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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Pam Cameron
“An unsung hero”. That might just be the perfect title for Pam Cameron. The Vintage Swing Band might still be an idea waiting to come to fruition if not for the behind- the- scenes leadership, organization, cheerleading, and physical work that Pam has selflessly provided. Although Pam will not be found in any of the musical sections, her “fingerprint” can be found in every aspect of the band.
Pam and Bruce Cameron have been collaborating successfully their entire married lives. Long before the idea of founding a big band was a dream, they were busy raising their four boys. Pam was a hands-on mother: active in their school and sports lives. Perhaps this is where her penchant for organizing started? Eventually, Pam found time for a career outside the home. She was a stellar educator who taught at both the elementary and middle school levels. As a middle school science teacher and team leader, she created magic within her classroom and for a team of teachers who relied on her to keep everything running smoothly. Perhaps this is where her leadership skills and unending patience was fostered?
Pam’s involvement with the band started with helping to design the studio. Shortly after its completion, she was busy compiling the band’s repertoire for all 24 members. Twice yearly the band rotates their music based on a theme. Pam’s ability to update all of the music binders and create a seamless system is a miracle in itself. She also initiated procedures for set up and tear down for gigs; not an easy task for an entire big band. In fact, her streamlined approach keeps all members working like a well oiled machine - from emptying the trailer to the final packing up of the equipment.
Pam's unparalleled work ethic and unwavering dedication to the band consistently shine through. She possesses an innate ability to streamline operations and devise more efficient systems, which significantly bolster the band's success. To those outside of the Vintage Swing Band, Pam may simply appear to be an unsung hero. But ask any member of the band and they will let you know that she is the glue that holds us all together, the heart behind each musical beat and the energizer bunny who just never stops… - a true gem.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JJ Novak
The Vintage Swing band welcomed Jonathan Novak, also known as JJ, as one of its first members. JJ's musical journey began back in 5th grade when he started playing the clarinet. He quickly expanded his skills to include the tenor saxophone while enjoying his time in band classes. Among JJ’s initial mentors, Eric Bachmann, his middle school band director, played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey.
Continuing his passion for horn playing through high school, JJ eventually made it a focal point of his studies at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. He is now pursuing a master's degree at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago while also teaching at Arbor Park Middle School in Oak Forest.
Bruce discovered JJ through his network and invited him to join the band in 2018, alongside four other sax players. When Bruce asked JJ about his instruments, JJ mentioned playing the alto, tenor, and clarinet. Bruce playfully teased him about the baritone sax, which JJ didn't have yet. As it turns out, JJ loves the baritone sax almost as much as his tenor. He quickly became a crucial member of the band, taking on the lead tenor role and showcasing his versatility by playing the flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone whenever the band needed.
JJ's contributions to the band are vast—he's a talented musician, taking the lead on solos and helping with musical arrangements and phrasing. His dedication to The Vintage Swing Band while balancing a full-time job and pursuing a master's degree has earned him immense respect. While not the typical scholarship candidate, the band recognizes JJ's remarkable commitment and continued pursuit for learning, and has decided to award him our scholarship in 2023. The Vintage Swing Band is truly fortunate to count JJ among its members. His presence has significantly enhanced our band, elevated our performances and musicality.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ERIC KOPP
The Vintage Swing Band is lucky to have Eric Kopp as part of our team. He wears multiple hats, serving as our conductor, one of our stellar trumpet players, and even lending his vocals to our performances. Eric's journey in music began in the Chicago area, where he grew up. From an early age, he had an appreciation for music. He continued his musical journey at Northwestern University, where he began pursuing a degree in music education. Eric then spent time in the Army as a musician..
Bruce discovered Eric on BandMix.com, and Eric easily transitioned into the Vintage Swing Band as a trumpet player, showcasing remarkable adaptability from the start. His dedication to mastering not only his own part, but also understanding the nuances of each trumpet seat allowed him to step in effortlessly wherever needed. This proficiency transformed him into a vital member of the band, offering a valued blend of talent and versatility.
