South High Marching Band – D.C or Bust!

February 13, 2012 – 6:58 pm

 

The South High School Marching Band has been given the opportunity to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the 2012 4th of July National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC. But right now, they need your help to get there.

Picture“This diverse group of talented young people have already made a name for themselves. They have marched in the 2010 & 2011 Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the 2010 Worcester Columbus Day Parade, the 2010 Ware Memorial Day Parade and even performed for “Good Morning America” during their stop at Union Station.”

The band is currently collecting New or Gently Loved instruments and donations for their trip. If you have an instrument, you can bring it directly to South High School in Worcester, or to one of two drop off points: Hanover Theater or the WICN Worcester Jazz Radio studio. Monetary donations can be made out to : South High Community School Band  170 Apricot St Worcester, MA 01603. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

A trip of this magnitude is costly, roughly $40,000 – $80,000! And just in case your curious, here’s a breakdown: Picture

- $40,000 for transportation, lodging, and meals for the band and chaperones.
- $2,500 for matching marching band pants
- $2,700 for matching shoes
- Roughly $25,000 for new instruments, or to refurbish some of their existing ones.

Check out their website today for more information and to see a list of upcoming performances : www.southhighmarchingband.com

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Lesson Instructor Spotlight : Vinnie Penella

February 2, 2012 – 12:00 pm

Vincent Penella is a Saxophone , Clarinet and Flute teacher at David French Music.

Vinne - Flute, Clarinet and SaxophoneMr. Penella attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied classical and jazz saxophone with woodwind master Joe Viola. He has been teaching for 40 years, from ages 8 to adult. He taught classical and jazz studies along with jazz band director and music theory labs at Binghamton College in New York.  He has also taught at the Marshfield Public Schools and the Indian Hill Music Center, and sent countless students to the All State and District festivals.

Along with his private teaching, he also does freelance performances in New York City and the Boston area.  Mr. Penella has played with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, productions at Joseph Papp Public Theatre in NYC, the Tom Jones International Tour, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Larry Elgart Orchestra, the 18th Army Band, the Worcester Jazz Orchestra and many others.

 

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NAMM Awards David French Music Co Inc the Milestone Award

January 18, 2012 – 11:18 am

Anaheim, CA, January 18, 2012- The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recently awarded David French Music Company the Milestone Award for 25 years of service in the music products industry. The award recognizes retailers and manufacturers who have succeeded in business to reach this landmark anniversary.

“It takes the right combination of industry insight, business acumen and superior customer service to sustain and thrive in the music products industry,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. “Through its tireless efforts and business sense, David French Music Company has achieved this milestone. NAMM is pleased to recognize this company’s accomplishment and wishes it continued success in the future.”

The Milestone Awards were presented to industry dignitaries at the 2012 NAMM show, an annual music products trade show that draws nearly 90,000 industry professionals to see the latest music products, attend professional development seminars and network in order to grow the global music products industry.

About NAMM

NAMM is the trade association of the $17 billion international musical instruments and products industry. The association’s activities and program are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM.

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Lesson Instructor Spotlight : Dr. Luis Torres

December 20, 2011 – 12:00 pm

Dr. Torres is Violin, Viola and Piano instructor at David French Music.

Dr. Torres earned his Doctorate in Science of Education from Army Polytechnic in Quito, Ecuador, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Masters Degree in Science of Education from the University of Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador as well. He has taught private music lessons for 28 years all over the world, including violin and piano at Cuenca National Conservatory of Music and the University of Azuay.

Dr. Luis Torres - Violin, Viola and PianoDr. Torres is active as a violinist, composer and conductor in the Central Massachusetts area. He previously taught violin at the Thayer Community Music School, Atlantic Union College Conservatory and the Performing Arts School of Worcester. Dr. Torres has also participated in the Bard Conductors Institute in New York under the direction of Maestro Harold Faberman as well as the International Master Class for Orchestral Conductors in the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Moscow under the direction of Maestro Gennady Rozhdestvensky. He has won several first place national composition and composer competitions held in South America. Currently on staff at the Shrewsbury Public Schools, Dr. Torres also founded the David French Orchestra in 2010.

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Jeff Coffin Clinic at DFMC – Part 2

December 9, 2011 – 10:55 am

Part 2 of the Jeff Coffin Clinic video synopsis.

