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Often when the Mark Vyhlidal Band comes to mind, people picture one of the finest polka bands in the midwest. Their uplift style, coupled with driving rhythms, intricate harmony, and their own 'special treatment' to virtually every tune they play defines the identity of the Mark Vyhlidal Band. But what more and more people are starting to realize about the Mark Vyhlidal Band is that polkas and waltzes are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this versatile group of musicians. With literally every member of the band being proficient on multiple instruments, the band has broadened its repertoire to include big band, country, blues, and yes...even rock and roll. It is not uncommon for listeners and dancers to enjoy an array of styles ranging from "The Naughty Little Girl Polka" to "To Each His Own." Then being blown away by the likes of "Guitars Cadillacs", "The House is Rockin'", and even a little BTO. So if you're looking for a band who can 'do it all', shout out a message to Mark!Mark's first dance engagement was in 1968 playing the drums. During the 1970's, he learned to play several instruments all by ear. When entering the Junior High Band, it was then that Mark had to learn how to read notes. Within a year, he was arranging musical charts for his own band, which formed in 1976, plus he arranged for other area bands.Some highlights include performing in Las Vegas, performing on the Garrison Keillor Public Radio Show, and having his band selected by the Smithsonian Institute to be on their national recording "Deeper Polka."Music has always been a big part of his life and he was strongly influenced by the styles of Al Grebnick and Ernie Kucera. Mark is currently the Street Superintendent for the City of Fremont as well as a polka DJ on Sunday mornings on KJSK AM 90 from 9:00 to 1:00. He has a very supportive family, his wife Tammi and children Jeffrey, Michelle, Tyler, and Jacob.Mike Helgesen (NO...THOSE ARE NOT HIS REAL TEETH!) has worked with the Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra since the early 90’s and has worked with several polka bands throughout the years including Leny Rich, Frankie Remar, Vern Luddington, Frank Hazuka and others. He also performed with ballroom orchestras including Bobby Layne, Jan Garber, Guy Lombardo, Dick Jurgens and others. He’s performed in Las Vegas, Nashville, Hollywood, New Orleans, Branson, and Memphis, plus backed up greats like Joel Gray, the Temptations, Bobby Vinton, and Myron Floren. Mike also played for the King of Norway.He’s written music for Stan Kenton, Marilyn Maye, the Union Pacific German Band, and Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, and is currently a staff trumpet player with the Omaha Playhouse. He also has nearly 20 years as a public school educator. Mike has a very supportive wife, Veronica Nepper.Sam Zitek is in his second decade with the Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra. His polka-playing days started back in 1983 as a member of the Young Czechs Polka Band, from Brainard, Nebraska. Sam was also a member of the rock and roll band "Rhapsody," and has performed with numerous dance bands including the Guy Lombardo Orchestra.He and his wife, Julie, have three children..all who started studying music at about age 5. Sam has been the recipient of various professional awards including the Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award and the National Band Association Outstanding Jazz-Educator Award. Currently, he is the Director of Instrumental Studies at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska where he directs the NWU Symphonic Band and the Lincoln Civic Orchestra.Kevin Koopmann, originally from Stanton, Nebraska, graduated with a BS Degree from the University of Nebraska in Home Economics and has a Teaching Certificate for K-12 Music from Doane College. He’s part of four generations of tuba players. His grandfather Henry, father Donald, Kevin, and his daughter Emily all play tuba. Kevin’s performed with Dean Hansen, Jim Bochnicek, Moostach Joe, Math Sladky, and has been with Mark Vyhlidal since 1992. He also subs with the Dan Bruha Combo and others.He was voted Teacher of the Year at Raymond Central Public Schools in 2001 and was awarded the outstanding Young Band Director in Nebraska Award in 1997. He has been teaching band at Yutan Public School since 2002. Kevin was also a Price is Right contestant in 1998.He, his wife Ann, and his daughter Emily live near Ceresco, Nebraska.
Joe Havlovic from Prague, Nebraska, has been playing drums since the age of 10. He’s played drums with various bands throughout the years and has also been playing the "button" style accordion since the age of 11. Joe was self-taught on the drums and accordion with the inspiration and occasional pointers from his father, Joe Havlovic Sr. who also learned to play the button accordion at an early age.Joe also has a nice collection of antique tractors and in his spare time restores them to their original condition. Czech music has always been a strong influence in his life and remains to be to this day.Jan Lhotak (USUALLY MUCH CHIPPER THAN THIS!) brings 35 years of playing experience to the group. At age 17, Jan performed with Frankie Remar and his Polka Knights. Enlisting into the U.S. Air Force in 1971, he served with the Strategic Air Command Band from 1972-1984, performing with the Concert Band, The Ambassadors Dance Band, and the Noteables Jazz Ensemble. Over the years, Jan worked with Eddie Janak, Dick Janak, Frank Hazuka, Vern Luddington, Peter and Paul Wendinger, and Larry Olsen. He also performed with many ballroom orchestras including Bud Comte, Dennis Wesely, Bennie Ray, and Orville Von Seggern.Nowadays, when not performing with the Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra, Jan is also a regular member of the Tommy Bishop Orchestra. In his spare time, he and his wife Jeannette enjoy dancing to old-time and ballroom music throughout the Midwest.
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