Name:
Role: Vocalist
Favorite Main Street Song:
Favorite Artists:
Name: Mike Russo
Role: Vocalist & Trombone
(See Bio Below)
Name: Tom Gard
Role: 1st Tenor Saxophone
Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Songs: The Pink Panther and Strike Up The Band
Tom is the band director at Mukwonago High School in Mukwonago, WI. He is married to his lovely wife Anne and enjoys
all things music. Tom graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 2001 with a degree in music education,
and he is currently enrolled in the American Band College (ABC) working towards his Master's Degree in Conducting. He
has played saxophone for 20 years and is thankful to do what he loves for a living. Other hobbies include home theater,
ultimate frisbee, and disc golf.
Name: Gary Hellenbrand
Role: 2nd Tenor Saxophone
Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Song: TBD
Gary Hellenbrand is a Tenor Sax player within the Main Street organization. He's been playing sax ever since his mom
said "choose an instrument, trumpet or saxophone!!" His 12 year old brain couldn't fathom being a lowly brass player, so
he chose the lesser of two evils. Gary was involved in Waterloo High School's renowned band program, participating in
concert, pep, jazz, and combo ensembles, all the way through to his graduating year. After a 5 year hiatus, Gary again
picked up his axe with the Main Street Band, and has been enjoying every minute. He lives a simple country life with his
wife Jessica on a 75 acre farm near Cambridge. Together, they have raised two Beagles, and a lot of hell. Gary is an Aries
who enjoys long walks on the beach, cheap beer, and independent thought.
Name: Dennis Baker
Role: 1st Alto Saxophone
Instrument: Alto Saxophone
Favorite Artists: Paul Desmond, Von Freeman, Van Morrison, Johnny Hodges, Eddie Harris, Bob Dylan
Favorite Song: I Remember Clifford
Dennis has been playing the sax as far back as he can remember....maybe two or three weeks, really more like 40 years!
He's played in high school band, college jazz band and in his high school's band, under the expert and dilligent direction of
Kelly Klund. He's been teaching HS chemistry and biotech for 25 years, most of those in Waterloo, WI. His biggest fans are
his wonderful wife, Cathy and three boys: Dylan (21), Lennon (19) and Isaac (17), who reside in the back woods
somewhere near Cambridge, WI.
Name: Tony Sieg
Role: 2nd Alto Saxophone
Instrument: Yamaha YAS82ZU Unlaquered Alto Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Song: Funky Cha Cha
Tony joined the band in 2006 and has been playing the sax since he was 8 years old. He has a BA in Music from UW-Eau
Claire and a minor in Marketing. He grew up on a farm in Osseo, WI and is currently living in Oconomowoc, WI. Tony is
married to his beautiful wife, Krista, who teaches in the Kettle Moraine School District. Tony has experience playing both
Bari and Soprano sax, and was very excited when asked to be part of the band. Tony is a classically trained saxophonist,
but big band is his favorite kind of music. Tony solos from time to time, but can never match the solo talents of 1st Alto,
Denny Baker (the women love him!).
Name: Eric Lonsdale
Role: Baritone Saxophone
Instrument: Alto Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Song: Take Five
Favorite Artists: Brubeck, Bird and Diz, Cannonball, Miles, Nick Brignola, Johnny Costa, String Cheese Incident, and
(painter) Salvador Dali to name a few Eric Lonsdale was born and raised in Fort Atkinson, WI. He began playing the alto
saxophone in fifth grade. While in high school, he was a member of the marching band, as well as the jazz and wind
ensembles, and won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in 1998. He then played in the St. Norbert Jazz Ensemble for one
year before transferring to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He attended Berklee for three years and graduated in
2002 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Synthesis. Soon after graduating, Eric moved to Laguna Niguel, CA where
he worked numerous odd jobs while searching for a dream. Money ran out and Eric moved back home in the fall of 2003,
where he now works at his family’s pizza restaurant in Whitewater. Eric is proud to be a member of Main Street and can’t
wait to play for you!for you!for you!
