Our Mission:
Preserve Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to enriching lives through the assistance, support, and encouragement of music educators, performers, and students in Wisconsin.
Our Board:
Mallory Friske
Mallory is a 5-8th grade band and k-6 music educator at Riverview Grade School in Silver Lake Wisconsin. During the summer months she is on the leadership team for the UW-Whitewater band camps. This is where her passion for music really took off when she attended camp as a young clarinetist. She graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelors degree in instrumental and general music education. Teaching music is not just a job but a dream come true. Mallory performs regionally in community bands, and pit orchestras. When she’s not teaching or playing you can find her spending time with her husband, daughter and two pups, reading, gardening, baking, riding rollercoasters or shopping. |
Lindsay Jonas
A former band director, Lindsay discovered her passion for music in elementary school, inspired by dedicated teachers and supportive parents who nurtured her musical journey into a lifelong career. Together with her husband Ryan, she co-founded the Preserve Music Foundation, dedicated to fostering musical opportunities for local students. Currently, Lindsay remains active in the Palmyra-Eagle Community Band, where she plays clarinet and baritone saxophone, in addition to teaching private music lessons. Beyond her musical pursuits, Lindsay finds joy in reading, running, and cherishing moments with her husband Ryan, their four children, and extended family. |
Ryan Jonas
Ryan is the co-founder of the Preserve Music Foundation, inspired by his lifelong passion for music. This passion was developed by his grandfather, who owned a piano and organ store in the Milwaukee area. As Ryan grew older, he became fascinated with the theatre pipe organ, drawn to it by its complex operation and unique sounds that it produced. This fascination, combined with his deep love of music, led Ryan and his wife, Lindsay, to acquire a Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ and built their home around it (more on that project here). Through this unique addition to their home, they aim to support and further the mission of the Preserve Music Foundation, using the organ as a catalyst for their cause. Ryan believes that music is the universal language of expression and ensuring continued access to it is crucial to our future. |
Ron Knaflic
Music has been a cornerstone of my life, deeply rooted in my family's history. My grandfather, from a poor coal mining family, did other kids’ chores to play their instruments, igniting my passion for music. I pursued a degree in music performance, spent ten years crafting custom trombones and trumpets at Edward’s Instrument Co. and currently serve as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. As a volunteer substitute band director for my children's school, I share my love for music with young musicians. One of my favorite activities is rescuing thrift store instruments, having them overhauled, and surprising promising young musicians with them. The Preserve Music Foundation supports young talent and removes financial barriers to musical education. I'm excited about its potential to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians. |
Jackie Schweitzer
After spending 44 years in the park and recreation profession, Jackie retired in 2023. Over those many great years of programming and event planning, she was able to support her love of music through her work with the Greendale Community Band, offered a summer "strings for youth" and youth jazz band program, scheduled gazebo concerts offering many people an opportunity to share their passion of music with the community and supported the creation of the Greendale Community Theatre (GCT). Her parents made sure all five of their children had music available to them....she felt blessed to play piano, alto saxophone, and guitar, and was surrounded by a grandpa who had several Victrola Phonographs. Her aunt played accordion as a youth, on a radio station in La Crosse, WI on Saturdays, and continues to share her music at nursing homes and special events. She believes LOVE is the heart of their home (and music keeps it happy)! Believing that music, whether listening or playing, provides people balance throughout their lives...creativity, self-confidence, problem-solving and perseverance. It is Jackie's goal that by working with the Preserve Music Foundation, people of all ages and economic status will be able to find/build these characteristics throughout their lives. Let us help you! |