Vince Pettinelli Musician and Educator
Vince Pettinelli is one of the most desired event musicians and entertainers in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area. Vince has been a staple of the area’s vibrant music scene for decades, with his beginnings in the Lehigh Valley area bordering New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Vince has never forgotten his roots, choosing to come back home and continue to pursue his craft professionally.
Growing up in the Lehigh Valley area, Vince Pettinelli developed a love of music. He was fortunate enough for his gift to be recognized early and so was able to study trumpet with celebrated jazz artist Ken Brader, who still lives locally. When not performing or practicing, you can most likely find Vince discussing theory with Ken. Vince Pettinelli has also studied classical and jazz piano with the prominent late artist John Scully.
Vince Pettinelli Education
Vince attended the Ithaca College School of Music and received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1995. During his time at Ithaca, Vincent Pettinelli was lucky enough to study with some of the most well renowned musicians and musical theorists of the past 40 years. Vince studied trumpet with the legendary Frank Campos and esteemed Moffatt Williams, and jazz with the iconic Steve Brown. Vince also studied theory with renowned author Dr. Mary I. Arlin.
Currently, Vince Pettinelli is pursuing his graduate degree in Music and Sound Reinforcement Engineering from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pa, one of the nation’s most esteemed performing and visual arts institutes. To date, his current course load has been completed with high honors.
Vince Pettinelli Background
Vince takes great pride in being a past Phillipsburg Ole Towne Festival Board Member where he served as the Entertainment Planner and Director for over 10 years. While managing the main stage with the sound and light engineer, Vince decided to gain a more formal knowledge of music engineering, which led him to his current graduate studies pursuits at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Benefits and Festivals
Highly desired for his knowledge and dedication to musical and artistic integrity, Vince Pettinelli has worked for some of the leading artists organizations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Vince has used his influence to help develop some of the best benefits and festivals in the area. As Director of Planning and Development for Musique & Art Nouveaux, a large music and arts festival in Phillipsburg, NJ, Vincent Pettinelli was able to attract featured world renowned artists Maynard Ferguson & the Big Bop Nouveau Band and The Starburst Orchestra featuring Mike Berkowitz, Ken Brader and Lynn Roberts for performances. Vince was also Administrator for the Ken Brader Benefit Concert which featured Grammy award winning saxophonist Phil Woods and Grammy award winning pianist and former Director of the Philly Pops Peter Nero. Performances with Grammy award winning artists Peter Nero and Phil Woods, artists Connie Francis, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Gerry Blavat, Nelson Hill, Louie Bellson, The Starburst Orchestra featuring Mike Berkowitz, Tex Beneke, The Gaylords, Gary Rissmiller, Robin Eubanks, Larry Elgart, Tony Kadleck, Larry Storch, Tony Gairo, Al Gaumer, Maynard Ferguson & the Big Bop Nouveau Band, Ken Brader and Lynn Roberts are considered career highlights by Vince Pettinelli. Performances with local music idols Joyous, Lucky 7, the Dave Neith Orchestra, City Rhythm Orchestra, and The Royalaires are ranked a close second.
Projects
Currently inundated with projects, Vince Pettinelli still makes time to be a featured soloist with the Lehigh Valley Italian American Band, trumpet player for the Atlantic City Ballet under the direction of Phyllis Papa and musical director Paul LoPresti, trumpet instructor and assistant with the Moravian College Big Band under the direction of Dr. Neil Wetzel. Vince still performs with the Muhlenberg College Jazz Ensemble and the Lafayette College Jazz Ensemble, all while being the founder and lead musician of the Vince Pettinelli Orchestra, the Vince Pettinelli Sacred Band, and the band Generations. In addition, Vince is a freelancer with various entertainment companies including All About Fun and Full House Entertainment. During the holiday season, Vince Pettinelli is the business agent as well as a performer with the Holiday Brass, a 50 piece brass ensemble and the Holiday Brass Quartet which performs in the Lehigh Valley area. Vince maintains his membership with Musicians Local 45 AFM, Allentown, PA.