Name: Bill Edington
Role: 3rd Trombone
Instrument: Valve Trombone
Favorite Main Street Song:
Favorite Artists:
See above bio
Name : David Stedman
Role : 2nd Trombone
Instrument : Holton Trombone
Favorite Main Street Song : Zoot Suit Riot
David is one of the band’s “Kings of Blat”, as the trombone section is known, playing 2nd . Playing trombone has given
him more opportunities to play Jazz Music then the Tuba ever will which was his main instrument in Undergraduate him
Studies. David started playing trumpet in the 5th grade and eventually switched to Tuba in 6th grade where he has played it
for the passed 37 years. David earned a Bachelor Of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in
1984 and a Masters of Music Education Degree from the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago Il. in 1994. David is a
Security Guard for Securitas Security Services at the Briggs and Stratton plant in Jefferson, Wisconsin. As well at a Shift
Manager for Kerasotes Showplace Theatres and Star Cinema in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. Prior to that he was one of
the band directors for the School District of Fort Atkinson for 11years, band director for the Cambridge Public School for 8
years and director of bands for the Port Edwards School District for 3 years. David is also very active in the Fort Atkinson
Community Theatre, the Jefferson Council for the Performing Arts, The Watertown Community Theatre and the Phoenix
Players also of Watertown. He is very glad to be a part of the group and thanks his lovely wife Cheryl for allowing him time
to perform with Mainstreet. Cheryl and David have been married for 24 year and make their home in Fort Atkinson,
Wisconsin. with their two dogs Mia and Lucy.
Name: Lisa Werner
Role: 1st and 4th Trombone
Instrument: Conn 88H Trombone
Favorite Main Street Song: The Chicken
Lisa graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and earned a
Masters degree in Conducting from the American Band College at Southern Oregon University. She is a Nationally Board
Certified band/orchestra teacher at North Lake School, in Northwestern Waukesha County. Lisa gives private lessons in
the Mukwonago/Waterford areas and has been on the marching band staff for Mukwonago High School since 2000. She
is also an active Wisconsin School Music Association adjudicator and the Associate Camp Director for the UW-Whitewater
Summer Band Camps. Lisa is the current Wisconsin Music Educators Association Jazz Education chair (from 2007-2009)
and served as secretary of the Wisconsin chapter of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE). She has also
served on regional committees for the national chapter of IAJE.
Lisa has always enjoyed jazz music – ever since her parents took her to concerts when she was little. Lisa went to study
with Steve Wiest at UW-Whitewater, and plays with several groups, including Swing Nouveau out of Milwaukee, the
Jack Ferrina Band out of Janesville, and the Jazz Express out of Waukesha (who took Lisa on their tour of London in 2005).
When not involved with music, Lisa likes to travel, eat, analyze the weather (she’s a trained storm spotter), and hang out
with her wonderful husband Josh.
Name: Mike Russo
Role: Trombone & Vocalist
Instrument: King 4B with F attachment (wannabe bass trombone) or Olds Super small bore Tenor trombone
Favorite Main Street Song:
Mike Russo is one of the band’s trombonists, vocalists and charter members. Playing and singing with Main Street fulfills
one of life's great rewards. Moving forward, working toward the goal of performing great solo breaks is high on my list of
things to do. Finding a few more vocal charts would also be a lot of fun. Having a big and lively crowd out on the dance
floor also is very motivating. See you out there!
Name: Bill Berlyn
Role: Lead Trumpet
Instrument: Bach Stradivarius Trumpet (Bell Size 72 ... where "Size does matter!")
