recently graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Music. After hunting for a day job of substance for quite some time, she was relieved to find MCNW. (Substance is surprisingly hard to find.) She grew up in Eastern Washington, but by the age of eighteen she was ready to move on to the big city. Four years later she has declared her intentions of never moving somewhere with a population of less than half a million people. She is excited to finally have a job that she enjoys!
Fran Lukas, Administrative Assistant
Besides being a saxophone instructor here at Music Center, Fran also helps out part time in the office.