In 2022, as the VSB expanded its repertoire with new and more intricate numbers and welcomed additional vocalists into the group, the need for a conductor heightened. With Eric's experience and understanding of the music, it was logical for him to take on this new task, while continuing to excel as a trumpet player within the band. His dual role not only enriched our shows, but also contributed to the band's continued success.
In 2023, we surveyed the band about future goals. They wanted to practice more and do more shows. Eric stepped up to this challenge as the conductor, and did a great job leading our first big gig of the year at the Iron Horse Hotel’s “Repeal of Prohibition Ball”. His meticulous preparations culminated in a resounding triumph, with the audience clamoring for “ONE MORE SONG”! That night, he even surprised the band by singing “Minnie the Moocher” as our encore. It was an amazing night. Throughout the year, as Eric has settled into his role as conductor, the band has really found it’s groove. Eric's expertise in leading has helped to enhance our performances, and his willingness to perform trumpet solos out front as well as trying out his chops as a vocalist has added a new dimension to our shows.
Since joining our ranks, Eric's contributions have been a testament to his dedication to the Vintage Swing Band. He's not only taken on every trumpet part with finesse, but has also assumed the mantle of conductor, propelling the band's growth. His occasional forays into singing have been delightful surprises, and his trumpet solos have become iconic moments in our gigs. Eric stands as a cornerstone of our Leadership Team, and our band counts itself as so fortunate to have him in our midst.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JOHN HOEKSTRA
John's journey began in Michigan, where he pursued his passion for computer science as well as music at Western Michigan University. Throughout his career, he honed his skills by working on large-scale systems with numerous clients while also making his mark as a talented trumpet player. With over 50 years of trumpet-playing experience and an unwavering interest in sound engineering, John's expertise caught the attention of the VSB, who were in search of skilled horn players. Thanks to bandmix.com, John joined the band. However, soon after John joined, he noticed that the band faced challenges with their sound setup, especially as they started incorporating vocalists into their performances.
Recognizing the need for improvement, John offered his services to upgrade our sound. We converted our studio from one for practicing as a band to a full sound studio. John generously provided his 32-channel Behringer mixer, powered speakers, monitors, microphones (both wired and wireless), extensive cabling, connectors, and other necessary equipment, enabling the band to record, amplify, and optimize our sound effectively. To have someone of John’s caliber willing to volunteer his time and expertise, but also much-needed equipment was a major positive change for the band.
John's contributions have been immeasurable, with his exceptional recording and mixing skills really helping to elevate the band's exposure. An example of this is "Route 66”, which has become a favorite of the band and, more importantly, our audiences. Our version of this song and several others, recorded and mixed by John, are accessible on various musical platforms, most notably YouTube. John pushes the VSB to improve, consistently striving for us to perform for increasingly larger crowds while ensuring an enhanced sound experience. Recently, he took the initiative to mic up every member of the band, from instrumentalists and vocalists to announcers and everyone else involved in the band's productions. We performed with flawless sound for our largest audience yet in July, 2023: 500+ people, outdoors in Huntley.
Moreover, John's dedication to perfection extends to ensuring everyone involved in the band's productions, from instruments to vocalists and announcers, benefits from his expertise. He not only leads, but enjoys teaching others about correct sound set-up and engineering, building an appreciation for the intricacies of everything that goes into creating a successful production. Despite living over an hour away from the studio, John's commitment to the band has never wavered; he’s never missed a practice or a gig, and is always the first to arrive.
John's contributions go beyond technical support; he is an integral part of the band's leadership team. He selflessly offers his services and equipment without accepting any payment. His genuine passion for music and unwavering dedication to the band's growth make him an invaluable asset. The band members are immensely grateful for John's continuous support and guidance. His presence and expertise have played an essential role in shaping the band's success, making him one of the very best.