July 19. 2011
Matthew Laudano became interested in music at a very early age. He grew up listening to his father, Jack, play the drums to old records in the basement, and quickly discovered his passion for music. He began studying drumset privately in the second grade under the direction of Jimmy Stavris Jr., a well recognized figure in the drumming community. As a student at Ferrara school, Matt met Michael Martino Jr., who was the elementary school band director. In fourth grade he began playing with the East Haven Jazz Ambassadors, a premiere jazz ensemble of students throughout the district. While a member of the Jazz Ambassadors, Matt had the honor of performing at the Statue of Liberty, Lincoln Center, The Special Olympics World Games, the White House, and adjudication festivals throughout northeast. Once in high school Matt continued to study privately under Jesse Hameen a widely acclaimed jazz percussionist. During his senior year at East Haven High School the Yellow Jacket Marching Band won their first ever USSBA National Championship.
Matt continued to study percussion at Western Connecticut State University under the direction of David Smith, principal percussionist on the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Matt performed in Master Class’s with world-renowned artists such as; Nebosja Zivkovic, Robin Engelman, She-E Wu, and the US Air Force Band percussion section. Matt was the recipient of the Roger Winward Music Education scholarship, and Mark Furman Honors Recital participant. He also performed three solo percussion recitals while at Western Connecticut State University. Upon graduation from WCSU, Matt took his first teaching job at the East Haven Academy where his students participated in the Southern Connecticut Regional Music Festival, and the High Note Music Festival where they earned a Superior rating with a score of 96. Matt continues to be active musician in Connecticut and the tri state area playing with his band, All In Blind, as well as playing freelance percussion gigs throughout Connecticut. He is eager to begin his new position as EHHS band director this fall.
About director Matt Laudano
