Dave Internicola-
Instruments: guitar
Studied with Joe Pinnavia
Age began playing: 15
Interesting facts: has played in bar cover bands, contemporary worship teams, and original bands
Grace Stumberg-
Instruments: guitar, trumpet, voice
Studied with David DeWitt, Richard Strauss, Matt Stachowiak, Adrienne Tworek-Gryta
Degree received: Bachelors in Music from Villa Maria College in May 2011
Age began playing: 11 guitar, 8 voice & trumpet
Interesting facts: “I’m a singer/songwriter in the Buffalo area and teaching artist in Music is Art program entitled “Music in Action” that educates youth on the various aspects of the music industry.” Grace also released an album entitled “To Whom it may Concern”.
Damone Jackson-
Instruments: drums/percussion
Studied with Jim Kurzdofer, John Bacon, Gary Rutkowski
Degree received: currently pursuing a Bachelors in Music
Age began playing: 2
Interesting facts: Damone was voted the 2nd best drummer in the state of NY in 2007 and made it to the National level his first year in 2007. He has also been on 4 tours with various bands.
Mike Willard-
Instruments: guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, and dabbled in keys (but only teaches guitar)
Studied with Tony Scozzaro
Age began playing: 7
Interesting facts: Mike has the pride of saying he took every non-major music course at UB & ECC. He also has a dog named “Willy”.
Tommy Z-
Instruments: guitar, bass, vocals, drums
Studied with Frank Gerard
Age began playing: 13
Interesting facts: Tommy is a guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer/composer who has won many awards in the WNY area. He has performed for US troops overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Tommy was also inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Joe Shanahan-
Instruments: guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, vocals
Studied with Tony Scozzaro, Pete Hankison
Age began playing: 14
Interesting facts: Joe has played in many local bands, one of which, Only Humen, was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. He also hosts an open mic every Thursday at East End Grill and Taproom in East Aurora.
Kyle Eberth-
Instruments: guitar, bass, piano, drums, viola
Studied with Jim Kurzdorfer, James Flood, Jim Wozniak
Degree received: currently pursuing a Bachelors in Music
Age began playing: 10
Interesting facts: Kyle has experience playing at such venues as Town Ballroom, The Tralf and Xtreme Wheels. He has classical experience being in multiple choirs, school bands and orchestras.
Gary Rutkowski-
Instruments: drums/percussion
Studied with Jan Williams
Degree received: Associate of Arts from Villa Maria College and a Masters of Fine Arts from SUNY Buffalo
Age began playing:
Interesting facts: Gary has taught at Edinboro University in PA, Buffalo State College and currently teaches at Villa Maria College and Community Music School. He has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Irish Tenors, and the S.E.M. Ensemble. Gary also produced an original solo percussion recording “The History of the Future” in 1996.
Jim Wynne-
Instruments played: guitar, bass
Studied with Jim Kurzdorfer, Leola Erftenbech, Steve Thurston, Pat George, Dan Sturner
Age began playing:
Interesting facts: Jim is a nine time Buffalo Music Award recipient and has opened for such acts as Jefferson Starship, Jeff Berlin, and Billy Sheehan. He has also performed at such venues as Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Molson Canalside Concert Series and Thursday in the Square. Jim currently performs with Gamalon, Haiku, and The Wynne Band.
Kevin Helfrich-
Instruments played:
Studied with Dr. Michael Zak and Frank Girard
Age began playing:
Interesting facts: Kevin has been a professional musician since the early 70’s and studied harmony and theory. He is currently performing with the jazz quartet “Four on the Floor” in the acoustic trio “Hell-4-Riches”. He also teaches at the Community Music School in Buffalo.
Joel Squelch-
Instruments played: guitar, vocals, saxophone, bass, harmonica, piano
Studied with Howie Evert, John Kay, William Drew, Jason Drabek, Greg Piontek, John Maguda
Degree received: Associates in Arts from ECC South 2004
Age began playing: 9
Interesting facts: Joel learned guitar basics through Howie Evert and John Kay and studied advanced guitar methods and teaching approaches with Jason Drabek. He studied music theory, advanced music theory, and jazz theory with John Maguda, William Drew, and Greg Piontek. Joel began teaching guitar in 1999 after only 4 years of playing. “Music has always been my life and is now my living”