Elmer Peters was the assistant director for the Bellevue Community Band for 12 years, and continued in the band, playing saxophone or clarinet until he died in 2009. Elmer was born and raised in Yakima, where he met his wife, Jane. They raised three sons in Issaquah, and enjoyed their retirement years with four grandchildren.

Mr. Peters received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, and taught both instrumental and vocal music for 39 years throughout Washington state, the final 26 years in the Bellevue schools. He has taught music privately, and had played in various dance bands throughout the years, particularly "The Many Sounds of Nine" orchestra for over 20 years. He had also adjudicated many vocal and instrumental contests throughout the northwest. Elmer enjoyed golf as a hobby, along with motorhome camping with his family.