Musicians of the Chicago Bass Ensemble
Jacque Harper
…has performed with orchestras and musical theater in the Chicagoland area. He holds degrees from Carleton College and the San Francisco Conservatory of music, and holds his bow in his right hand. He drives an old Subaru Legacy Wagon.
Jacque was driven to found the Chicago Bass Ensemble by a desire to create music with a profound effect on audiences, a love of the double bass and a desire to be part of a collaborative and collegial musical environment. He is honored that his colleagues join him in this endeavor. Jacque blogs about the experience of founding and leading a musical ensemble on the Chicago Bass Ensemble website under its blog, and especially under the categories “Getting it Done” and “The Leadership Struggle” and the tag “Done Well and To-Do.”
Anton Hatwich
…is a bassist, composer, recording artist, and music teacher based out of Chicago, IL. His wide range of professional experience, deep sense of musicality, and powerful tone make Anton’s playing a sought-after commodity in Chicago’s diverse musical community.
As an educator, Anton has over ten years of experience working with bass students of all levels – children to adults, beginner to college level. He teaches privately in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. In addition to the Double Bass and Electric Bass, Anton also teaches Guitar and Piano, and drives a 2008 Honda Accord wagon. AntonHatwich.com
Julian “Pat” “PJ” Romane
…has been performing on double bass professionally in Chicago since 1992, and has a “J” in his first name. He drives a 2008 Honda Fit.
Dan Thatcher
…is both a jazz and classical player, busy in the Chicago scene. He sometimes goes by “DJ,” so be careful you don’t confuse him with PJ. His choice in vehicle is the Subaru Forester.
Other Contributors
From time to time, other colleagues join us. Here are some of them…
Doug Johnson
…freelances throughout Chicago. Together with Michael Hovnanian, he is part of “Gunnelpumpers.” another group with a lot of bass players. He recently purchased a Toyota Prius.
John Floeter
…has been an active bassist in the Chicago area since 1979, covering several genres of music, including classical, jazz, folk, and musical theater. He is currently Principal Bass of the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, and a member of the Grant Park Orchestra and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. John is also the Instructor of Double Bass at Northern Illinois University. He drives a Honda Element.
Michael Hovnanian
…is a regular member of a really large and well-known orchestra in Chicago, but he has more fun with us. He drives a Toyota Camry wagon.
Petya Bagovska
Jason Heath
…is an active double bass performer, educator, blogger, and podcaster. He succeeded Jacque as the instructor of bass at The Ultimate School of Music in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Jason used to drive a Saturn … but never again.