LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

RECENTLY FEATURED MUSICIANS:

Eric Gargrave, Saxophone, is Assistant Professor of Music at the Community College of Rhode Island. A frequent performer in a number of styles, Eric’s prior engagements have included concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Wheaton Municipal Band and the Villa Musica festival in Mainz, Germany amongst others. He has held faculty positions at schools including the University of Missouri-Columbia and North Carolina A&T University, and additionally served as instructor at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lakes, Michigan and the Australian Winds National Music Camp in New South Wales, Australia. A recipient of the prestigious Performer’s Certificate as well as degrees with distinction from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, he also holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His major teachers have included Steven Stusek, Eugene Rousseau, James Campbell and Howard Klug. Originally from the Midwest, Eric is married to Ann-Renee Gargrave. Together they enjoy reading, competitive running, participating in the life of their church and parenting their four children.

Stephen Martorella, Piano, a native New Yorker, is currently Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church in America, Providence, Rhode Island; artistic director for South County Chamber Singers, Kingston and an adjunct instructor at Rhode Island College. He has also served as organist for Temple Torat Yisrael, Cranston, and as adjunct instructor at the University of Rhode Island and adjunct assistant professor at Salve Regina College. In 1989, Stephen Martorella was both soloist and conductor with the American Wind Symphony in a joint concert with the Wind Orchestra of the Soviet Army in St. Petersburg’s (formerly Leningrad) October Hall. He has also appeared as soloist in Belfast, London, Paris, and Miami and on live broadcast as part of the Kerkrade summer festival in Netherlands. As both soloist and conductor, he has given U.S. and world premieres of several major works of contemporary composers, including the New York premiere of Flor Peeters’ Concerto for Piano and Organ; and the world premieres of Geoffrey Gibbs’ Partita for Organ, Strings and Percussion and Intavolatura of Song, A Chamber Symphony. A resident of Rhode Island since 1975, Stephen Martorella has made frequent appearances with such groups as the Rhode Island Civic Chorale, the Rhode Island State Ballet, the Providence New Music Ensemble, Music on the Hill, the Rhode Island College Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Series, Swanhurst Chorale and the American Band. The Providence Journal-Bulletin writes: Stephen Martorella is, ”a performer of the most refined musical tastes and abilities.”

Bob Colonna, Narrator, has been an actor, director, narrator, announcer and performer professionally for fifty years, beginning on the British Variety stage with his father, the beloved comedian Jerry Colonna. Most recently he has worked at 2nd Story Theater in Warren, Rhode Island and as Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" and Vladimir in "Waiting For Godot", among other roles. He has been seen in Boston at The Huntington Theatre and Lyric Stage, in Providence at Trinity Rep, at Milwaukee Rep, the Old Globe (CA), the Bread Loaf School of English (VT) and The Theater at Monmouth (ME). He was founder and artistic director of The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater from 1971 to 1990. He has also directed at several Rhode Island colleges as well as The Theater at Monmouth, 2nd Story Theatre, New Stage, and many other venues. His voice has been heard in over 5000 radio commercials in the New England area. Bob is currently an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at Rhode Island College. His recently released biography of his dad is available at Bearmanormedia.com. He was a recipient of the 2007 Claiborne Pell Award for Excellence In The Arts.

T. Steven Smith, Bass-Baritone, has a reputation as a sensitive and intelligent interpreter of a wide variety of operatic roles. Mr. Smith appeared in summer 2000 as Zuniga in Carmen at the Opera Festival of New Jersey and made his debut with Austin Lyric Opera in March 2001, performing Hunding in Die Walküre. He sang Dr. Bartolo in The Barber of Seville with Boston’s Opera Aperta in summer 2001. In the 2001-2002 season, he sang Basilio in The Barber of Seville at Mississippi Opera and appeared with L’Opéra de Montréal and Opera Grand Rapids as the Sacristan in Tosca. In summer 2002 Mr. Smith sang the Commendatore in Don Giovanni at the Pine Mountain Music Festival in Michigan. In the 2002-2003 season his engagements included debuts with Portland Opera as Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore, Cleveland Opera in the title role in Don Pasquale and Canadian Opera Company as the Bonze in Madama Butterfly, and his return to Austin for performances of Dead Man Walking. In 2003, Mr. Smith returned to Portland Opera to perform the role of Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro. In spring of 2004, Mr. Smith made his Atlanta Opera debut singing the role of Il Bonzo in Madama Butterfly, and in 2005 Mr. Smith returned to Cleveland Opera for performances of Madama Butterfly, as well. In December of 2005 Mr. Smith made his solo debut with the Sippican Choral Society for their Christmas concert and returned as soloist in their 2006 Christmas and 2007 spring concerts. Mr. Smith also made his debut with Opera Providence in 2007 singing the title role in Don Pasquale, which was met with great critical acclaim. In 2008, Mr. Smith again joined the Sippican Choral Society for their spring concert and also sang in the acclaimed Shining through Broken Glass featuring Leonard Nimoy at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, RI. During the 1999-2000 season, as a member of Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Studio, Mr. Smith’s roles included Monterone in Rigoletto and Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola. In the 1998-99 season, his first with the company, he sang Blansac in La scala di seta, the Monk/Altro Voce in La Gioconda, the Doctor in Macbeth, and the Second Armored Man in Die Zauberflöte. He was also an apprentice artist at Central City Opera in summer 1999. T. Steven Smith studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he performed Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Pausanius in An Incomplete Education, Simone in Gianni Schicchi, the title role in Don Pasquale, and Norton in The Marriage Contract. As a member of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Ensemble Program, he sang the Third Spirit in The Tale of Orpheus and prepared the Bonze in Madame Butterfly and Pluto in The Tale of Orpheus. He made his debut with Boston Lyric Opera as Jacob in The Ballad of Baby Doe. Mr. Smith is a two-time regional winner of the MacAllister Awards, and was named a regional finalist by the Met National Council in 1998. His teachers include Diana Soviero and Mark St. Laurent and he has worked with such directors and conductors as Bernard Uzan, Colin Graham, John Moriarty, Hal France, Stephen Lord, Stewart Robertson, and Richard Bonynge.

