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: Terry Frances Evans
Category Archives: In Memoriam/Final Notes
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
In Memoriam: July 2024
A. Roy D’Antonio
Life Member. Clarinet
7/9/1931 – 5/27/2024
Member since: 6/11/1951
Joel B. Lish
Life Member. Viola
3/11/1935 – 3/5/2024
Member since: 7/7/1952
John Perett
Life Member. Drum Set
1/11/1944 – 5/7/2024
Member since: 6/13/1962 Continue reading
Final Note: Aurelio (Roy) D’Antonio
Life Member. Clarinet
7/9/1931 – 5/27/2024
by Chris French
Aurelio (Roy) D’Antonio was at home with his beloved wife, Margaret, when he passed from this earth on May 27 at age 92. He will be remembered as a virtuoso clarinetist, father and grandfather, teacher, friend, bicyclist, and tireless advocate for the underdog as he served in various capacities at Local 47. 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
Final Note: Donald J. Baldini (Baldwin)
Life Member. String Bass
12/5/1940 – 3/4/2024
Donald James Baldini, 83, of Westminster, Vt., died at home in the bed he made himself, just as he wished.
He was tenacious in his love for life, music, food and friends while he navigated the ups and downs of cancer for the past eight years. He will be remembered by all as a charismatic storyteller, world-class bass player and engaging teacher. Continue reading
Final Note: Maria Casale Hanulik
Member. Harp
12/13/1962 – 1/6/2024
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: Valencia Mitchell
Life Member. Violin
3/4/1949 – 9/3/2023
Valencia began violin studies with Frank Frederick Ficus in Los Angeles at the age of 10. She attended Manual Arts High School and upon graduation enrolled at Mills College in Oakland, CA. At Mills she studied with Nathan Ruben and earned the Bachelor’s Degree in Music. She enrolled at the University of Southern California pursuing a degree in Library Science with an emphasis in music and was awarded the Master’s Degree in Music Literature from California State University, Long Beach. Valencia worked as a librarian for the County of Los Angeles and Cerritos College. Continue reading