Favorite Main Street Song: Caravan and Summer Time and anything Latin
After completing his BA in Music Education at Stevens Point, Bill pursued credits towards his Masters at Vandercook
College of Music in Chicago. He taught public school band at Minocqua Elementary for 10 years followed by parochial and
private schools in the area. He has been teaching band instruments for the better part of 35 years. Being in the area since
1990, he has played with too many groups to note here but a few of the stand outs are: Founder and director of the New
Berlin Jazz Players Big Band, Nicholas Contorno's Jazz Orchestra, Big Top Brass Circus Band, Musica Elegante Latin Ball
Room Dance Band(co-founder) and could be seen on top of wagons over the years at the Great Circus Parade. Other
notable groups include; B.B. Swing (founder), In The Mood, Swing Nouveax, Big Swing Face, Dick Strauss Orchestra, Bill
Sargent's Big Band, Jazz Express, Mr. Lucky's Swing Syndicate, Howard Schneider, the Cream City Brick Jazz Band quintet
and of course the Main Street Big Band. Also concert bands like the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band( as board member
and section leader), American Legion Band in Oconomowoc( as featured soloist,guest conductor and section leader), Co-
founder of the New Berlin Community Band (soloist, conductor for 3 seasons, past board president), East Troy Community
Band, Hartland Community Band(as guest conductor and featured soloist) and The Oconomowoc Brass - Brass Choir.
Along with his trumpet playing son, Isaac, the two were TAPS certified by the American Legion in 2005. Bill has been a
WSMA adjudicator since 1989 and has achieved master status. He can also be found playing Sunday mornings for his
church orchestra serving with the entire praise team to honor Him in worship in Pewaukee at Spring Creek Church!
Bill places emphasis on 'fun' in fundamentals as it pertains to 'playing' your instrument; his students range from 6 to 70; no
matter what age or level! “My adults students are my best students”. They pick things up fast, they are dedicated, the
money invested is directly a result of what they put into it and we have a ball at lessons. “We all need music in our lives – it
lifts our soul and God gives it flight! So Keep on Playin’! Always hire LIVE Musicians! Music is best LIVE!
Name: Kevin Koehnke
Role: 2nd Trumpet and Soloist
Instrument: Getzen Severinsen Trumpet
Favorite Artists: Arturo Sandoval, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Charles
Favorite Main Street Song: Too soon to Call
Kevin Koehnke is Main Street's fill in Trumpet player. (what ever part needs to be covered) You will hear him solo
periodically on arrangements when Steve needs a break. Kevin has been playing trumpet for some 20 odd years. He
started playing in Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble at Ashwaubenon High school and marched 5 summers with the
Northmen Drum and bugle Corps out of Green Bay. He also played Jazz while studying Civil Engineering at the University
of Milwaukee where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 96. He put his trumpet down for about 3
years while he did boring things like work and get a professional engineering license and about 7 years ago picked it back
up and has been playing in several Jazz ensembles throughout southern Wisconsin ever since. Kevin has also played in
the Waukesha Area Symphonic band for several years with Mr. Berlyn. He met Bill "Steady Eddie" and Harold "Sticks" last
summer while playing in a pit band together in Watertown and was told they needed some help at trumpet and have had a
"blast" (no pun intended) ever since. In between gigs and rehearsals you can find him either fishing or relaxing at the
cabin.
Name: Bill Edington
Role: 3rd Trumpet and 3rd Trombone
Instrument: Bach Stradivarius Model 25 Large Bore Trumpet
Favorite Main Street Songs: Caravan and In the Mood
Bill is a financial advisor in his second career following twenty years as a public school band director. In addition to
playing with Main Street Big Band, Bill also plays with the Yankee Dutchmen Solar Powered Precision Marching Band from
the Watertown area, the Watertown Municipal Band, the 1st Brigade Band and has been the principal trumpet in the
Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra (WACO) since its inception in 1988. Juanita, Bill’s wife, is an elementary music
teacher who is also the principal cellist with WACO, a singer and church choir director. She and Bill are also active in the
musical theatre life in Watertown. Son, Jonathan, (trumpet, piano, voice) is majoring in vocal music education at the
University of Minnesota. Son, Lucas, (trumpet, voice) earned a degree in business entertainment from the Institute for
Production and Recording in Minneapolis. Daughter, Erin, is majoring in Saxophone Performance at the University of
Minnesota studying with world the renowned Eugene Rousseau with the intent to teach at the collegiate level. Support Live
Music.
