The History of RMO

The Romano Marchetti Orchestra has been satisfying audiences since the dawn of time...

Meet the Group

Romano Marchetti

Leader of the group, Romano was born and raised in Antioch (CA), and has been a music educator for 40 years. He is a graduate of University of the Pacific and holds Bachelor and Master degrees in music from there. He spent most of his years teaching music in the Antioch (CA) schools, but also spent time as Director of Music at the American School in Japan (Tokyo, Japan), and 2 years as Director of Bands at the American School in Tehran (Tehran, Iran). Romano has taught music at every level - elementary, jr. high, high school and several years at St. Mary's College (Moraga, CA). For the past 25 years he has been in demand as an adjudicator for middle and high school band and orchestra music festivals sponsored by California Music Educators Association.

Romano has played trumpet since age 13, and has performed for many musical groups - combos, symphony orchestras (was featured soloist with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra), show bands, numerous concert bands and soloist for many churches. He has had the Romano Marchetti Orchestra since 1981. Romano's other interests include playing tennis, classic cars (owns 3), traveling, watching college and professional football, and reading historical books and magazines. He also works part time as a bay area tour guide. Married for 47 years, they have two sons who are professional musicians.

Bill Rodrigues

Born and raised in Antioch, CA., Bill has been playing guitar since 5th grade. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1971 then went to Chico State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching credential. He then earned a Masters degree from Southern Oregon State University (Ashland, OR). Bill has taught music for 30 years, 25 in the Oakley Union Elementary School District (CA). He has performed with numerous groups in the bay area. Bill has been married for 32 years and has 3 adult children.

Mark Springer

Mark, a 1971 graduate of Antioch High School, has been playing guitar and bass since childhood. He is a graduate of California State University Hayward and has performed with numerous combos and ensembles around the bay area. When not performing with the Romano Marchetti Orchestra, he is active with a number of jazz, standard and country combos in the Chico area where he currently lives and teaches. For hobbies, Mark is an avid bicyclist, golfer and tennis player.

Jeff Chadwick

Jeff is the drummer with the band. He started playing drums at a young age taking lessons in rudimentary drumming at Webb's Music Store and with Romano Marchetti. He was active with the Antioch High School concert band and their famous Jazz 22. After graduation in 1971, he played with the bands at Los Medanos College, then joined Flat Nasty, a rock and original band which played in the bay area for 25 years. Jeff is also accomplished on vibraphone which he studied with Burton Jackson, an original member of the Musser Marimba Symphony and the proud father of 2 daughters, Kate and Jessica. Jeff's hobbies include his 1955 Chevy pick-up, and watching Oakland A's and Raider's games.

Steve Sooter

Stephen Sooter graduated from Antioch High School in 1971. His accomplishments include a lifetime of music performance, analysis, and composition. He began studying piano at six years old, and has continued this effort to the present. Steve has performed in various music groups on both piano and trumpet, including myriad jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, and solo performances. He was a performing musician traveling throughout the northwest and central US for more than 15 years. He has studied piano with the distinguished Bay Area pianist, college instructor and performer, Charles Davis, and has studied music composition with the renowned composer and California State University Professor Frank LaRocca.

Presently he enjoys singing and playing keyboards in a small jazz combo that performs around the greater bay area, as well as periodic piano solo engagements. Stephen’s music related academic achievements include a Distinguished Musicians Certification from the United States Marines Youth Foundation, an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Los Medanos College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from California State University Hayward, and a Citation for Outstanding Musicianship from the National Association of Jazz Educators. In addition, he is a published composer whose works catalogue includes a sextet, Music for Six Instruments; a thematic collection of 7 works for solo piano, Family Album; a solo work for marimba, Rhythm Dance; and various additional piano solo and popular music works. His favorite composers include Bach, Beethoven and Bartok. He also enjoys contemporary jazz and the music of diverse artists such as Steely Dan, Peter Gabriel, and Keith Emerson. More personal achievements include the parenting of a wonderful daughter and son, and being a proud grandfather. Stephen resides and works in the Bay Area.

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