Rick Brunetto -- Drums,

Bandleader

Rick Brunetto, a native of Piqua, Ohio, earned his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in 1974, and a Masters in Percussion at Ohio State University in 1976. He went on to study timpani in New York with Fred Hinger, world-renowned timpanist, with the Philadelphia and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras.

In 1974, he joined the well-known Bob Allen Trio at the Christopher Inn located in Columbus, with whom he performed and recorded for over 13 years. In 1978, he joined the faculty of Denison University, teaching in the areas of percussion, jazz studies, and music technology. He served as Chair of the Music Department from 1992 to 1998. He has also taught at Kenyon College, Mt. Vernon Nazarene College, and Capital University. He has performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra and Welsh Hills Symphony. Rick has conducted and directed concerts with many artists including Louie Bellson, Frank Foster, Marvin Stamm, and Bill Watrous.

In 1984, he fulfilled a life-long musical ambition to create a 17- piece big band. Today the Rick Brunetto Big Band enjoys great success on the Columbus music scene and appears regularly at festivals, clubs and special events. The band's recordings include: "Tuxedo Junction", "Pick Your Take", "Stand Up and Swing", and their latest CD "So Many Stars So many Dreams." He has written arrangements and compositions for percussion ensemble, big band and symphony orchestra.
Currently Rick is on faculty at St. Charles High School and Mount Vernon Nazarene University where he directs bands and teaches courses in percussion and audio engineering. He continues to perform, write and arrange for the band.

Click Below for Each Section

Vocalists

Rhythm Section

Saxophones

Trombones

Trumpets