John Palatucci has been working as a professional musician since 1978 and has been with The Ridgewood Concert Band since its inception in 1982. He is a valued member of the band serving as principal euphonium, associate conductor, and a featured soloist.
The Early Years: John grew up in New Jersey and attended, St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School in Haskell, Lakeland Regional HS in Wanaque, and Montclair State College where he received a BA in music education and MA in music performance. When he was 10 years old he chose to play the soprano bugle in his family's drum & bugle corps but quit after a few weeks. When he decided to return to the group, all the soprano bugles had been handed out, so he ended up playing a baritone bulge. In high school he gravitated to the euphonium and trombone. His teachers, mentors, and role models include Charlie Trovato, Bob Leive, John Elwood Williams, Don Butterfield, Jack Sacher, and Luke Spiros.
Career Highlights:John has taught music at all levels of education from the elementary through collegiate, having also served as a K-12 school music department chairman and business manager for a NYC arts organization. He is currently employed by the Livingston Board of Education, Caldwell College, serves as co-principal euphonium of the Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York City and is music director of the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus of Ridgewood, NJ.
Musical moments: John has performed and recorded with musical luminaries from Placido Domingo to Frankie Valli, made his NYC solo debut with the Mark Heter Brass Band in 1983, his Lincoln Center solo debut in 1986 as principal euphonium and soloist with the now defunct Goldman Memorial Band and toured with Keith Brion's New Sousa Band. He made his Lincoln Center conducting debut in 2005 with the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus and the Palisades Virtuosi.
Instrument: John begins his practice routine with the warm-up codified by Emory Remington, the late Eastman School of Music professor. He plays a Hirsbrunner euphonium, a Getzen tenor trombone and owns several antique low brass instruments.
Benefits of playing with RCB: John says, "The RCB was founded by Chris and his professional musician friends who were looking for an outlet where they could play the great concert band repertoire. It has been that and more. I am honored to have been allowed to play in, solo with and conduct our wonderful band."
Other interests: the Bible, US history, miniature soldiers