Name: Ron Schields
Role: 4th Trumpet
Instrument: Yamaha Allegro Trumpet
Favorite Main Street Song: Georgia
Ron was a late bloomer taking up the trumpet at the end of his freshman year of HS. With lots of hard work, and hundreds
of hours of practice became the lead trumpeter in both the orchestra and HS band in his senior year. He joined the Navy
and passed the audition for the U.S. Naval School of Music. He served out the remainder of his 4 year enlistment as a Navy
musician. Experiencing all types of playing, his favorite however was big band swing. But then he grew up listening to the
big bands of the 40s and 50s. After the Navy, came a long long 40 some years layoff from music. He was moved by the
bugler at his fathers military funeral. Thats when he blew the dust off his old trumpet and started playing again. Good
fortune for Ron who accidentally ran into Bill Berlyn ( premier trumpeter in the metro Milwaukee area). This resulted in
lessons, and ultimately in March 07 playing in the Main Street Big Band. To quote Ron " I'm having the time of my life ". Ron
is the proud father of two great kids, Eric and Rhonda, and the grandpa of 5 G-kids. He is a semi-retired Holistic Health
Practitioner who resides in the Oconomowoc area.
Name: Harold Van Ommeren
Role: Drums
Instrument: 7-piece Mapex – Orion drumset with Zildjian cymbals and various percussion toys.
Favorite Main Street Song: Sing, Sing Sing
Favorite Artists: Beattles and Led Zepplin
Harold was born in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands… a long time ago, and moved to the United States at the age of 10. His first
memory of playing involved pots, pans and wooden spoons at the age of three. He has been making noise ever since!
Harold has been in involved in bands since middle school. He attended South Division HS in Milwaukee and received
several music awards and honors. Harold was the first drummer to receive the Civil Service Music award. He has played
in drum corp, rock, R&B, funk and community bands. More recently, he has worked with several community theatre groups
in the pit orchestra as well as on stage. The drummers who have influenced him the most are Buddy Rich, John Bonham,
and Mitch Mitchell. Harold lives in Lake Mills with his wife Deb, and 4 children, Jason, Chris, Lauren and Emma - all of
whom keep music in their lives. It is with their support that he has been able to pursue this passion. While playing in the
pit for Wizard of Oz, Harold received an invitation to sit in with a local big band. He enjoyed the experience so much that he
decided to put one together himself. In August of 2002, 7 musicians came together to form the nucleus of what is now
Main Street. He loves playing with Main Street and says, “We Rock!”.
Name: Bob Runte
Role: Bass
Instruments: 5-string and 4-string electric, as well as upright Bass
Favorite Main Street Song:
Bob brings over 35 years of professional experience to the rhythm section as well as firmly anchors the band's sound.
Welcome to the band Bob. Bio to follow.
Name: Chip Rowedder
Role: Keyboards
Instrument: Fatar SL-880 Keyboard with a Kurzweil Synthesizer
Favorite Main Street Song: Beyond the Sea
Chip played in several jazz and rock bands throughout high school and college. Following that he took a long hiatus from
playing in bands due to the combined effects of work and a family. He resumed playing in a swing band with Harold Van
Ommeron and Mike Russo about 8 years ago. Following the breakup of that band, the rhythm section formed a rock group
(The Substitutes) that played in the Madison area for several years. After tiring of late hours in smoky bars wearing
increasingly uncomfortable spandex outfits, Chip and Harold decided to return to playing big band music as members of
Main Street. Chip is currently employed as a Project Engineer at CC&N in Pewaukee. He lives in Nashotah with his wife
Beth and their three children Blake(13), AJ(10) and Madyson(6), all of whom take piano lessons whether they like it or not.
Name: Pat Stillman
Role: Guitar
Instrument: Fender Telecaster
Favorite Main Street Song:
Favorite Artists:
Pat is so shy he still hasn't given us a bio yet, but he brings a great RnB feel to his role as the bands guitarist.