Marisa Martinez, Flute, is an accomplished flutist with over 20 years of experience. Also an experienced woodwind doubler, she has performed in numerous pit orchestras for musicals, including Chicago, Sunday in the Park with George, and Willy Wonka. Ms. Martinez has won master class competitions with world renowned flutists and musicians such as Mimi Stillman and the McCormick Duo and was a featured performer with the Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra. In addition, she has been invited as a guest artist to lead master classes in Lake Havasu, Arizona and Rancho Cucamonga, CA. In 2007, Ms. Martinez performed at the National Flute Association Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico with the Flutefinity Flute Ensemble and is also a founding member of Absolute Flutes Flute Ensemble. She has served as adjudicator for the Arizona Music Educators Association Regional flute auditions as well as solo and ensemble competitions. An accomplished performer, Ms. Martinez has also had great success as a teacher. As the Director of Bands at Lake Havasu High School in Lake Havasu, Arizona for 4 years, she brought the marching and concert bands to award winning status. Former teachers include Dr. Sandra Schwoebel, Dr. Jean Louis Kashy, and Dr. Brian A. Luce. Ms. Martinez is also an active member of the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from the University of Arizona.

Melanie N. Colvin-Mollo, Soprano, is a native of Rhode Island. She has toured coast to coast in the United States, Canada and Europe. Miss Colvin has performed in concert and on the opera stage with the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, the Festival Dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy, the Aspen Opera Theatre, Tulsa Opera, Opera Omaha, National Opera of Scotland and many other venues. Favorite roles include Madama Butterfly, Mimi in "La Boheme", Pamina in "The Magic Flute" and Lauretta in "Gianna Schicchi". Miss Colvin currently resides with her husband in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Francis L. Cole-Anthony, Voice, was born in Liberia, West Africa. She has lived in Rhode Island for over 16 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Liberia and an Arts Administration Degree in Music and Fine Arts from Spartanburg Methodist College in South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Education with a specialty in Special Education. Francis has one son. In addition to singing and studying, Francis enjoys writing songs, cooking, baking, and reading about current events and world history. Francis also sings with the Opera Providence Company, at weddings, concerts, and many other groups.

Lyle Hill, Euphonium, is the Principal Euphonium of the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble. He also plays Tuba with the URI Traditional Jazz Band, the Narragansett Bay Brass Ensemble, is guest soloist at various churches, and is a private brass teacher. During the past four years he has played in the Chaminade Oratorio Group Orchestra, the Bristol Theater Co., and North Kingston Theater Group Orchestras, and the Fall River Symphony. Lyle has been Euphonium soloist with the U.S. Steel Concert Band, Gary, IN, and held lead positions in the Purdue University Symphonic and Stage Bands, and the Newport Concert Band. He studies with Gary Buttery, and is also an English Handbell ringer. Lyle holds an BSEE from Purdue University and MSEE from Northeastern University. He retired after 40 years as an electrical engineer and has 2 U.S. patents.

Rich Kelly, Trumpet, is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. At the age of sixteen Mr. Kelly was selected to perform as soloist with the Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops on several occasions. He attended the Juilliard School of Music and taught in their Music Advancement Program. Mr. Kelly was active in the New York Trumpet Ensemble, the Philharmonia Virtuosi, the New York Pops and other distinguished performing groups. He also had the pleasure of performing with such artists as: Vanessa Williams, Jenifer Aniston, Ray Charles, James Taylor, Nancy Wilson, Glenn Close, and Danny Aiello, among others. Rich has performed in many Broadway shows, including Cats, Les Miserables, Crazy for You, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Secret Garden and others. He appears on many recordings ranging from solo performances to TV and Motion Pictures. Mr. Kelly's blend of virtuosity in both classical and jazz styles make him a driving force in the music world today.

