Tag Archives: final note

Final Note: Nicholas Louis Martinis

Life Member. Drum Set
8/13/1931 – 12/7/2023

by Robbie Hioki

Nicholas Louis Martinis was born on August 13, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA.

As a young aspiring drummer in Philly, Max Roach let Nick sit in with his band, and there he got to play with Charlie Parker.

Nick went on tour with a band from Philly and settled in Los Angeles. Some of his favorite jobs include working with Frank Rosolino, The Lighthouse All Stars, and the Pete Jolly Trio. He played with Pete for over 30 years. Continue reading

Final Note: Jeffrey Rizzo

Life Member. Piano
6/16/1954 – 5/1/2023

Jeff Rizzo’s favorite Broadway musical was… well, almost all of them. Well known for his opinionated theatrical viewpoints, if a show was well cast and directed, with a sufficiently large orchestra, and moved along (preferably under 90 minutes), he’d give it a thumbs up. Musical Theater was in his blood…musicals were his life and few people exist that share his vast knowledge on the subject. Continue reading

Final Note: Michael Grego

6/26/1957 – 2/3/2023
Life Member. Clarinet

Michael Grego, clarinet, passed away on February 3, 2023. Michael was born in Montebello, CA, attended St. Stephen School in Monterey Park, and graduated from Loyola High School in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from Loyola Marymount University. He graduated with a Master of Music in 1983 and a Doctor of Musical Arts in 1991, both from USC. He attended the Music Academy of the West where he studied with his principal teacher, Mitchell Lurie. Continue reading

Final Note: Terry Woodson

Life Member. Conductor/Director
12/19/1941 – 10/19/2022

by JB Griffiths

Terry Clark Woodson passed away peacefully at his home in Studio City, California on October 19, 2022. Terry was born on December 19, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Tulsa’s Central High School and graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Master’s degree in Music, before moving to Los Angeles in 1964 to pursue a career in music. Continue reading

Final Note: Juliann French

Member. Violin
5/1/1958 – 10/3/2022

Juliann May French, 64, of Santa Cruz, CA died unexpectedly Monday, October 3 in Santa Maria, CA. She was born May 1, 1958 in Omaha to Patricia and Merwyn G. French Jr. then of Page, Nebraska. Juliann is the loving mother of Mikaila Kaiser of Santa Cruz, CA. The two share an exceptionally close bond. Continue reading