Del Bergeson
Director, Arranger, Vocalist & Trombone
A native of the Joliet area, Del’s experience and love for music has developed out of his roots in gospel and jazz. During his school years, he was involved in directing numerous theater orchestras in addition to several vocal and swing projects where he arranged music for small instrumental combos and performed throughout the Chicago area. Along with playing for the Old Chicago Mall Circus Band and the Shiners Circus Band, Del has played in several sacred projects with such artists as Don Shire, Dave Boyer and 11 years with Perfect Union, a 10-member ensemble. He’s performed with such projects as Pyramid as part of a “Chicago” style horn section, the Bill Gerald Orchestra and most recently with the Jay Mau Orchestra, where he played trombone and sang several of the Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jr. standards for over 13 years.
Sandi Haynes
Vocalist & Flute
Sandi Haynes is a jazz vocalist and flutist who brings back the great sounds of the big band era. Her warm voice mimics the torch songs of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee as well as their swinging high energy dance tunes. Sandi sings the standards of the 20’s through the 40’s as well as the bopping sounds of the 50’s through the 70’s and some of today's hits. Being a ballroom dancer also provides her with the knowledge of dance music from all eras and styles. Sandi taught ballroom dancing at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Downers Grove, IL. Her love and knowledge of dancing and music has made Sandi one of the top dance band vocalists in the Chicago area. During the dances that Sandi performs at, she teaches a variety of beginner ballroom steps to get the audience and dancers involved and have a great time. Over the years Sandi has performed with great Chicago musicians such as the John Wright Trio, Bobby Schiff, WDCB’s Bob Foskett and his Trio, Dave Major and the Minors, the Debonaires, the Endless Knights, and her own band Mystique. The Sandi Haynes Jazz Quartet can be seen around Chicagoland at various corporate functions dances as well as outdoor venues. Sandi Haynes' Jazz Quartet was the headline act for the Senior Expo at the Drury Lane in Oak Brook. Most recently Sandi has been singing and playing flute throughout Chicagoland with the Del Bergeson Orchestra.
Brian Butts
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute & Clarinet
Brian Butts, a native from the Joliet area, received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Elmhurst College in 1981 and a Master of Music from Roosevelt University's Chicago Musical College in 1983. He also received the Outstanding Soloist Awards on saxophone at Governor State University and Elmhurst College Jazz Festivals in 1979 and 1981. Brian has been a private music instructor since 1977, and is known for his expertise in playing a variety of music genres. He has performed regularly with the Teddy Lee Orchestra, Gold Coast Orchestra, Peter Oprisko, and several Chicago area groups playing such venues as the Goodman Theater, Chicago Theater, Star Plaza, Ravinia and others...
Ray Mitchell
Vocalist, Guitar, Alto & Tenor Sax
Thanks to his high school music director, Ray began playing professionally with the Bob Friend Orchestra in McHenry, IL while a junior at McHenry High School. As a Music Major at Western Illinois University, Ray played with the University Jazz Band, and as a member of the select University Swing Choir, “The Newcomers”, opened for such stars as Burl Ives and Bob Hope. After graduation Ray taught high school band and choir in the Burlington, Iowa area. In 1980, he assumed responsibilities as Music Director at First Assembly of God Church in Joliet, IL where he served for 20 years. Musical drams such as the “Gospel According to Scrooge”, “It Really is a Wonderful Life” (which he co-wrote), the Passion Play “Who Will Call Him King of Kings” were performed to the delight of audiences that numbered over 5000. Ray is currently Sr. Pastor of Praise Center Church in Ottawa, IL where he leads worship playing electric and acoustic guitars.
Brian Sjoerdinga
Flute, Alto & Tenor Sax
A Northwest Indiana native, Brian Sjoerdinga returned to Chicago in the mid 90's. After graduating from Boone Grove High School in 1977, he received his musical education at Berklee College Of Music and has enjoyed a varied life in music centered around Boston, New York and Phoenix. During and immediately after school, he toured the world with Stan Kenton, Buddy Morrow's Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Buddy Rich Big Band and the Artie Shaw Orchestra. He has worked with notables including Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Doc Severinsen, Aretha Franklin, Rosemary Clooney, Lou Rawls, Manhattan Transfer, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Moody Blues and many others. A jazz musician of considerable experience, he has led and recorded with his own groups and performed with Tom Harrell, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Arturo Sandoval, Terrell Stafford, Jimmy Heath, Charles McPherson, and Benny Golson. His teaching experience includes Arizona State University's jazz studies program and Northeastern Illinois University, where he also studied music education.
Jacob Slocum
Baritone Sax, Instructor and Composer/Arranger
Jacob Slocum / Chicago
Baritone Sax, Instructor and Composer/Arranger
Jacob Slocum is a Chicago Musician who specializes in the Baritone Saxophone. A recent graduate from Northern Illinois University – Community School of the Arts, Jacob is also an accomplished musician on Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute, and Bassoon. He’s studied with such saxophonists as Geof Bradfield, Steve Duke and Ron Carter. As a musician/performer, private instructor and arranger/composer, Jacob is comfortable and at home in many different genres and musical settings. Jacob is currently working on a new musical project and will release his debut album made up of almost entirely of his original music by the end of 2017.
