Science & Arts

After graduation I went to Wayne State University for a semester and then transferred to University of Michigan. There I studied Vocal Music Performance with a minor in Conducting. I received a Bachelors and Masters in Music. I moved to New York City to make a career in music. I sang in operas, did off off Broadway, sang R&B and jazz in clubs and with various bands, and did studio work. In one of those bands I met another musician and we began collaborating on writing songs and cut a demo. We came close to a record deal; it's a tough business.

When my music efforts didn't materialize (for various reasons) I went back to school for Computer Programming at New York University. After receiving my Certificate, I ended up in Hartford, CT working full-time at an insurance company, doing contract work, and later starting my own contract business. I stayed in the computer programming business until outsourcing decimated the job market.

I went back to school for Paralegal studies and ended up working for Legal Aid in CT. It was a job I greatly enjoyed, helping so many low-income folks find their way through the legal system. In the end of 2017 I retired. I now am doing volunteer work on various issues: Medicare For All, helping peoples candidates get elected to office on the local, state, and national level, Green New Deal, and many other issues.

I was in the Science & Arts curriculum. I spent most of my time in the music department. There I sang in the Choir and in the Madrigal group. Both groups were nationally renowned performing around the country. I especially remember when we attended and performed in Indiana as part of a national conference. That performance was recorded on vinyl. Our director was Italo Taranta and we were accompanied by Lawrence LaGore (I studied piano with him privately at the Michigan Conservatory of Music in Northwest Detroit). Mr. Taranta had us singing a wealth of choral music; we were performing at a very high level for high school students. Mr. Taranta had a huge effect on all of us who studied under him became close to him. I have so many cherished memories with my musical colleagues, and remember many names of my fellow musicians.

I also remember all the stairwells that winded throughout the enormous building; and I would take the back stairways to the music rooms. And I remember eating in the big cafeteria on an upper floor. Attending CassTech was such an awesome experience that set me up for the rest of my life. I hope to reconnect with some folks I recognize on this list.