Percussive Arts Society and Yamaha Announce Scholarship Winners
Young Percussionists Andrew Nittoli (left) & Chase Bronstein (right) |
Currently a freshman at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia as a jazz performance major, Andrew Nittoli was exposed to jazz at a very early age when he began studying drums at the age of nine, later transitioning to jazz vibraphone at the age of 13. Born in Rochester, NY, Andrew has studied under the instruction of Dr. Howard Potter at the Eastman School of Music and of Tony Miceli at UA. He has also been fortunate to form a mentoring relationship with world renowned composer and vibraphonist Joe Locke. Andrew has also had the opportunity to take masterclasses from greats such as Eric Alexander, Ken Peplowski, Stefon Harris, Don Menza and Gene Bertoncini.
"I am honored to have been selected for the 2009 PAS/Yamaha Terry Gibbs Vibraphone Scholarship," noted Nittoli. "Mr. Gibbs is a pioneer and remains an innovator of the vibraphone and I truly appreciate the recognition." The scholarship, funded by Yamaha, honors legendary jazz vibraphonist and Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame member, Terry Gibbs.
PASIC Scholarship winner Chase Bronstein received his B.S. in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University, where he studied percussion with David Smith and his M.M. in percussion performance at The Boston Conservatory where he studied percussion with Keith Aleo and Sam Solomon and marimba with Nancy Zeltsman. Chase has performed in a wide variety of musical ensembles including drum corps, wind ensembles, orchestras, percussion ensembles, and mixed chamber ensembles as well as presenting solo percussion recitals. He toured the United States performing as a member of the percussion section of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (DCI) in 2005 and 2006. Chase has competed in three PAS solo snare drum competitions, and has played in numerous symphonic masterclasses at PASIC. He has instructed and arranged for several high school percussion ensembles and drumlines throughout Connecticut including three-time Winter Guard International (WGI) scholastic finalist Stamford High School. The PASIC Scholarship encourages students to attend the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Each winner receives $500, complimentary PASIC registration and a one year PAS membership renewal.
"I have always loved performing on Yamaha instruments," said Bronstein. "I can't thank the Yamaha enough for the scholarship and the opportunity to attend PASIC, which is always an inspiring event for any percussionist."
For more information on the Percussive Arts Society, e-mail percarts@pas.org, or log on to www.pas.org.
For more information on Yamaha, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/band.