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| Julian Pavone is Invited to Study at Berklee Music School in Boston Julian Pavone, who at two years old made headlines around the world with his talents as a drummer, has been invited to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston this summer. The invitation came from Dom Famularo, Berklee instructor/artist-in- residence, who, in a letter to Julian's parents, Mr. Bernadino and Dr. Lisa Pavone, wrote: "I am very impressed with Julian's natural talent. He is driven, passionate, focused and such a happy child. I would be honored to work with Julian. He already has a strong foundation in music. Julian is a prodigy." Bernadino Pavone said that Famularo had not met Julian, now three years old, but saw the video footage of Julian playing on his website, http://www.julianpavone.com. Famularo said that he is teaching 700 students from 20 countries and Julian would be "by far" the youngest. The Pavones said they were flattered and "very moved" by the invitation and are looking into plans to take Julian to Berklee for the summer course (which could range from one to two months), living in Boston with their other child, Annalisa, (age 2) while Julian studies. Berklee, founded in 1945, is the world's largest independent music college with 3, 800 students. A uniquely international college, about 26 percent of the undergraduate students come from outside the United States, representing 70 countries. Some of the college's prominent alumni include: Quincy Jones, producer/director; Melissa Etheridge, rock singer/songwriter; Steely Dan leader Donald Fagen; Patty Larkin, singer/songwriter; John Scofield, guitarist; Will Calhoun, Living Colour drummer; and Tonight Show bandleader Kevin Eubanks. Considered the "Tiger Woods of the Music Industry, " Julian was offered a contract to be on the Cleveland Cavalier's Drumline at the age of 15 months. At 20 months, Julian recorded a CD, "Go Baby", with legendary bassist Ralphe Armstrong. He has appeared on 23 TV shows, including: Good Morning America, Martha Steward, Inside Edition, MSNBC, WGN, Fox News Dayside (with Hulk Hogan), WKYC's Good Company, and many others. He has performed on numerous radio stations, for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, at a VIP party for the Chicago Cubs season home opener, at the House of Blues, the Cleveland Grand Prix Opening ceremonies, and at the NBA semi-finals for the Detroit Pistons. Sabian Cymbal Company and Vic Firth Drum Stick Company have awarded Julian with full artist endorsements, as has the Innovation Drum Company, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, which is building a special drum set for Julian. Steve Badalament, of Innovation Drum, an accomplished musician who studied under first-chair percussionist Robert Pangborn, of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, said he only builds drum sets for the most talented drummers such as Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, of the Rolling Stones, and Lenny White, of Return to Forever, just to name a few. "Julian is very talented, having the dexterity, understanding and alent of an outstanding drummer, " said Badalament. "The drum set will be completed in the summer and it will have its own 'Julian Drums' line which will be air brushed on the set." write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |