This page highlights the newest additions to the entire website and significant news. Return often to see what's new!
Updated: June 22, 2011
Welcome!
Summer has once again gratefully arrived, which always affords me free time to revise the site. So many unique musical moments happen throughout the year warranting documentation, and our current technology allows me to display many of them.
It was one of those years that sleep often was skipped. At Indiana University of PA, I taught Introduction to Music to non-majors in addition to my bass students. At St. Francis University in January I began directing the SFU Singers, which ended up being a fun women's chamber group; I'm looking forward to witnessing the group develop. I was invited to direct the Pennsylvania Music Educators' Association (PMEA) District 6 Jazz Vocal Choir in January--a role-reversal moment in my life after my formative experiences as a student attending these festivals, I finally had the opportunity to be behind the baton. I have posted the audio clips here. And my good friend and musical collaborator, Beth Good, teamed with me in planning and presenting a clinic at the PMEA State Conference in Hershey, PA on including jazz into vocal programs entitled, "Cooking Up Some Vocal Jazz: Appetizers to a Full Course Meal."
I spent some time in the studio, cutting some keyboard parts for my brother Jason's Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute band, Twelve-Twenty Four (CD "Miracle on Rock St.") on his own tune, "Funky Little Xmas," and on Stanley Chepaitis's innovative CD, "Double Take." Both can be purchased online at iTunes and CdBaby respectively.
I continued to gig with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Jazz In Your Face Big Band, Soy Bomb, White Noise, Jazz Factory 3, and the Rick Struzzi trio. I made my professional debut on guitar in the 3-week run of the "Altar Boyz" at the Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown. I even performed in the funeral of Rep. John Murtha (12th district, PA), attended by such leaders as Pres. Bill Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and other major political figures. I performed with legendary artists like Marvin Stamm and Steve Lippia.
I have included many new sound files, video clips, and links throughout the entire site. Please take note of future performances and come check say hi if you can. I post regularly on Facebook and Twitter.
I would like to mention as always that the website dedicated to my late father Rosendo E. Santos, Jr. has also undergone some renovation. Please do take a moment and browse that site as well and contribute material if possible.
Thank you to my masterful website technician, Christopher Shaw for offering me his unfailing talent and keeping this site current and user-friendly.