Role: Vocalist
Favorite Main Street Song:
Favorite Artists:
Name: Mike Russo
Role: Vocalist & Trombone
(See Bio Below)
Name: Tom Gard
Role: 1st Tenor Saxophone
Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Songs: The Pink Panther and Strike Up The Band
Tom is the band director at Mukwonago High School in Mukwonago, WI. He is married to his lovely wife Anne and enjoys
all things music. Tom graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 2001 with a degree in music education,
and he is currently enrolled in the American Band College (ABC) working towards his Master's Degree in Conducting. He
has played saxophone for 20 years and is thankful to do what he loves for a living. Other hobbies include home theater,
ultimate frisbee, and disc golf.
Name: Gary Hellenbrand
Role: 2nd Tenor Saxophone
Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Song: TBD
Gary Hellenbrand is a Tenor Sax player within the Main Street organization. He's been playing sax ever since his mom
said "choose an instrument, trumpet or saxophone!!" His 12 year old brain couldn't fathom being a lowly brass player, so
he chose the lesser of two evils. Gary was involved in Waterloo High School's renowned band program, participating in
concert, pep, jazz, and combo ensembles, all the way through to his graduating year. After a 5 year hiatus, Gary again
picked up his axe with the Main Street Band, and has been enjoying every minute. He lives a simple country life with his
wife Jessica on a 75 acre farm near Cambridge. Together, they have raised two Beagles, and a lot of hell. Gary is an Aries
who enjoys long walks on the beach, cheap beer, and independent thought.
Name: Dennis Baker
Role: 1st Alto Saxophone
Instrument: Alto Saxophone
Favorite Artists: Paul Desmond, Von Freeman, Van Morrison, Johnny Hodges, Eddie Harris, Bob Dylan
Favorite Song: I Remember Clifford
Dennis has been playing the sax as far back as he can remember....maybe two or three weeks, really more like 40 years!
He's played in high school band, college jazz band and in his high school's band, under the expert and dilligent direction of
Kelly Klund. He's been teaching HS chemistry and biotech for 25 years, most of those in Waterloo, WI. His biggest fans are
his wonderful wife, Cathy and three boys: Dylan (21), Lennon (19) and Isaac (17), who reside in the back woods
somewhere near Cambridge, WI.
Name: Tony Sieg
Role: 2nd Alto Saxophone
Instrument: Yamaha YAS82ZU Unlaquered Alto Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Song: Funky Cha Cha
Tony joined the band in 2006 and has been playing the sax since he was 8 years old. He has a BA in Music from UW-Eau
Claire and a minor in Marketing. He grew up on a farm in Osseo, WI and is currently living in Oconomowoc, WI. Tony is
married to his beautiful wife, Krista, who teaches in the Kettle Moraine School District. Tony has experience playing both
Bari and Soprano sax, and was very excited when asked to be part of the band. Tony is a classically trained saxophonist,
but big band is his favorite kind of music. Tony solos from time to time, but can never match the solo talents of 1st Alto,
Denny Baker (the women love him!).
Name: Eric Lonsdale
Role: Baritone Saxophone
Instrument: Alto Saxophone
Favorite Main Street Song: Take Five
Favorite Artists: Brubeck, Bird and Diz, Cannonball, Miles, Nick Brignola, Johnny Costa, String Cheese Incident, and
(painter) Salvador Dali to name a few Eric Lonsdale was born and raised in Fort Atkinson, WI. He began playing the alto
saxophone in fifth grade. While in high school, he was a member of the marching band, as well as the jazz and wind
ensembles, and won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in 1998. He then played in the St. Norbert Jazz Ensemble for one
year before transferring to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He attended Berklee for three years and graduated in
2002 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Synthesis. Soon after graduating, Eric moved to Laguna Niguel, CA where
he worked numerous odd jobs while searching for a dream. Money ran out and Eric moved back home in the fall of 2003,
where he now works at his family’s pizza restaurant in Whitewater. Eric is proud to be a member of Main Street and can’t
wait to play for you!for you!for you!
