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From L56 President Eric VanderStel

President: Eric VanderStel
Eric VanderStel has been a guitarist and vocalist playing west Michigan area night clubs since 1974.  He has been a Local 56 member since 1976 and on the Board since 1994.  He graduated from Union High School and attended music classes at Grand Valley State University from where he became a guitar instructor for Grand Rapids Public Schools.  In his professional career he's been the leader of bands Ira Mayor, Suspect, Mustang, L56 Blues Allstars and a member of the Cimmaron Band.  He has done recording work at River City Studios, Fast Tracks, and Station C Studios.  Other credits include opening for Willie Nelson, Mitch Ryder, and Bobby Bear.  Eric is a husband and father to one child and a Fourth Degree Master teaching martial arts Tae Kwon Do at the YMCA.

Vice President: Bennie Keys
Vice President Bennie Keys has been a member of Local 56 since 1989. He has been on the Executive board for about 7 years.  He was also on The AFM's Diversity Council for two years.  He is also the Business agent for our very fine Local.  If you would like to contact him, his number is 813-0753,  E-mail him at bkeys@hopenetwork.org.

Sect./ Treas: Gary Sironen
Gary Sironen has been a Local 56 member since 1973 and Secretary/ Treasurer since 1992.  He has been a member of the International Musician Committee at the past 4 AFM Conventions, having chaired the committee the past 3 times.  He began playing trumpet professionally with his brothers while still in high school; received music degrees from Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State University; taught public school band and choir for 10 years; and he is currently Minister of Music at Christ Lutheran Church in Wyoming, MI, where he directs the adult choir and leads the Praise Team as keyboardist and vocalist.  He is a composer, husband, father of three, and recently a grandfather.
 

Board Member: Doug Slocum
 

Board Member: Jenni Cullin
Jenni Cullin has been a member of Local 56 for more than 5 years now.  She also works as the Local's Office Assistant and Web Designer.  She is the lead singer for the band Cover Story and also does solo work and children's parties for the Grand Rapids area.  She started playing the saxophone in grade school and still plays in her band.  She attended Grand Valley State University for Music Education and is working on her first recording to help launch her career as a solo recording artist. 
In her time off from the band and the office duties, she is a licensed Realtor for Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt.

Board Member: Elgin Vines
Elgin Vines has been described as one of the most sought-after jazz bassists in Western Michigan.  He started stroking the strings professionally over 40 years ago, making a switch from woodwinds at the urging of his college music professor who needed a good bassist and pointed out greater career opportunities for bass players.
As a retired technologist and claims analyst for Amway Corporation, Elgin plays these days for the love of it and spends his spare time listening to his jazz collection, as well as offering technical assistance and moral support to young bassists when requested.  He also leads his own group, ELGIN VINES & COMPANY.