Tony's bio
Born in Brooklyn,
N.Y. Tony began studying piano at age 5 and continued until the age
of 14 under Lucia DeNuncio. He began performing in the 5th grade with a
group called "Melodies". Two accordians, alto sax, guitar, and drums! Hot
Stuff! It was like an Italian Allman Brothers Band. ( two accordians
will never replace Duane and Dicky) He then continued playing
Rock, Blues, and Jazz and just having fun with music. Tony began
studying piano with Tony Aless, who was Woody Hermans original pianist
with The Thundering Herd. After that music became more serious
and even more fun for Tony. He became interested in the vibraphone
after seeing a Gary Burton performance on PBS television.
He began teaching himself to play vibes. Tony eventually
started taking lessons with Ian Finkel,
the renowned mallet player. Percussion became an
obsession and he majored in percussion at Michigan State University under
Mark Johnson. Tony recieved his degree in education and taught band for
twelve years. Tony was adjunct percussion instructor at Saginaw
Valley State University . He also taught music appreciation and band
for the Bangor Township School District. Tony passed away Feb.15th 2007.
He is greatly greatly greatly missed by us and everyone who knew him.
click on picture to visit nova jazz!
Nova Jazz
Nova Jazz was founded
in 1974 by Tony Rongo and Phil Armetta, Tony was
the pianist and vibraphonist. Phil played guitar and bass. Later they added
drums and bass. Nova Jazz performed all over Brooklyn, N.Y. In the
fall of 1978, Lauren was added into the group. She was more of a
business person and was instrumental in getting more
jobs for the group. Nova Jazz started working for the Brooklyn Art
and Cultural Association. They also performed at Lincoln Center,
Rockfeller Center, and many other cultural
spots in N.Y. In 1979, Nova Jazz was fortunate
enough to win the Eubie Blake award. They received the award
from Eubie himself. I hope somday our son Adam will continue to use
the name Nova Jazz. Tony has passed on.
Lauren's bio
Lauren Rongo, born in Bay
City, Michigan attended Michigan
State University where she majored in Music Ed and Performance.
After graduating from college, Lauren moved to New York and played in the
Hudson Valley Philharmonic (assistant principal/piccolo). She also did
some graduate work at the Manhatten School of Music. While
in N.Y. Lauren played principal flute with the New York Sinfonia,
Hoffmeister Winds, and Musica di Camera. She has studied with Alex
Murray, Paige Brooke, Harold Bennett, Irv Monroe, and Leone Buyse. Lauren
also attended summer master classes with Walfrid Kujula. Now Lauren
plays with the Valley Wind
Quintet and Flûtée.
Lauren
is currently principal flute with the Germania Symphony Orchestra. She
plays in the summer with the Saginaw Eddy Band. Lauren also performed with
the Midland Symphony Orchestra for 15 years as a regular for 12 of those
years and a substitute for 3 years. She also maintains a studio of twenty
flute students at her residence in Essexville, Mi. Lauren teaches
flute at SVSU as part of the adjunct faculty. But the two most
important things in Lauren's life are her sons Anthony and Adam.
Click on picture to visit the quintet!
Visit the MSU Alumni Band Site!
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RONGO HOMEPAGE