Looking for SE Florida SOTW members

[Frank D]

As you can see from my profile, I've relocated from hot, dry Phoenix to hot, wet Florida. The Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale area to be exact.

I'd like to hear from any players in this area, with info about finding gigs, good horn shops in the area, what players/bands to go hear, etc.

Use the email icon at the bottom if you'd prefer to take the dialog offline, or just email fdemar@hotmail.com

[Andres]

I'm in East Central FL (space coast) but I do make my way down to Ft. Lauderdale occasionally for work. Your area has *got* to have more going on than mine...

[Smokin' Joe]

Hi Frank...welcome to the neighborhood !!! I'm up in Orlando but, am very often in your area with my band. Saul Fromkin repairs horns at American Music in Jupiter, FL. You probably won't find a better repair guy, period. Saul was in a car accident about 2 months ago, so I don't know when he'll be up and about. Laura King is also a repair tech there who has been learning some tricks from Saul the master, and I've heard she's a good tech too. They are very friendly and will chat with you about exactly what you have in mind for your horn.
There are a lot of good players here. One in particular is my friend Charlie DeChant who plays with Hall & Oates...if you get a chance to see Charlie on a gig where he can stretch, it's really amazing how tasteful he is. He's one of the best players out there, and a helluva nice guy.
John Orsini is a player here not to be missed. His version of Body and Soul is one of the best I've ever heard. A true master.

For gigs you might want to talk to some players at U of Miami. They have a great music school and may know where to direct you for gigs in your area.
I'll contact you for/with more info.

[Frank D]

Joe, thanks for the info. I'll definitely be looking up Saul and Laura.

I happen to know John Orsini, we both grew up in Northeast Ohio, and played in a couple jazz workshop bands together. He was a monster back then, I can only imagine what he's like now. Give him my best next time you see him.

[MissNiceness]

I'm in SE Florida...Miami in fact. I'm not a sax player but a flute player trying to get a sax :lol: . I work at the Sam Ash down in Miami Lakes...in the band & orchestra department of course :D

[Frank D]

Hello, MissNiceness. I'll stop by Sam Ash if I'm ever in the neighborhood. Who works on your flute? I have an old Armstrong 104 that I'd like to have repadded and adjusted, so I can try to get my flute chops back together.

[timobrien]

OK, I'll pipe in.....

I"m just a bit north of Jupiter in Stuart.

Joe, thanks for the tip about American Musical.... I'll keep them in mind if I need anything...

[MissNiceness]

Who works on your flute? I have an old Armstrong 104 that I'd like to have repadded and adjusted, so I can try to get my flute chops back together.

Well I've only been in FL for about 3 months or so, so "my tech" is still sitting in McKeesport, PA! But at our store, we have this guy who simply seems great...his name is Ray Lim , he's the sole repairman for band and string instruments, and he's off on Sundays and Mondays. Now I'm not just trying to toot the horn of my employer here (pardon the pun), but his prices are about 1/3 less than what I was paying back home in Pennsylvania for the same work. Plus he has this uncanny familiarity with just about any band/orchestral instrument out there.

The Armstrong 104 must be one of the most popular used flutes around...we have two for sale and I've seen 3 customers bring them in for appraisals within the last 4 days (well, I've only been working for 4 days!). I have a 303B myself and it has definitely served it's duty for the last 8 years.

Oh, my name is Shona by the way. I'm usually lurking around the saxophone case where the Cannonballs are on display. :lol:

[Mike Ruhl]

Frank, we'll be in Ormond Beach and Orlando for a couple of weeks around Labor Day. I know it's not southeast Florida, but I'll say hi to Peter Ponzol for you (if I can catch him in).

[Mike Cesati]

I am considering moving to Fla to around the Ft Myers area West coast ? Any input on gigs /jazz scene in that area of Fl. thanks

[JohnZ]

Hello Frank D, I live in Lauderhill, just west of Fort Lauderdale. If you are interested in a community band, the Broward Symphonic Band meets on mondays at 7PM at the BCC band room in Davie. Just look for the tall stage building. It is comprised of BCC students (for credit), many local music teachers, and other adults. The BSB has only had one rehearsal last week, so Sep 8, 2003 would be a good time to show up, as the season is just starting. I'm not a "pro" but with almost 100 members, there should be someone there to "network" with. No audition, so come check it out!! There is also a community band in Delray & also Plantation High School has one going on thursday nights. Sam Ash also has a store in North Broward, and All County Music has several stores. Feel free to email me!!

[Frank D]

JohnZ, thanks for the info, although communitly bands aren't my cup of tea. I'm more the jazz/rock/blues type of guy, although big band can be fun with the right repertoire. You're right about the networking aspect, though, and thanks for the music store info.

[JohnZ]

Frank D, I took a quick look at your website after posting. There are lots of clubs in the area, but I'm not sure how to go from a customer to a band member. Check out a free "handout" called "Heat Beat", generally offered at concerts. Lots of club info. Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale has a lot of entertainment. Quite a few recording studios in South Florida. They all have bulletin boards too.

[Frank D]

Thanks! I'll follow up on both. Usually making the transition consists of hanging out at the clubs and sitting in with bands that you like/like you. Eventually that leads to gigs.

[meth]

John,
The community band sounds interesting. Who is running it/ in charge of it?

[JohnZ]

Meth, the BCC symphonic band is conducted by Mr. Neil Jenkins. He is the band director at JP Taravella high school in Coral Springs and a professor at BCC. I'll email the contact info.

[meth]

Thanks John! I emailed Ray, and look forward to his response. Just out of curiousity, I wonder if he is the same person that ran the Coconut Creek Community band about 6 years ago. I believe he had a wife by the name of Babe.

[JohnZ]

YES! Babe does all the paperwork & moderates the concerts.
Together, Babe & Ray "make it happen"

[Saxer00]

Im in Jupiter, Fl. I personally like Larry Bono. ive never let anyone but him touch my horn. but ive just heard of this guy in orlando named Gary Underwood Music, number is (407) 677-8792. i hear hes real good.

there also another guy that is in green acers i beleive and his name is Mark Freeze, real good guy. you can contact him at a440ish@earthlink.net

[Saxer00]

Meth, the BCC symphonic band is conducted by Mr. Neil Jenkins. He is the band director at JP Taravella high school in Coral Springs and a professor at BCC. I'll email the contact info.


NEIL JENKINS IS A GREAT DIRECTOR!!! your very lucky to have him. he was a director at FSU Music Camp when i was there around 4 years ago.