Dr. Russell Thorngate has had a lifetime of experience directing ensembles of all kinds, from choirs and small chamber groups, to large symphonic orchestras. Originally from California, Dr. Thorngate received his doctorate from Ball State with a strong emphasis on conducting. He has directed and taught throughout Wisconsin, including at Northland College, where he taught and directed for five years. While he worked at Northland, he directed The Lumberjacks Men’s Chorus, the choir at Saron Lutheran Church, and guest conducted the Cheqaumegon Symphony Orchestra.
Concertmaster for 2019 & 2024, Kathy Broadwell, right, began taking lessons from her father, a violinst and teacher, at the age of six. She has a BA from Grinnell College in music, and an MA from NYU in education. She played 38 years with the South Dakota Symphony, 20 years with the Sioux City Symphony, and 27 years as teaching principal with the Northwest Iowa Symphony. Since retiring to the South Shore of Lake Superior in 2014, she has enjoyed playing with the cooperative Garland City Consort, as a founding member. She is married to the BLO’s hornist, David Broadwell. Kathy plays a Paul Claudot violin with a Kenneth Kuo carbon fiber tailpiece.
Concertmaster for 2018, 2021-23, & 2025, Andrew McInnes, left, lives in Ashland where he maintains a private teaching studio. Andrew is a founding member of the Garland City Consort, the region’s baroque chamber orchestra, and co-founder of the BLO with Dr. Thorngate. An active performer, Andrew has performances weekly throughout the year. He plays an Augustin Claudot violin with a Kenneth Kuo carbon fiber tailpiece.
Photos by JD Bass Photography, 2022
The 2025 Big Lake Orchestra was
Dr. Russell Thorngate, conductor
First Violins:
Andrew McInnes, concertmaster
Kathy Broadwell
Tiffany Darling
Jonathan Poupore
Andrea Ward
Second Violins:
Rebecca Deters, principal second
Benjamin Otto Beuttenmüller
Kristen Christensen
Jeffrey Erdman
Marie Mattson
Viola:
Elizabeth Good
Marlene Hogue
Debra Powers
Violoncello:
Kirk McBrayer
Lucas Oliphant
Margaret Watkins
Double Bass:
Sharon Hammond
Jim Wachter
Winds:
Teresa Rusch & Theresa Seppa, flute
Randi Dahl & Katherine Swanson, oboe
Rebecca Key, clarinet
David Broadwell, Jodi Truchon, French horn
Matthew Darling & Howard Frostman, trumpet
Paschal Hammond, trombone
Percussion:
Ernie Bliss
Gloria Darling
Evan Powers
Big Lake Orchestra 