Name: Bill Edington
Role: 3rd Trombone
Instrument: Valve Trombone
Favorite Main Street Song:
Favorite Artists:
See above bio
Name : David Stedman
Role : 2nd Trombone
Instrument : Holton Trombone
Favorite Main Street Song : Zoot Suit Riot
David is one of the band’s “Kings of Blat”, as the trombone section is known, playing 2nd . Playing trombone has given
him more opportunities to play Jazz Music then the Tuba ever will which was his main instrument in Undergraduate him
Studies. David started playing trumpet in the 5th grade and eventually switched to Tuba in 6th grade where he has played it
for the passed 37 years. David earned a Bachelor Of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in
1984 and a Masters of Music Education Degree from the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago Il. in 1994. David is a
Security Guard for Securitas Security Services at the Briggs and Stratton plant in Jefferson, Wisconsin. As well at a Shift
Manager for Kerasotes Showplace Theatres and Star Cinema in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. Prior to that he was one of
the band directors for the School District of Fort Atkinson for 11years, band director for the Cambridge Public School for 8
years and director of bands for the Port Edwards School District for 3 years. David is also very active in the Fort Atkinson
Community Theatre, the Jefferson Council for the Performing Arts, The Watertown Community Theatre and the Phoenix
Players also of Watertown. He is very glad to be a part of the group and thanks his lovely wife Cheryl for allowing him time
to perform with Mainstreet. Cheryl and David have been married for 24 year and make their home in Fort Atkinson,
Wisconsin. with their two dogs Mia and Lucy.
Name: Lisa Werner
Role: 1st and 4th Trombone
Instrument: Conn 88H Trombone
Favorite Main Street Song: The Chicken
Lisa graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and earned a
Masters degree in Conducting from the American Band College at Southern Oregon University. She is a Nationally Board
Certified band/orchestra teacher at North Lake School, in Northwestern Waukesha County. Lisa gives private lessons in
the Mukwonago/Waterford areas and has been on the marching band staff for Mukwonago High School since 2000. She
is also an active Wisconsin School Music Association adjudicator and the Associate Camp Director for the UW-Whitewater
Summer Band Camps. Lisa is the current Wisconsin Music Educators Association Jazz Education chair (from 2007-2009)
and served as secretary of the Wisconsin chapter of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE). She has also
served on regional committees for the national chapter of IAJE.
Lisa has always enjoyed jazz music – ever since her parents took her to concerts when she was little. Lisa went to study
with Steve Wiest at UW-Whitewater, and plays with several groups, including Swing Nouveau out of Milwaukee, the
Jack Ferrina Band out of Janesville, and the Jazz Express out of Waukesha (who took Lisa on their tour of London in 2005).
When not involved with music, Lisa likes to travel, eat, analyze the weather (she’s a trained storm spotter), and hang out
with her wonderful husband Josh.
Name: Mike Russo
Role: Trombone & Vocalist
Instrument: King 4B with F attachment (wannabe bass trombone) or Olds Super small bore Tenor trombone
Favorite Main Street Song:
Mike Russo is one of the band’s trombonists, vocalists and charter members. Playing and singing with Main Street fulfills
one of life's great rewards. Moving forward, working toward the goal of performing great solo breaks is high on my list of
things to do. Finding a few more vocal charts would also be a lot of fun. Having a big and lively crowd out on the dance
floor also is very motivating. See you out there!
Name: Bill Berlyn
Role: Lead Trumpet
Instrument: Bach Stradivarius Trumpet (Bell Size 72 ... where "Size does matter!")
