Mask-MathewtMatthew Rockwell – Vibraphone, Composition.

Matthew has over thirty years performing and private teaching experience in the Central New York and regional areas. His musical diversity ranges from Classical, Country and Bluegrass to Musical Theater, Rock, Jazz and Contemporary Avant-Garde! He is the originator of “RHYTAMICS TECHNOLOGIES” – Rhythmic Training and Solfège for all Musicians and owner of Anecdote Music Publications and Lesson Studios! Talented also as a leader and motivator, he helps manage and support the overall achievement of student/artist goals and objectives. Matt is a Manhattan School of Music alumni and has performed solo Vibraharp recitals throughout New York City, including: Carnegie Recital Hall; Manhattan School of Music; Riverside Church; the 92st. YMCA; Marymount College; Washington Square Church; Theater of the Open Eye and Columbia University. Matt has performed with: Natalie Cole; the Manhattan Philharmonic; the New Music Consort of NY and many regional artist including: the Custom Taylor Band; Loren Barrigar; Dave King; the Mario DeSantis Orchestra and of course the Matthew Rockwell Group to name a few! Matthew is also a Noble & Cooley Drum Set Endorser..

Mask-Kar1Joe Karwacki – Bass.

Joe Karwacki is a 1978 graduate of the Ithaca College School of Music where he was a member of the Ithaca College Double Bass Quartet for 4 years and finalist in the 1977 Concerto Competitions. He was appointed Principal Bassist for the Utica Symphony Orchestra in 1982 and has played with the Syracuse, Catskill, Schenectady and Binghamton Symphony Orchestras, and the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. His earliest professional playing work was in 1971 as a regular member of the Con Amore Orchestra directed by Charles Budesheim. He has had performances of his original compositions by members of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and at the 1978 MENC National Convention in Chicago. He has collaborated with or worked for such notable artists as Mstislav Rostropovich, Emanuel Ax, Gunther Schuller, Werner Klemperer, Midori, Trey Anastasio, Harry Connick Jr., Tony Bennett, Al Martino and Barry Manilow, among others. Since 1995 he has taught music in the Utica City School District and in 2005 created the Donovan Jazz/Rock String Ensemble.

Mask-Damian1Damian Allis – Drums.

Damian Allis has been in the CNY music scene since the mid 90’s, first as a drummer for several Syracuse Stage and SU Dept. of Drama plays, then having played with and/or recorded with local acts Grapeshot, The Free Radicals, Jolie Rickman, Grove Havener, and the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble. Besides his current activities with the MRS Band, he holds down the time (and volume) with local acts Funktion Key 3, The Side Project, and Tradewind, while occasionally subbing as bass drummer emeritus with the Excelsior Cornet Band. Damian keeps a practice pad in his office on the SU campus, where he’s a Research Professor of Theoretical Chemistry and a Research Fellow in bioinformatics with The Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute.

Mask-Duane1Duane Davis – Vocals.

Duane Davis is a Syracuse native whose background includes jazz, R&B, gospel and pop.  His first performance was a solo at the age of seven at the former Assumption Academy.  He studied guitar and voice at the Metropolitan School of Arts.  And studied jazz guitar at Onondaga Community College (OCC) and played  in OCC’s jazz band.  He sang gospel with the Inner City Community Choir for five years.  And has performed in many Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company productions through the years.  In whatever church Duane was in, he has been called upon to assist and lead vocally and/or play guitar.

 

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Scott Remillard – Saxophones

Scott Remillard

 

 

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Greg Wrona – Drums

Greg Wrona

Drums

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Duane Davis – Vocals.

Duane Davis is a Syracuse native whose background includes jazz, R&B, gospel and pop.  His first performance was a solo at the age of seven at the former Assumption Academy.  He studied guitar and voice at the Metropolitan School of Arts.  And studied jazz guitar at Onondaga Community College (OCC) and played  in OCC’s jazz band.  He sang gospel with the Inner City Community Choir for five years.  And has performed in many Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company productions through the years.  In whatever church Duane was in, he has been called upon to assist and lead vocally and/or play guitar.