OUR MUSIC TEACHERS
Al Wetzel: Guitar, Bass, Vocals & Keyboards
Al Wetzel is a published singer/song-writer, accomplished multi-instrumentalist and live performance veteran.
Having toured the country and the world full-time for well over a decade with the legendary country rock act, Hello Dave, Allen is a seasoned performer. He is perfectly at home on any stage from the arena to the backyard BBQ.Hello Dave has been the opening act for major label country acts Keith Urban, Big and Rich,and Kenny Chesney, as well as rock acts REO Speedwagon, the Doobie Brothers, CCR, Huey Lewis and the News, and Train. They’ve also done two National Anthem performances at Wrigley Field. Hello Dave’s fourth studio album release, “Perfect Day,” included the single “Golden,” which currently enjoys airplay on country radio stations from coast to coast. Al has done seven world tours with Hello Dave in support of American troops, including performances in Iraq and the Middle East, Europe and the Mediterranean, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Al majored in music at Hesston College and continued his education at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA. During his time at MI, Al integrated Hesston’s classical approach with a more diverse set of genres such as Rock, Blues, Reggae, Funk, Jazz and Country. In addition to teaching guitar and bass, Al is a patient instructor who specializes in vocal harmony arrangement, ear-training and the practical use of music theory. Al looks forward to applying his years of experience to help shape the next generation of musical icons.
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Jamo Van De Bogart: Drums, Vice President – Board of Directors
“From the age of 5 or so, I was always moved by music. It was because of bands like the Jackson 5 and the Osmonds. One year, the Paul Lynn Halloween special was on and there was this band called Kiss playing. I was scared to death after that, but was hooked. I was too young to join band so I began beating on everything I could. After a year or so of borrowing (wink) the drums from school, I joined the 5th grade band. That was it: I needed to be surrounded by music. I went on to high school jazz, marching, concert and pep bands while also playing in a few local groups from school. I went on to college, playing more rock and roll with a bit of choir as well. After college, I toured both locally and nationally with bands such as Prowler and the Idols of American Youth. In ’91, I moved to Florida to continue recording, gigging (with the band Kidd Gypsy), as well as teaching privately. In ’96 the band decided to take a break and I went on the road with the band Firehouse as a drum tech touring the world. In addition I was playing a bit of percussion live and on the band’s record Good Acoustics. Then came Gregg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band, with which I still work to this day. I’ve had the great privilege to play with such notable players as Eric Clapton, Robbin Ford, Buzzy Feiten, Jimmy Hall, Jack Pearson, 38 Special, Gov’t Mule, Bela Fleck, Willie Weeks, Buddy Guy, Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, Conan O’brien’s horn section, Susan Tedeschi, Jimmy Herring, Widespread Panic, Billy Gibbons, the Dead, and Jerry Jemmott. I continue to tour, record, teach and breathe this art form. I’m put here to move people and I choose to do it with music.”
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Rickie Wetzel: Vocals
Rickie began singing at the age of seven years old. Growing up around a musical family she developed a deep passion for music. In grade school she started off singing in the school choir and playing trumpet in band. She continued that path into high school by performing in the choir, a Capella choir and jazz band. During that time, she continued to learn music theory, harmonizing and performing on stage. After meeting her future husband Al Wetzel (who was a teacher here at Rock Central), she then started performing in the adult rockers program to tap back into her musical roots. The student had then become the teacher! Her musical influences are Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. She now specializes in teaching vocals to our 101 and 201 students as well as teaching stage presence. She loves having the opportunity to work with kids, helping them build their confidence through music and teaching them how to ROCK on stage!
Corey Basch: Drums, Show Rockers, House Band, Adult Rockers & General Manager - Marketing Manager
Corey has been in the music business for 30+ years! He has played the drums and been a singer/songwriter professionally starting in Los Angeles during 1991. After attending the Musicians Institute, he helped form the band Chakra which was picked up by A&M Records at a Whisky A Go-Go show in 1993. Recording at A&M got Corey into producing and sound engineering.
