RICK THACKER
Owner & Luthier
The violin has been a part of Rick’s life since he started
private lessons at age three. He later added the viola, and
taught both for over a decade.
Rick played in many ensembles, most notably as Concertmaster
for the Advanced Ensemble at Chicago School of Violin Making.
In addition, he currently conducts multiple string ensembles
of various abilities. He has received teacher training in the
Suzuki Method and other pedagogy courses.
Rick's love for stringed instruments eventually consummated
with his graduation from the Chicago School of Violin Making.
He has built several fine instruments, including the violin he
gifted to his wife, Elizabeth, on their wedding day. He has had
the opportunity to do apprenticeships with AFVBM members, and VSA
medal-winning luthiers.
Rick & Elizabeth’s passion is to “Share Joy through Music”
by providing the best in instruments and music education to their
community. Plum Grove is based around the belief that anyone and
everyone can enjoy the gift of music.
AMBER GRIFFIN
Director of Operations
Starting formal piano training at age three, Amber is truly a life-long musician.
During her college years, she toured the nation for two summers as the pianist for a vocal group.
Amber holds a Master's Degree from Crown College, and did some of her Pedagogy studies abroad in England.
ANTHONY WONAITIS
Director of Marketing & Sales
Anthony graduated from Lewis University with his Bachelor's degree in Music Business & Marketing.
While attending, he was placed on the Dean's list.
Anthony is a signed recording artist in the music industry.
His band has done national touring, gained national publicity, as well as worked with renowned Platinum Record Producers.
He has been a part of LWC Classical guitar ensemble and awarded the Andres Segovia Award. Anthony has also been a part of
numerous ensembles throughout college such as Lewis University's Percussion Ensemble and Recording Ensemble.
He has worked in the past doing marketing for record label Thrill Jockey Records as well as for his own recording, photography, and musical endeavors.
PAM SWETS
Office Manager
Pam has worked in managing ranging from finances, homeschooling, and volunteer programs in the Church.
She volunteered at Awana for their ministry services, small groups, and funerals. Pam was also a travel agent before
giving her a vast repertoire of organizational skills.
Aside from office managing at Plum Grove Music, Pam her and
husband are owners of Team Combat Live Laser Tag.
KEELIE GILBERT
Lesson Coordinator
Keelie studied music at Boyce College, and is now pursuing an International Business degree with a minor in Chinese
& Japanese Studies at Valparaiso University.
During highschool she started playing cello as well as working in the repair shop at Plum Grove Music.
She has also performed in several orchestras, currently she is playing cello for the Valparaiso University Orchestra.
STEPHEN PAYNTER
Shop Manager
Stephen Paynter grew up in a large family of music lovers. At a young age, he fell in love with playing trombone and tuba.
This newfound love led him to the art of band instrument repair.
He graduated from Badger State Repair School in 2017 being first in his class. Shortly after, he began working with Plum Grove Music.
Now as the Shop Manager, he is passionate about his work and strives to achieve his goals.
These goals include: exemplifying quality repairs & making it possible for musicians to play on the instrument they love.
