33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band

Charles Stoneking, or “Stonie” as we call him, is a mechanical contractor from Springfield, Illinois and has been performing with the 33rd almost since its conception in 1996. Stonie joined the band at the request of our founder, Mr. Gary Borling in early 1997 to perform on the E-flat bass horn for The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band.

Stonie started playing the E-flat tuba at a very early age under the guidance of his grandfather while just finishing 3rd grade. He performed his first solo, “Jolly Farmer”, while only in the 5th grade and received a first-division rating. As a young player, he won first-division ratings at both the district and state level and continued the same throughout his school years.

Stonie attended Quincy College and went on to serve in the Vietnam conflict. He is married to Doris Stoneking, who loves to dress in period clothing with our band. They have two daughters: Kristine, who resides in Jacksonville, and Shannon of Springfield.

Stonie enjoys collecting Civil War period instruments. He performs on tuba regularly with the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, Calvary Temple Orchestra, University of Illinois at Springfield Chamber Band, Springfield Municipal Band, Capital Area Band, Fritz and the Flying Dutchman Polka Band, Heartland Brass Band, and the 10th Illinois Cavalry Band. Stonie says ever since his grandfather started him out playing a tuba bigger than he was in the early 1950’s, he has never lost his love for the instrument in all these long years!