Favorite Main Street Song: Caravan and Summer Time and anything Latin
After completing his BA in Music Education at Stevens Point, Bill pursued credits towards his Masters at Vandercook
College of Music in Chicago. He taught public school band at Minocqua Elementary for 10 years followed by parochial and
private schools in the area. He has been teaching band instruments for the better part of 35 years. Being in the area since
1990, he has played with too many groups to note here but a few of the stand outs are: Founder and director of the New
Berlin Jazz Players Big Band, Nicholas Contorno's Jazz Orchestra, Big Top Brass Circus Band, Musica Elegante Latin Ball
Room Dance Band(co-founder) and could be seen on top of wagons over the years at the Great Circus Parade. Other
notable groups include; B.B. Swing (founder), In The Mood, Swing Nouveax, Big Swing Face, Dick Strauss Orchestra, Bill
Sargent's Big Band, Jazz Express, Mr. Lucky's Swing Syndicate, Howard Schneider, the Cream City Brick Jazz Band quintet
and of course the Main Street Big Band. Also concert bands like the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band( as board member
and section leader), American Legion Band in Oconomowoc( as featured soloist,guest conductor and section leader), Co-
founder of the New Berlin Community Band (soloist, conductor for 3 seasons, past board president), East Troy Community
Band, Hartland Community Band(as guest conductor and featured soloist) and The Oconomowoc Brass - Brass Choir.
Along with his trumpet playing son, Isaac, the two were TAPS certified by the American Legion in 2005. Bill has been a
WSMA adjudicator since 1989 and has achieved master status. He can also be found playing Sunday mornings for his
church orchestra serving with the entire praise team to honor Him in worship in Pewaukee at Spring Creek Church!
Bill places emphasis on 'fun' in fundamentals as it pertains to 'playing' your instrument; his students range from 6 to 70; no
matter what age or level! “My adults students are my best students”. They pick things up fast, they are dedicated, the
money invested is directly a result of what they put into it and we have a ball at lessons. “We all need music in our lives – it
lifts our soul and God gives it flight! So Keep on Playin’! Always hire LIVE Musicians! Music is best LIVE!
Name: Kevin Koehnke
Role: 2nd Trumpet and Soloist
Instrument: Getzen Severinsen Trumpet
Favorite Artists: Arturo Sandoval, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Charles
Favorite Main Street Song: Too soon to Call
Kevin Koehnke is Main Street's fill in Trumpet player. (what ever part needs to be covered) You will hear him solo
periodically on arrangements when Steve needs a break. Kevin has been playing trumpet for some 20 odd years. He
started playing in Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble at Ashwaubenon High school and marched 5 summers with the
Northmen Drum and bugle Corps out of Green Bay. He also played Jazz while studying Civil Engineering at the University
of Milwaukee where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 96. He put his trumpet down for about 3
years while he did boring things like work and get a professional engineering license and about 7 years ago picked it back
up and has been playing in several Jazz ensembles throughout southern Wisconsin ever since. Kevin has also played in
the Waukesha Area Symphonic band for several years with Mr. Berlyn. He met Bill "Steady Eddie" and Harold "Sticks" last
summer while playing in a pit band together in Watertown and was told they needed some help at trumpet and have had a
"blast" (no pun intended) ever since. In between gigs and rehearsals you can find him either fishing or relaxing at the
cabin.
Name: Bill Edington
Role: 3rd Trumpet and 3rd Trombone
Instrument: Bach Stradivarius Model 25 Large Bore Trumpet
Favorite Main Street Songs: Caravan and In the Mood
Bill is a financial advisor in his second career following twenty years as a public school band director. In addition to
playing with Main Street Big Band, Bill also plays with the Yankee Dutchmen Solar Powered Precision Marching Band from
the Watertown area, the Watertown Municipal Band, the 1st Brigade Band and has been the principal trumpet in the
Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra (WACO) since its inception in 1988. Juanita, Bill’s wife, is an elementary music
teacher who is also the principal cellist with WACO, a singer and church choir director. She and Bill are also active in the
musical theatre life in Watertown. Son, Jonathan, (trumpet, piano, voice) is majoring in vocal music education at the
University of Minnesota. Son, Lucas, (trumpet, voice) earned a degree in business entertainment from the Institute for
Production and Recording in Minneapolis. Daughter, Erin, is majoring in Saxophone Performance at the University of
Minnesota studying with world the renowned Eugene Rousseau with the intent to teach at the collegiate level. Support Live
Music.
