SENIOR MUSIC EXECUTIVE
Versatile and results-oriented with over 35 + years experience in music direction and conducting, entertainment contracting, event planning, Union contract negotiations, personnel management, sales and marketing, electric and double bass performance and pedagogy.
MUSIC DIRECTION/CONDUCTING HISTORY
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans•2000 to 2017
• Music director of the annual Horatio Alger Awards – Responsible for all rehearsal and performance oversight and conducting, new musical arrangements, contracting of all musicians.
MedStar National Rehabilitation Network•1993 to 2013
• Music director for the Victory Awards, a quinquennial celebration honoring those with disabilities. Contracting, coordinating and conducting all live music.
The Alfalfa Club•1995 to the present
• Music director for the Alfalfa Club’s annual dinners. Contracting, coordinating and conducting all live music.
The Salon Orchestra of Washington•1986 to the present
• Founder and Music Director of The Salon Orchestra of Washington. A chamber ensemble that features the music of early 20th Century America and Europe.
National Italian American Foundation•1990 to 2008
• NAIF Anniversary Gala, music direction 1990 to 2008. Contracting, coordinating and conducting all non-self contained live music. Coordinating instrument rentals.
MISCELLANEOUS – Music direction and consultant for clients including: General Dynamics, Willard Hotel, Washington Auto Show (WANADA), National Gallery of Art, The Gridiron Club of Washington, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Georgetown University School of Law, WETA, Strayer University, The Society of the Cincinnati, AUSA, just to name a few.
ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT HISTORY
Sidney’s Music & Entertainment
Owner and President - 2008 to the Present
President - 1993 to 2008
Sidney’s Orchestras, Inc.
Vice President, Director of Sales and Personnel - 1986 to 1993
• Direct contact with all major public relations, catering, event planning and destination management companies in Washington.
• Actively aided in theme development and entertainment programming, engaging sound, lighting and back-line rentals for special events.
• Developed network of the region's top instrumentalists and entertainers in a wide range of performance categories.
• Re-branded Sidney’s Orchestras, Inc. as Sidney’s Music & Entertainment. This change reflected Sidney’s expanded role as a full service entertainment contracting service, not just a music agency.
• Liaison with DC Federation of Musicians. Led efforts in establishing Union scale fees, expanding the value added nature of Union membership, and helped encourage proper decorum by stressing a musician’s art from a business perspective.
• Contract negotiations with artists and acts. Produced excellent programming while staying within the clients’ budgets.
PERFORMANCE/BASSIST/PEDAGOGY HISTORY
Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools - Substitute Instrumental Music Teacher 2014 to the present.
Filene Center Orchestra (Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts)
•Principal and Section bassist 1982 to 2015 for show, ballet, opera and symphony
National Symphony Orchestra
•Electric Bass/Double Bass substitute 1983 to 2011
Ford’s Theater
•House Bassist 1981 to 1986
Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Orchestra
•Principal Bass 1982 to 1986
Shenandoah Conservatory 1982 to 1986
•Adjunct Faculty, Double Bass and Electric Bass
Prince Georges Community College
•Adjunct Faculty, Double Bass and Electric Bass
Northern Virginia Community College 1982 to 1986
•Adjunct Faculty, Double Bass and Electric Bass
Montgomery County, MD Public School
`•Instrumental Music Substitute 2015 to the present
MISCELLANEOUS – among the first call bassists in the DC area for all styles including jazz, rock, classical. Performances include backing up artists as varied as Andrea Bocelli, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Cook, Kenny Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Jr., The Muppets, Placido Domingo, Maureen McGovern, Rosemary Clooney, Garrison Keillor (A Prairie Home Companion), just to name a few.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
The Catholic University of America
Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting, 1980
West Chester University
Bachelor of Music Degree in Double Bass, 1976
DC Federation of Musicians AF of M
Executive Board Member 2011-2014
Destination DC
Rotary Club of Washington 2001-2007