January 30th, 12:00-1:00 PM:
Rob Silvan, KEYS founder:
Rob Silvan is a jazz musician and composer, Music Director at the Talmadge Hill Community Church, Coordinator of the Music School at the New Canaan YMCA, and has been a music educator for over thirty years.
Frank Derico, Program Director-Neighborhood Studios
Frank Derico has been Program Director for Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (formerly the Music and Arts Center for Humanity), in Bridgeport, CT for nine years years and with the organization for ten. Under his management, the organization won the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities Coming Up Taller Award in 2005. Prior to working at Neighborhood Studios, he was a founding member of a seven-piece avant-garde rock ensemble, helping compose, arrange and promote the group throughout the Northeast. The group released three recordings and appeared on several compilations. Mr. Derico graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Bridgeport in 1998, where he received a B.Mus. in Performance. He holds a Credential in Afterschool Education from Charter Oak State College. In addition to his work at Neighborhood Studios, he has served as a consultant for the United Way Music Zone initiative and as a curriculum consultant for NAAM. Currently, Frank is co-director of the Bridgeport After School Network, a collaborative of after school providers in the city. Mr. Derico’s major instruments are soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones. An active performer, his professional experience includes Jazz, Latin, Classical, and Rock ensembles.
Bennie Wallace, Director of Backcountry Jazz
Building Community Through Music
Backcountry Jazz works collaboratively with partner organizations to invigorate the community educationally and socially, while building future audiences for America’s unique cultural heritage. Through concerts, educational programs, and scholarships, Backcountry Jazz makes significant contributions to building stronger communities.
Eileen O’Reilly, Managing Director, FTC
John Reid, Producing Artistic Director, FTC
The Fairfield Theatre Company today announced that Fairfield resident, John Reid, has joined the organization as the new Producing Artistic Director. Reid will manage all aspects of FTC including artistic direction, programming, staffing, strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach.
“This is an exciting time in our evolution,” said Brad Purcell, Chairman of FTC’s Board. “We are extremely fortunate to have been able to attract someone with John’s breadth of experience and broad not-for-profit expertise. He brings the talent this organization needs to realize its full potential.”
Reid, who earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington, is an experienced not-for-profit executive who has worked in senior leadership positions at the global humanitarian organizations CARE and World Vision and at the children’s advocacy organizations FamiliesFirst, Childhelp, and the Hole in the Wall Foundation.
“I am delighted to join FTC, an organization that has grown to be such a vibrant force for arts and culture in the area,” said John Reid, FTC’s new Producing Artistic Director. “They have done an outstanding job in this community over the past 10 years. The potential is extraordinary.”
Reid also has an extensive background in the arts. He was the Producer for the Roundabout Theatre’s Conservatory and Ensemble Company in New York City and has produced and performed in numerous plays and television commercials. Reid is also an accomplished guitarist, singer and songwriter and plays professionally as a solo act performing original music. “When I began talking to FTC, I quickly realized this would be a fantastic fit for me, given my background in not-for-profit leadership, music, and theatre,” said Reid. “I could not be more thrilled by the opportunity to help lead this wonderful organization into the future.”
Also possible guests:
Mystic Bowie & Rick Petrone (who also run music programs for youth groups)