Our Story
Some of the really good things in life just happen, and that’s kind of how Rosewood,
All of us have played together on and off over the past 5 years for different reasons, from church productions to community bands, charity events and other performances, most of which started with phone conversations along the lines of “Hey, I have a gig next week, can you back me up?” Our individual talents, with Steve on the bass, Tony on keys, Phil on the drums, Shaundra on acoustic guitar, and Angela holding down the vocals, stretch back to everyone’s respective “early days” – but we won’t get into that quite yet.
It just seemed that every time we got together, we’d find ourselves getting a little carried away – pun intended. When you meet really good musicians and connect with them like we have with each other, it’s really hard to only practice for half an hour, or go over just one song – someone always thinks of something else they’d like to try, everyone else jumps on board, and that’s when the magic happens.
Pretty soon, you get inspired. You write new songs. You rewrite old favorites, and feature your own versions of personal music heroes. That is how we started.
Join Us.
Phil Secrist exhibited his love for drumming and percussion at age 5 when he pulled out all of his mother’s pots and pans, found a couple of wooden spoons, and began to beat away. HIs love for drumming eventually led to a beautiful new chrome snare drum, and then his first full drum set when he formed his first group “The Undecideds” with his best friend in 6th grade.
The teenage years consisted of expanding his musical experience by playing the drums in junior high and high school concert, marching, and stage bands, musical theater combos, as well as performing at age 14 in his older brother’s college band “Peppermint Sunshine”. In high school he lead his own rock band “Union Blue”, performing such a wide repertoire of music that they performed weekly at school, church, and local events, and a number of large venues, including conventions, college dances, and youth conferences.
Phil’s has performed in many musical groups since the younger years, including “TogWog”, “Phil ‘n’ The Blanks”, “Carried Away”, and now "Rosewood:" which is especially rewarding as he is able to perform with his two talented daughters, Shaundra and Angela. He is also a guitar player and a builder of fine custom acoustic guitars in his spare time, providing high quality instruments to serious musicians.
Steve Porter grew up in the 70's where he was influenced mainly by groups like The Doobie Brothers, Styxx, Chicago, Pink Floyd, and Eric Clapton ! He learned to play guitar !st, but decided to try bass guitar. While in High School he played bass in a garage band and also in the High School Jazz Ensemble. Over the years he's played in several bands where he's played rhythm and lead guitar as well as bass guitar. Steve loves playing in a band and feels music is an escape from the daily grind and his way to express himself!
Steve loves playing in a band and feels music is an escape from the daily grind and his way to express himself! Over the years he's played in several bands where he's played rhythm and lead guitar as well as bass guitar.
Steve loves playing in a band and feels music is an escape from the daily grind and his way to express himself! Over the years he's played in several bands where he's played rhythm and lead guitar as well as bass guitar.
Bass Guitar - Steve Porter
Drummer - Phil Secrist
Banjo/Mandolin/Vocals - Mike Iverson
Mike may be best known for his unique approach to the banjo, but it's his baritone voice and vast repertoire of folk, western, bluegrass and folk-rock songs that endear him to audiences everywhere.
Mike may be best known for his unique approach to the banjo, but it's his baritone voice and vast repertoire of folk, western, bluegrass and folk-rock songs that endear him to audiences everywhere.
Over thirty five years ago, while still in high school, Mike Iverson began researching and performing old-time cowboy ballads and other western folk songs. This obsession with songs "native" to the west soon made Mike a popular performer at events such as the ‘Festival Of The American West’ where he performed annually for over twenty five years.
This was a musical journey that would lead Mike to the instrument he is most associated with today - clawhammer style banjo. Mike is one of the leading figures in the banjo community and has received worldwide accolades as an arranger, instructor, author, and as the creator of one of the most popular banjo websites.
Mike may be best known for his unique approach to the banjo, but it's his baritone voice and vast repertoire of folk, western, bluegrass and folk-rock songs that endear him to audiences everywhere.
Singer Angela Cooney
Angela has been singing her whole life. She has loved sharing her talents in singing groups, church, choirs, and singing with her sister. Her favorite part about singing is coming up with harmonies. She loves to sing with her sister, and their voices compliment each other.
As a recent graduate of Weber State, she has been happy to have the band as her stress relief, and as her entertainment. She enjoys her job with Intermountain Healthcare, but mostly loves taking care of her two beautiful kids.
Acoustic Guitar/Singer/Songwriter - Shaundra Cragun
Shaundra, along with her sister Angela (another member of our group) has also performed and sung here whole life. Shaundra is an accomplished singer/songwriter and is the composer all of the original songs performed in the group. She studied music at Utah State University and graduated with a degree in music therapy. She has worked as a Music Therapist at Primary Childrens Hospital, and currently teaches guitar to students from her home, as well as writing songs for, and performing with Rosewood.
Keyboard/Vocals - Tony Spencer
Tony has played in various musical groups over the years. He is a very talented keyboard player and, in our opinion, a very unique musician. He has a natural feel to his playing style that is finely tuned to the nuances of a song. His keyboarding style and thoughtful placement of riffs always add to the music, never taking away or covering up the musical space in a song. He is a joy to listen too. He also had a great voice that is certainly underutilized.