Tag Archives: Final Notes

Final Note: Joseph William Soldo

Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
7/31/1925 – 8/15/2025

A Life Well Played: Joe Soldo, Consummate Musician and Contractor, Dies at 100

From “reed man” to in-demand music contractor to devoted family man, Joe Soldo leaves behind a century of inspiration.

A proud member of Local 47 since 1971, Joe was born in Newark, NJ, to William and Lucy Soldo. He received his first saxophone at age 11 and, right out of high school, made a name for himself as a traveling band musician before moving onto Broadway. There, he played multiple instruments in shows like “Bye Bye Birdie” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Continue reading →

Final Note: Alf Clausen

Life Member. Composer
3/28/1941 – 5/30/2025

by Pam Gates

I was lucky enough to have worked with Alf and “The Simpsons” TV show orchestra for 12 years!

Alf was a magnificent composer and held wonderful AFM sessions. First and foremost he took care of business. He absolutely knew what musical result he wanted from his players and his crew accomplished that! Continue reading →

Final Note: Roberto Cani

Member. Violin
10/17/1967 – 4/9/2025

World-Renowned Violinist and Artist

Roberto Cani, an internationally acclaimed violinist whose artistry and dedication to music inspired audiences across the globe, passed away on April 9, 2025. Known for his extraordinary talent and devotion to the violin, Roberto leaves behind a legacy of beautiful artistry and a deep passion for music. Continue reading →

Final Note: Ray Kelley

Life Member. Cello
2/26/1938 – 3/4/2025

by Daniel Kelley

Ray Kelley had the cello career any musician would covet: a member of the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by decades of nonstop studio work during a golden era for records, jingles, live TV and motion pictures. But I would rather write about who he was. Continue reading →

Celebration of Life: Gary Grant

Final Note: Joel B. Lish

Life Member. Viola/Conductor
3/11/1935 – 3/5/2024

Violist Joel Lish graduated from Verdugo Hills High School when he was just 16. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and then later enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his last two years in the Air Force Joel was stationed in Okinawa. At the request of some of the local musicians he started a small group of string players and taught himself to conduct. Many years later Joel was quite surprised to learn that after he left Okinawa in 1957 this group continued and eventually evolved into the Okinawa Symphony, and that Joel is considered the founder of that orchestra! Continue reading →

Final Note: Terry Frances Evans

3/27/1943 – 6/5/2024
Life Member. Acoustic/Electric Guitar

Terry Evans, jazz guitar extraordinaire, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on June 5, 2024. Continue reading →

Final Note: John Thaddeus Perett

Life Member. Drum Set
1/11/1944 – 5/7/2024

John Perett passed away as a result of advanced dementia in Portland, OR on May 7, 2024. John was 80 years old. He was born in Cambridge, MA on January 11, 1944 to Constantino A. and Patricia D. Perett. Continue reading →

Final Note: Ben Lanzarone

Life Member. Piano
10/28/1938 – 2/16/2024

Ben Lanzarone, a native of Brooklyn, New York, celebrated composer/arranger/musical director/pianist, has passed away at the age of 85 at his home in Los Angeles. Continue reading →

Final Note: Daniel Adam Savell

2/11/1975 – 11/17/2023
Member. Percussion

It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that Daniel Adam Savell has died. He passed away November 17, 2023, succumbing to injuries suffered in a sports accident. Dan was born February 11, 1975, in Newton, Massachusetts and was co-founder and co-owner of L.A. Percussion and Backline Rentals in Santa Clarita, California. Continue reading →