Rizzetta's Tones - Bios


Randy Kochel hammer dulcimer, Greek bouzouki, button accordions, mandolin, autoharp, vocals, percussion, melodica Randy is not a professional musician, but he is a musical professional. A family physician by day (and night), he has deeply dabbled in many forms of music over the years, and is a former member of Crofter's Heir. He is especially drawn to bizarre and unusual instruments--a number of which he plays in Rizzetta's Tones. He also adds his voice to the mix, and feels lucky to be in the company of the talented members of this band.	Randy Kochel
Amanda Wells	Amanda Wells guitar, percussion, vocals Amanda is Chester County-born and southern Lancaster County-raised. She began her informal music education at the ripe age of 10 under the watchful eyes of musical friends of the family and her late father. Although Amanda has an appreciation for many genres of music, her early and most prominent influences were bluegrass and folk. Primarily a guitarist and vocalist for Rizzetta's Tones, Amanda also plays piano and harmonica, and she will attempt any stringed instrument laid in front of her. Amanda also runs her independently-owned fantasy and medieval-themed costume business.
Linda Lohr silver flute, high whistle, percussion, vocals Lancaster County born and raised, Linda currently lives and works in Lititz, PA. She began singing with church choirs as a child and has been part of numerous bands, orchestras, and choral groups through the years. She formerly taught private music lessons and directed the Lititz Homeschool Choirs. As part of Rizzetta's Tones, she plays the silver flute, provides vocals, and wields various percussion oddities. She considers it an honor to work and play along with these fine musicians.	Linda Lohr
Bill Stine	Bill Stine hammer dulcimer, high and low whistles, alto and bass melodions, vocals It has been a number of years since Bill retired from very many seasons of public school and college level teaching. With grown sons Kent and Joel happily married and daughter Sarah involved as a professional musician, performing and teaching, plus being involved in the medical arts, he spends his time with his wife Beth in their gardens, working and creating in his studio, advising students on hammer dulcimer & whistle, attempting the daunting task of conquering the intricacies of herding his family's many cats, and in arranging, marketing, and communications work for Rizzetta's Tones.

Live Sound Engineering and Support Staff

	Jeff Burkholder Jeff happily serves as the man behind the iPad; that is, live sound engineer for the band. Hailing from central PA, he has often made himself useful as the "tech guy" in various capacities, while still finding time to write comic books, act in and direct plays, play piano, and most importantly, be a devoted dad and husband.
Jeanne Dickel Jeanne is friend, den mother and gal Friday to the band. She's the keeper of the first aid kit, provides snacks, and helps answer questions about the band. A graduate of Millersville University, she has worked in human services most of her life. Recently retired from full-time employment, she now works part time in a social services agency. She enjoys being an Aunt to nine, is an avid reader, crochets excessively, and revels in floristry endeavors.
Mark Pollock Mark originated this web site; his artful sense and photographic touch are apparent and much-appreciated. A friend of the band since before there was a band, he lives and performs music in the Boston area.
Chris Kochel Chris, maintains the site and lends his skill as an IT professional to make it more user friendly and increase its search engine visibility.