Broken Instrument?
Meet Our Repair Specialists
As musicians, we understand just how important it is to have your instrument in its best condition. We have a team of experienced repair specialists here to ensure that your instrument looks great and sounds better. Whether you simply need your instrument tuned or fully overhauled, we are here to help.
RICK THACKER
Owner & Luthier
Violin has been a part of Rick's life since he started private lessons at the age of three. He later studied viola and taught both for more than a decade.
Rick played in many ensembles, most notably as Concertmaster for the Advanced Ensemble at Chicago School of Violin Making. Now he conducts multiple string ensembles of various abilities. He received his Suzuki certification in teaching, along with other pedagogy courses.
In addition to his passion for teaching, Rick has used his training as a certified luthier from the
world's top rated school to help the next generation of shop technicians learn the art of violin making and instrument repair. He has also built several fine instruments, including the violin he gifted to his wife on their wedding day.
Rick's love for stringed instruments and his passion for the community has since melded into the
establishing of Plum Grove Music. He, along with his wife Elizabeth and their six children, can be found actively involved in the music scene of Northwest Indiana. He is the current board president for the Lakeside Artists Guild and has also served on the NASMD Board.
Anthony graduated from Lewis University with his Bachelor's degree in Music Business & Marketing and was placed on the Dean's list while in attendance.
Anthony is a signed recording artist in the music industry. His band has done national touring, gained national publicity, and worked with renowned Platinum Record Producers.
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. Anthony has been able to use his past experiences in the music industry to further cement Plum Grove's place in Northwest Indiana.
ANTHONY WONAITIS
VP of Operations/Repair Shop Manager
Kenzie Gilbert
Repair Shop Secretary
What began as a childhood interest in the violin has led Kenzie to work in the shop at Plum Grove. She has been able to take her overall knowledge of string instruments and utilize that in instrument repair. Kenzie hopes to one day work in the field of animal medicine.
Eli was raised in a family where music held a central place. As a result, he has played viola for the last year thirteen years. He has studied most notably with Peter Slowik, Benton Wedge, and Heather Calisary. He has played with multiple groups, such as Illiana Oratorio Society, Credo Chamber Orchestra, and Masterworks Music Festival Orchestra. Eli has also gone so far as to start his own quartet, Watermark Strings. He currently plays a supportive role in the Plum Grove Shop by aiding in instrument repairs.
Eli Anderson
Repair Technician
James DeVries
Repair Technician
Bio coming soon!
Zach had the opportunity to spend part of his formative years living abroad in Peru. After that
time of life, he discovered his love for cello. As a teen, he studied under Pat White, while also playing in Lyrical Strings. He is currently in college, where he is focused on theater, speech, and Bible.
Zach Hubbard
Repair Technician
Nate Sutton
Repair Technician
Nate is studying Saxophone Jazz Performance at Lawrence University, along with Woodwind Pedagogy. Throughout his middle school and high school years, Nate was heavily involved in both his school band and jazz band and continues to enjoy playing the saxophone any chance he gets. When Nate is not studying or working in the shop at Plum Grove, he spends his time listening to music and playing games.
Bio coming soon!
Elliot VanDerGriend
Repair Technician