TomPeashey Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 (edited) I have confirmed that Sal Sparrazza, well known trumpeter, arranger, teacher and band leader has passed at the age of 84 at his Naples FL home. Sal was the arranger for the Rochester Grey Knights through 1964 and joined with Dr. Ed Mizma as arranger/instructor of the 1965 Grey Knight Post Crusaders American Legion National Champion corps - which I was a proud member of. His arrangements of such tunes as "Watermelon Man" and "In the Still of the Night" were legendary. His obituary was actually in the Rochester paper yesterday morning, but it was so small and brief with little or no information that I wanted to confirm it was him before announcing it. His stature as a Rochester professional musician was on a level with Chuck and Gap Mangione and Stevie Gadd - all of whom he worked with. He also taught at the Eastman School of Music. This week has certainly thinned the ranks of the Crusader's greats... kind of a numbing feeling - enough is enough. Edited January 6, 2009 by JohnD Added photo - per author's request. -jmd Quote
TomPeashey Posted January 6, 2009 Author Posted January 6, 2009 I don't want to publish it publicly, but if any of the old timer's want to send a card or whatever, I have his wife, Jayne's address in Naples. just email me... prdirector@dcacorps.org Quote
KeithHall Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Wow another Rochester Crusader loss!? Condolences to the family. RIP Quote
Cru2u Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 I am so sorry to hear this! Sal during his time of championship days with the Crusaders were fabulous but he also made the time to work with the Greece Cadets in the late 60's. I was a 13 year old starting out and I remember nothing but a smile on his face as he taught a bunch of youngins who were gacking up some awful sounds as we learned how to play brass instruments! LOL! He never got mad and had always encouraging words for us back then. It made me work harder and fall in love with this activity we call Drum & Bugle Corps! Tom is right......Enough is enough!! May you Rest in Peace, Sal! Quote
Donny Drum Corps Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Mr Sperazza taught or arranged for nearly every Rochester corps at one time or another. He taught a lot of the guys that are still on here. Another sad loss. Donny Quote
Jim Allen Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Mr Sperazza taught or arranged for nearly every Rochester corps at one time or another. He taught a lot of the guys that are still on here. Another sad loss. Donny Sal taught me in the Ridge-Culver Statesmen in the late '50s and early '60s. He was very instrumental in turning me on to jazz. Some of his arrangements for the Grey Knights (Sugar Blues, Deep Purple, Of Thee I Sing) were almost too hip for the room, at least in those days. Great guy; great teacher!!! Quote
Gary W Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 I too am saddened by the passing of Sal. I have many fond memories of Grey Knight rehearsals at the old bingo hall. Sal made learning not only the music but the technique to play it right fun. The first show I marched with the Grey Knights was in June of 1963. The corps was getting bigger and ranks were being added. I was the odd man out until Sal convinced Al Tevels (Corp Director and Drill Instructor) to just add another squad with himself. me and Al. I knew some of the music, Sal knew all the music, Al couldn't even play. Al knew the drill, I knew kinda where I was going and Sal didn't have a clue. Out we went, we did remarkably well and laughed about it for years. Sal was a wonderful man that had a heart of gold. He'll be sorely missed. Quote
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