The Band Members

Here are the folks who make up the 12 Corners Klezmer Band:

Rob Mendel, bandleader, clarinet, is the founder of the 12 Corners Klezmer Band. As a student and ambassador of the genre, Rob brings a passion for the music to every performance. He offers workshops to area colleges and public schools and directs junior Klezmer bands at area synagogues.

Megan Beller, fiddle, has a degree in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music. She teaches fiddle at Eastman School of Music and Suzuki violin at the Kanack School of Music in Rochester, New York. She also plays American and Irish fiddle with bands Contranella and Turtle United.

Paul Chappell, drums, has a degree in Music Therapy from Suny Fredonia. Paul plays a variety of world music including West African Djembe with Bush Mango, the Tenor Steel Drum with Pangaia, and Afro-Carribean. He has found a balance in Klezmer between dance accompaniment and performance.

Jonah Levy, trumpet, will be entering his senior year at the Eastman School of Music. Jonah expands musically along the Klezmer continuum between his role with his avant garde Eastman Klezmer band known as the “New Kids on the Shtetl” and the more traditional role he plays with the 12 Corners Klezmer Band.

Rick McRae, trombone. In addition to his 7 years with the 12 Corners Klezmer Band, Rick's musical excursions have passed through the domains of blues, rock, jazz, classical, cajun, Latin-American, and experimental musics, including performance art. He has recorded and performed with “They Might Be Giants”.

Roey Mendel, danceleader, has been with the 12 Corners Klezmer Band since it was formed in 1994. She is known throughout the Northeast for her ability to engage people of all ages and inspire them to join her on the dance floor. A lifelong folk dancer, Roey has developed new dances to the beat of Klezmer.

Linda Shapiro, keyboard, Since joining the 12 Corners Klezmer Band in early 2000, Linda has developed a feel for the Klezmer experience that helps the band create it’s unique energy and texture. She is a highly respected classical soloist and accompanist throughout the Rochester area.