My interest in music can be attributed to my maternal grandmother who played the piano and sang at various venues. I'm proud to say that because of her music, the love of music has become an integral part of four generations in our family. I started playing brass instruments and singing in choirs in my preteen & teen years. Since I retired 6 years ago, my love of doo-wop and early rock 'n' roll lead me to form a doo-wop group (Forever Young) with some of my neighbors over five years ago. We had the opportunity to perform several shows over the years. About three years ago my love of music expanded to the sweet simple sound of the ukulele. This led me to create a new band (The Doo Ron Band) shortly thereafter.

There have been many famous ukulele players including George Harrison of the Beatles and Israel Kamakawiwoʻole who played and sang the infamous Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Listen to the songs of these great performers and you will notice the unique and pleasant sound of the ukulele. I was instantly hooked on the ukulele. Being a ukulele player in the band, I have an assortment of 4-string ukulele instruments including; Kala Mahogany Tenor, Bamboo Aklot Tenor, Enya Composite Tenor Acoustic/Electric, Maui Banjolele (ukulele and banjo) and two electric RISA Tenor ukuleles (a LP and Telecaster). Each is a pleasure to play and each provides a certain texture to a song. I have also spent some time playing the acoustic guitar, but prefer the ukulele. In addition to playing I also arrange songs for the group.

Music is a part of our family. My parents sang, my brother was a very good trumpet player and my sister was a concert pianist. I played piano when young. Later I started playing guitar. Then I went on a long cruise and they had ukulele lessons on-board so I decided to learn it and got hooked. I have played the Soprano Ukulele and Tenor Ukulele. Then one day, I heard the bass ukulele. I loved it and started playing the bass. So much fun playing in a ukulele group.

I’ve always loved music, both of my children created beautiful music in our home while they were growing up. Once they left the house to go live their lives it was something that I missed. When I was in grade school, I tried playing the flute, but I was not very successful at it. When the pandemic hit and we were in lockdown, my girlfriends and I decided to join a ukulele group. It became the highlight of my week. We would gather outside in the parking lot and learn how to make music. My heart was full of music again! That was three years ago, and it is still the highlight of my week. Both of my children play the ukulele and we play when we are together. I joined the Doo Ron Band this summer and have really loved playing and getting to know this fabulous group. We have so much fun together! I hope to continue to fill my heart with music for years to come!!

I’ve been playing in professional situations for over 50 years. I’ve worked with rock bands, off Broadway, big band, doo-wop, wedding bands, country; pretty much most styles of music we generally get exposed to. Been a lot of ups and downs in the business and I had stopped playing at different times but in the end it always draws me back as it’s one of those things that’s just part of you. It’s just great making “joyful noise” and it’s never really “work”. Hope to continue as long as I can do it.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved singing and performing.  I’ve been putting on shows my entire life… for my parents, my neighbors, my kids… myself! When I was a kid my backyard was most often my stage. If I was both the performer and the audience, our living room, with a large mirror over the hi-fi, was a great stage. At 12, I inspired to be on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. That never happened, but, I was still able to sing and perform in my backyard and living room and then later in high school, college and Community Theaters.  Now I am thrilled to play my happy little ukulele, sing and perform with a great group of very talented, fun and fun-loving friends, the Doo Ron’s! It’s definitely a happy place for me!

I have been playing piano and organ since I was teenager (over 50 years ago now).  From playing in many rock bands to accompanying singers to playing organ at Masonic Lodges, the keyboard has allowed me a great journey.  The fun is continuing with so many wonderful players and friends in The Doo Ron Band.

My love for music was infused by both parents and their family’s passion for music. My mother sang professionally, with a Rosemary Clooney voice, and my father would bring me to his Church Choir and Minstrel Practice. Both of my grandmothers would play piano and sing at family events. It was a very musical family! When I was 9 years of age I took guitar lessons. Not too long after, I became a member of a neighborhood band that played Beatles, Herman Hermits and Venture’s songs. Throughout my life music was always a part of me! I later taught myself to play drums and the bass. I was always fond of the Old Standards, Johnny Mattis, Frank Sinatra, and all of the great music of the 50s to the present. My whole frame of reference is music! As a retired educator and counselor of 42 years, I have used music to relate to my students. In my private counseling practice I would also use background music as part of my therapeutic milieu, and my own positive therapy! I have had a home studio most of my adult life and have tried to have weekly jam sessions, and/or I would guest sit in with friends who have played out in various venues. I am the newest member of the Doo Ron Band and have thoroughly enjoyed playing percussion with jingles on my hands and toes.