 

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Jeff Coffin Clinic at DFMC – Part 1

December 1, 2011 – 11:39 am

On November 17th, 2011 David French Music sponsored a free clinic by world renowned saxophonist Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Jeff Coffin and the Mu’tet, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones). The event took place at our retail location in Westborough, MA and was open to musicians and students of all ages and abilities. Jeff was accompanied by legendary jazz drummer Rakalam Bob Moses and trumpeter Bill Fanning (also of the Mu’tet and DFMC faculty member). The trio performed a free, improvised piece for the audience and followed with a very informal, yet in depth discussion that touched upon many elements of improvisation, technique, and music in general. All attendees received a free, signed copy of the live double CD recently released by Jeff Coffin and the Mu’tet. Posted here is Part 1 of a video synopsis of the clinic, stay tuned for Part 2!

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Lesson Instructor Spotlight : Bryan Wrenn

November 10, 2011 – 12:00 pm

Bryan Wrenn is a Guitar instructor at David French Music.

Bryan has played guitar for over twelve years and has a Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with world renowned guitarist Eliot Fisk. Prior to his time at NEC, he attended Assumption College in Worcester, MA, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree and studied classical guitar with Peter Clemente.

Bryan Wrenn, Guitar Instructor

He has also studied electric guitar and jazz theory/improvisation with Joe D’Angelo and Steve Trombley. In addition to his private studies, he has performed in master classes for Pepe Romero, Benjamin Verdery, Jason Vieaux, and Lorenzo Micheli. He works frequently as a soloist, having played in numerous venues throughout New England, including Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. In May 2011, he was a featured soloist with Symphony Pro Musica, performing Rodrigo’s famous Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra. He has also performed as an orchestral guitarist throughout central Massachusetts for such groups as the Worcester Jazz Orchestra, Wachusett Theater Company, Foothills Theater, Theater at the Mount, and Worcester County Light Opera.

 

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Local Business supports School Music Student

November 1, 2011 – 9:00 am
Raynham, MA – November 1st 2011 – Raynham Middle School student Andrew DiMarzio has been making more than music lately. After being told he was no longer able to bring his Tenor Sax on the bus due to its large size, his family has been forced to find him rides to and from school. When employees at David French Music Company heard the story of Andrew’s difficulties, they wanted to help out.

“School music programs are having a hard enough time scheduling students for instrumental music classes; we just want to make an impact.” stated President of the David French Music Company, Eric French. After contacting school officials and getting the donation approved by the Raynham School Committee, a brand new Tenor Saxophone was hand delivered to the Raynham Middle School music department.

Mr. French knows how important it is to provide students with access to instruments. “Hopefully this donation will enable Andrew and other students to more easily participate in school instrumental music classes, both now and in the future.”

On top of instrument rentals, David French Music also provided scholarships to qualifying students in our local school systems. For more information about who we are and what we do, visit www.DavidFrenchMusic.com, or find us on facebook.com/DavidFrenchMusic.
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Lesson Instructor Spotlight : Patti Lake

September 29, 2011 – 12:00 pm

Patti Lake is a French Horn instructor at David French Music.

Patricia began her musical journey working with children in 1993 after attending UMASS Lowell as a Music Education/Performance Major.

She has studied with Chloe Nestor, Jeanne Paella, and Ellen Michaud-Martins. Patti Lake - French HornPatricia is a founding member of the Brass Canticle Quintet and a member of Sounds of Stowe, and the UMASS Lowell Summer Concert Band. She is also a member of “Espirit de Cor” based in Lexington, MA.

Patti is the founder of the Symphony Pro Musica’s “Pied Piper Project,” a partnership with local schools that provides master classes and free tickets to Symphony Pro Musica performances for local students in the area.

Along with her musical accomplishments and work as a freelance musician, Patricia (Mrs. Patti) is also a self employed Early Childhood Music & Movement Specialist holding teacher certifications within several curricula and the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association.

 

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Lesson Instructor Spotlight : Bill Fanning

August 15, 2011 – 12:00 pm

Bill Fanning is a Trumpet instructor at David French Music.

Trumpeter, composer and teacher Bill Fanning began his professional playing while still in high school, performing in street parades with the Worcester Brass Band. “I remember thinking… Wow, I made as much money in 45 minutes as I did all week as a busboy.” After high school Bill pursued music at Westfield State College, graduating in 1985 with a degree in Music Performance.

Bill FanningIn 1998 he received a scholarship to New England Conservatory and moved back to the central Massachusetts area, graduating with honors in 2000 with a Masters of Music. While at the Conservatory, Bill studied improvisation with Jon McNeil, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, and Bob Brookmeyer. He also performed with Jon Faddis, Maria Schneider and George Russell.

Bill has toured with the Artie Shaw Band, the Benny Goodman Tribute Band, and has played with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. He has also performed with pop artists The O’Jays, The Temptations, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Lou Christie.

Check out Bill at www.fanmanmusic.com.

 

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