Since then, he has played and worked with artists such as Jaime Foxx, Taj Mahal, Andy Summers of The Police, and hundreds of other musicians from all over the world! In addition,
Corey has enjoyed teaching drums and vocals to all levels of students for 15 years.
Chase Albrecht: Guitar, House Band, Adult Rockers, Sound Engineer
Chase Albrecht began playing guitar at the age of ten years old. Being mostly self taught, up until his admittance to Rock Central in 2011, Chase specialized in heavy metal music. Since then, Chase has played in bands such as: the Headless Tenspeeders — a band in which he had the opportunity to share the stage with his biggest musical influence; his father — and Audiophila, a band consisting of past Rock Central students who have gone on to play Summerfest, Vans Warped Tour, The Rave and many more venues. While Chase took lessons at the school he was able to refine his skills and eventually began as a teacher in the summer of 2015. Chase continues to advance his musical career, with the newest release of his 4 song EP, and enjoys the opportunity to give the gift of music through teaching guitar at Rock Central.
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Alex Vina: Bass, Rock 101, Rock 201, Show Rockers, Open Mic Nights
It’s played with the soul, not just with the hand! Alex Vina started playing bass with a classical background at the early age of 8. Playing upright bass in school orchestra and jazz band, he transferred his knowledge to the electric bass and developed a deep rooted passion for the low end. Already working with several bands while in high school, he grew a reputation as a professional musician in the area. Alex relocated to South Florida in 2004, where he became immersed in the ever present “Jaco Pastorius” scene. He studied with Jaco’s great friend and colleague, Jeff Carswell, who is the bass player of the famous tribute group Jaco Pastorius Big Band. Following his return to the Lake Geneva area, he hit the local music scene and started playing with acts from Milwaukee to Chicago. He acquired a great deal of experience through extensive touring, recording and has performed on national broadcast television and music videos. From good ol’ Rock and Roll to Funk and Jazz, Latin, Blues, Reggae, Bluegrass, and Soul he grew comfortable in just about any style of music. In 2013 his hard work paid off and he helped bring the WAMI Award for Best R&B/Soul to The Charles Walker Band of Milwaukee. Today Alex continues to perform with several working bands and has a great pride in sharing his joy and knowledge with others, while helping develop seasoned musicians.
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Scott Huffman: Guitar, Bass, Music Director
Scott Huffman is a veteran musician with more than 30 years of experience, celebrated as a founding member of Hobie and The Leftovers and Un-Hich’d. A cornerstone of the southeastern Wisconsin music scene, Scott became a local institution through his long-running Tuesday music night at DJ’s In The Drink on Lake Como. Each week, he welcomed a new featured artist to the stage, cultivating a vibrant and ever-changing showcase of talent that crossed genres, generations, and styles.
A relentless performer, Scott continues to play over 200 shows every year, bringing his passion, versatility, and unmistakable musical voice to audiences across the region.
In addition to his performance career, Scott is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience. He has taught both private and group lessons, working independently as well as through respected programs such as the former School of Rock in Williams Bay and Rock Central in Lake Geneva. His commitment to nurturing new musicians reflects the same energy and authenticity that define his work on stage.
Joey Tomaska : Vocals, Banjo
Joey Tomaska is a lifelong, dedicated musician with a passion for teaching.
He graduated from Loyola University Chicago, becoming the very first to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance in Music. There, he was in multiple large choirs, an a cappella group, and even formed a barbershop quartet. Singing is just one of many instruments, such as guitar, he has played since the age of 9.
Joey is also a current student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, achieving his teaching certification in conjunction with teaching music at a Burlington elementary school.
He has given music lessons privately through Rock Central and directed multiple rock groups there for 5 years.
Sam Seitz: Keyboards
Sam began piano lessons at the age of 6 but didn’t truly engage in it until high school when he joined the jazz band, as well as becoming an instrumentalist for follow students throughout those years. He then pursued two years at Columbia College in Chicago to continue his music education. Sam’s goal is to return to school in the coming years, but currently spends his time recording music and teaching. He has the ability to teach musicians of all ages and skill levels!