James Pandolfi, Trumpet, began playing the trumpet at an early age under the tutelage of his father. He attended the Juilliard School and studied with Mel Broiles and William Vacchiano. Mr. Pandolfi has held many positions including Associate Principal in the Mexico City Philharmonic, Principal in the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Principal in the Oklahoma Symphony, and finally spent 15 seasons playing with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under the direction of James Levine. He was a featured soloist with the Mineria Festival Orchestra in Mexico, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the Oklahoma Symphony, and recently performed the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 by Bach with James Levine and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Due to degenerative retinal eye disease, Mr. Pandolfi was forced to retire prematurely from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He is now giving Master Classes at Juilliard and the New England Conservatory and continues to perform as a soloist.

David Piccirillo, Trumpet, is a farmer and retired Glocester Police Officer. He has studied privately with Nedo Pandolfi, Jim Pandolfi, and Russ Devyust. In addition to playing with the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble, David has played with the Night Life Big Band, the Moonlighters, and Big Papa Shine. He resides in Glocester, RI with his wife and two children.

Kate Rossi, Flautist, began playing the flute as a student at Ponaganset High School. She played in the Ponaganset High School Wind Ensemble and the Rhode Island All State Orchestra and studied privately with Virginia Sindelar. Kate is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College where she majored in Spanish and History and studied flute with Adrianne Greenbaum and Alison Hale. She played in the MHC Orchestra, Klezmer Band, flute choir, and several chamber orchestras performing for the campus community and the surrounding Western Massachusetts area.

Cory Silva, Clarinet, graduated from UMASS Dartmouth with a Bachelor's in Performance and Education. In 2000, honors included the Bobby Green Award for Outstanding Musicianship, touring and collaborating with composer Erik Lingren, and acceptance into the first ever "Music Educators' of America Wind Ensemble" at the Nationals' Conference in Washington D.C.. Cory has continued playing in several community ensembles, (which he's done since age 11), played in many pit orchestras for various theater shows including "Annie," "The Sound of Music," and "42nd St.", and has appeared in chamber recitals in Canton, Bristol, New York, Providence, Fall River, and Rehoboth. In 2005, he became a member of the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble and in 2006 appeared in recitals in Milton, Fall River, and Chatham. Also in 2006, he performed for the Southcoast Opera Club, and performed and participated at Clarinet-Fest 06 in Atlanta, GA.

Ian Shippee, French horn, is a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington, has studied with Nedo Pandolfi, and performed with the Ponaganset High School Wind Ensemble, the UMF Concert Band, UMF Community Orchestra, and Navy Band Newport. Mr. Shippee also leads a church band called "Friday Night Live" in his hometown of Foster, Rhode Island.

Bill Smith, Trumpet, is the current instrumental director at Coventry High School in Coventry, RI. A music teacher in Coventry for 21 years, Bill has directed the Concert Choir, Select Choir, and for the past ten years, Bill has directed the Jazz Ensemble, Marching and Concert Bands, exclusively. Under Bill's direction, the Select Choir and Concert Band have received superior ratings at the RIMEA choral and band festivals. As a professional trumpet player Bill has played with the Temptations and did a national tour of the Broadway musical, "Ain't Misbehavin". He is a current member of the local Rhythm and Blues Band, Brass Attack, and was a member of the band, Brass Force, for 12 years. Bill resides in Warwick with his wife Katie, and children Molly and Brendan. Bill performed with the RI Wind Ensemble while attending high school in the 1970's.

Jenilyn Smith, Oboe, began her musical career in her native hometown of Vernon, NJ. She is a 2003 graduate of York College of Pennsylvania where she studied the oboe under the direction of Kirstin Gordon, and received her BS in music education. During her college career she received several academic and music honors including the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall. After college, she moved to Rhode Island and began her career in music education as an elementary music teacher in the Warwick Public Schools.

Susan K. Winterbottom-Shadday, French Horn, is a Rhode Island native. Susan has a Bachelor of Music Degree in horn performance from the New England Conservatory and Master of Music Degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Susan has studied privately with Paul Anderson, Nedo Pandolfi, Daniel Katzen, Jon Menkis, William Purvis, and Jean Rife. When she is not playing the horn, Susan enjoys teaching general, choral and instrumental music. Susan is a music teacher for the Bristol-Warren Regional School District, and also teaches a number of private horn students in the East Bay area. She is a member of Your Favorite Brass Quintet, the Rhode Island Brass, Trade Winds, and Musica Dolce.