Name: Ron Schields
Role: 4th Trumpet
Instrument: Yamaha Allegro Trumpet
Favorite Main Street Song: Georgia
Ron was a late bloomer taking up the trumpet at the end of his freshman year of HS. With lots of hard work, and hundreds
of hours of practice became the lead trumpeter in both the orchestra and HS band in his senior year. He joined the Navy
and passed the audition for the U.S. Naval School of Music. He served out the remainder of his 4 year enlistment as a Navy
musician. Experiencing all types of playing, his favorite however was big band swing. But then he grew up listening to the
big bands of the 40s and 50s. After the Navy, came a long long 40 some years layoff from music. He was moved by the
bugler at his fathers military funeral. Thats when he blew the dust off his old trumpet and started playing again. Good
fortune for Ron who accidentally ran into Bill Berlyn ( premier trumpeter in the metro Milwaukee area). This resulted in
lessons, and ultimately in March 07 playing in the Main Street Big Band. To quote Ron " I'm having the time of my life ". Ron
is the proud father of two great kids, Eric and Rhonda, and the grandpa of 5 G-kids. He is a semi-retired Holistic Health
Practitioner who resides in the Oconomowoc area.
Name: Harold Van Ommeren
Role: Drums
Instrument: 7-piece Mapex – Orion drumset with Zildjian cymbals and various percussion toys.
Favorite Main Street Song: Sing, Sing Sing
Favorite Artists: Beattles and Led Zepplin
Harold was born in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands… a long time ago, and moved to the United States at the age of 10. His first
memory of playing involved pots, pans and wooden spoons at the age of three. He has been making noise ever since!
Harold has been in involved in bands since middle school. He attended South Division HS in Milwaukee and received
several music awards and honors. Harold was the first drummer to receive the Civil Service Music award. He has played
in drum corp, rock, R&B, funk and community bands. More recently, he has worked with several community theatre groups
in the pit orchestra as well as on stage. The drummers who have influenced him the most are Buddy Rich, John Bonham,
and Mitch Mitchell. Harold lives in Lake Mills with his wife Deb, and 4 children, Jason, Chris, Lauren and Emma - all of
whom keep music in their lives. It is with their support that he has been able to pursue this passion. While playing in the
pit for Wizard of Oz, Harold received an invitation to sit in with a local big band. He enjoyed the experience so much that he
decided to put one together himself. In August of 2002, 7 musicians came together to form the nucleus of what is now
Main Street. He loves playing with Main Street and says, “We Rock!”.
Name: Bob Runte
Role: Bass
Instruments: 5-string and 4-string electric, as well as upright Bass
Favorite Main Street Song:
Bob brings over 35 years of professional experience to the rhythm section as well as firmly anchors the band's sound.
Welcome to the band Bob. Bio to follow.
Name: Chip Rowedder
Role: Keyboards
Instrument: Fatar SL-880 Keyboard with a Kurzweil Synthesizer
Favorite Main Street Song: Beyond the Sea
Chip played in several jazz and rock bands throughout high school and college. Following that he took a long hiatus from
playing in bands due to the combined effects of work and a family. He resumed playing in a swing band with Harold Van
Ommeron and Mike Russo about 8 years ago. Following the breakup of that band, the rhythm section formed a rock group
(The Substitutes) that played in the Madison area for several years. After tiring of late hours in smoky bars wearing
increasingly uncomfortable spandex outfits, Chip and Harold decided to return to playing big band music as members of
Main Street. Chip is currently employed as a Project Engineer at CC&N in Pewaukee. He lives in Nashotah with his wife
Beth and their three children Blake(13), AJ(10) and Madyson(6), all of whom take piano lessons whether they like it or not.
Name: Pat Stillman
Role: Guitar
Instrument: Fender Telecaster
Favorite Main Street Song:
Favorite Artists:
Pat is so shy he still hasn't given us a bio yet, but he brings a great RnB feel to his role as the bands guitarist.
Vocalists
Saxophones
Trombones
Trumpets
Rhythm