Bob Kase
Composer, Arranger, & Trumpet
Bob Kase has a wide background both as a performer and educator. He is a Grammy nominated, international trumpet artist that has heralded high acclaim from around the world. His performances as a trumpet soloist are in constant demand in both jazz and classical ensembles and have taken him on solo tours of Sweden, Norway, England, Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Canada, and across the USA. As a recording artist he has performed on more than 200 recording projects including four solo jazz recordings with his own quintet including his latest Grammy nominated CD entitled “As We Gather.” He and his jazz quintet appear regularly at International Jazz Festivals and as trumpet soloist with symphony orchestras and concert bands. His performances for Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Sonny and Cher, Tony Bennett and many others has placed him in continuous demand as a studio player. A dedicated educator and administrator he has enjoyed a successful performing career where he was sighted by Twin Cities Magazine as “one of the finest trumpeters in the Midwest”. New York’s “Cadence” music magazine wrote, “Kase has…an endearing sound, one that pretty much pins down how a lot of us think Jazz should sound if narrowed down to a single personality.” Dr. Kase currently serves as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. He was formerly Chairman of the Department of Music and Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He is a published composer and has authored articles on educational philosophy and is a leader in various administrative organizations. As a composer, Dr. Kase has published music, method books, and ensemble literature for trumpet, jazz ensembles and concert bands. He is an enthusiastic educator who believes in comprehensive education through the liberal arts. .
Bob Skallerup
Trombone
Following the musical talents of Barry Rogers, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and George Bohenon, Bob has been donned as another one of Chicagoland's professional and respected trombonist. Originating from the south side of Chicago, Bob has enjoyed working with numerous area musicians on a variety of album, CD, radio and television projects. At a young age, Bob enjoyed playing with the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus. He’s gone on to tour with such artists as Lou Rawls, Wayne Newton, Glenn Miller and Al Pierson to name a few. Traveling the jazz showcases has allowed Bob to play at such venues as Ravinia, McCormick Place and the Drury Lane Theatre, with such entertainers as Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and the Fifth Dimension.
Doug Scharf
Trumpet
Originating from Chicago, Doug’s known for his dynamic and vivacious trumpet playing. He has been recognized for his amazing level of musical mastery both in Chicago as well as the Los Angeles area, where he’s performed since the 1970’s. He has studied with such artists as Ron Schilke, Arnold Jacobs and George Bean, and has been influence by such performers as Ray Charles, Elton John, Glen Campbell, Burt Bacharach and Tony Bennett. Featuring an array of musical genres, Doug has participated in several musical recording projects with such performers as Clark Terry, Cher Bono, Phil Ramone, Jeff Lynne and the Pointer Sisters. He was also part of the house band for the Late Show with Joan Rivers in 1986 – 1987. As a composer/ arranger, he has worked on multiple soundtracks for movies and television shows with such personnel as Roy Orbison, George Benson, Thomas Bolby and Cher, on projects ranging from Major Dad and Svengoolie to the Late Show with Joan Rivers.
Mike Lundin
Vocalist & Keyboard
Mike is recognized as one of Chicago land’s most well known and respected keyboard players. A native of Evanston, IL, Mike began playing professionally in Evansville, IN in 1973. He studied music theory and composition from Ball State University and received his Bachelor’s degree from there in 1979. Since graduation, Mike had enjoyed playing and singing with several musical projects in the Chicago area from 1979 through 1984. Switching his focus into the music retail industry, Mike began working as a Keyboard Clinical and Sales Representative for Ensoniq from 1987 to 1999 and then with Korg from 2000 to 2010. Mike continues to enjoy his love for music now performing with the Del Bergeson Orchestra.
Rob McDougle
Vocalist & Guitar
Veteran Chicago guitarist Rob McDougle played his first professional job at 14 and never stopped. Rob won the Oak Lawn award for jazz guitar at the Oak Lawn Jazz Festival, then the largest high school jazz festival in Illinois and then continued playing and studying music in college. His professional career in music has included touring with country music singer David Wills (5 top forty hits) and Blues diva Nora Jean Bruso with appearances across the US and Europe. Here in Chicago Rob has performed with jazz violin virtuoso Johnny Frigo, and played for several years in the sextet of trumpet master Guy Fricano as well as numerous appearances with professional party bands: "The Rockerfellers", Guy Lawrence and "Chideco Zydeco", The Karen Dale band, The Tony Bernard Show, The Stanley Paul Orchestra, and many others and most recently with Sandi Haynes and the Blue Rocket Boys and the Del Bergeson Orchestra. An experienced teacher, Rob has taught guitar for many years at area music stores and for 4 years was the director of curriculum for "Rock Camp USA" a music camp for kids held at Elmhurst college in Elmhurst Illinois.
Bob Ferraris
Vocalist & Bass
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Bob began his musical journey initially on alto saxophone before switching to bass. Since then he has studied with Ted Sparks (Stan Kenton Orchestra), Harold Siegal (Chicago Symphony Orchestra and NBC radio and television), Warren Benfield (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Brad Opland (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and Joe Guastafeste, Principle of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Beginning in 1985, Bob was selected to co-principle the bass section in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and held the position for four years. Previously, he worked as a staff musician for Disneyland and performed with Clark Terry and other notable jazz artists. Currently, in addition to playing with the Del Bergeson Orchestra, Bob is teaching at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois and working as a freelance musician, performing and recording frequently with a vast array of musicians.
Bill Byan
Vocalist & Drums
Bill Byan, “The Prince of Pulse”, has been the driving force behind some of the biggest names in music throughout the Chicago Suburbs. A native of the Downers Grove area, Bill is an incredible showman. His fabulous musical technique makes him one of the area’s greatest drummers from jazz and swing to pop and classical. After graduating from DePaul University in 1976, Bill has had the opportunity of work with such musical greats as Wayne Bergeron, The Chicago Grandstand Big Band, the John Burnett Orchestra, the Pete Ellman Big Band, The Blue Rocket Boys and The Bob Kase Jazz Quintet to name a few.
Meet The Musicians . . .
