GERRY
BARRETT
Growing up in Pennsylvania, Gerry found himself living very close to one of
the great old dance halls of the "Big Band Era",
Sunny
Brook Ballroom in Pottstown, Pa. It was a favorite venue for all of the
bands of the day. The education he received from that ballroom is priceless.
Even at 8 years old, Gerry
discovered that playing violin was not for him. Trumpet was the instrument
that impressed him the most and he began an adventure that took him around
the world. He played every school band available to him. He was fortunate
enough to play with local professional musicians while in high school. Again,
he learned some very valuable lessons.
Enlisting in the Navy in
1966, Gerry graduated from the Navy School of Music and spent the next four
years playing with some very topnotch musicians. At the end of his Navy tour
Gerry married a great girl to who he is still married. She supported him while
he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and then later while he
performed on the road with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Buddy Rich, Red Buttons,
Milton Berle and many others. Along he way he watch and observed bands, entertainers
and most importantly, the crowds. Gerry realized that people wanted to be
entertained and not simply flooded with one song after another. Well, finally,
after 20 years of playing, Gerry had to make a decision. Settle down and raise
his growing family or be an absentee father. The music business is demanding
and very tough, particularly on families. Although it was hard to do, he placed
his horn in the case where it stayed for another 20 years.
About 2 years ago he decided
it was time to get back into the game he had enjoyed for so long. He formed
the band about a year after he had picked the horn back up. The band's performance
reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of each of these talented players.
Rehearsals have become a venue to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow musicians
while enriching the sound quality of the band as a whole. Experience has taught
him that a band is no place for egos or attitudes no matter how talented the
musician is. He has formed a band that has the greatest bunch of guys who
also happen to be really good musicians.
Having fun is his edict
and will continue to be. That is reflected in the music for all to enjoy.
"Fiorello"
Review from New England's Theater Mirror