Have Piano Will Duel Jazz Concert
"Have Piano will Duel" enjoyed its 2nd annual concert on Saturday, June 29th, 2019, from 6 pm-8 pm. Gifted music students from around Indian River County attended an intense workshop in the morning and performed a full concert that evening.
The 3rd annual concert, scheduled for June 2020, was derailed by the COVID pandemic. Plans are in progress to present the event before the end of 2020, and we will inform you on this site and the 'Have Piano will Duel' Facebook and Instagram page if that vision materializes. Dr. Jacob Craig, Music Director and 2019 Laurel Award recipient for Educational Excellence, will facilitate the event for a third consecutive year.
What is 'Have Piano Will Duel'?
The event celebrates the talents of incredible youths by giving these future artists the joy of bringing their best to a live performance. Before the concert, select students from around Indian River county will attend an intensive jazz workshop in the morning led by Dr. Jacob Craig and Paul McCall. The purpose of the workshop is to educate students on the fundamentals of formulating a professional quality ensemble and maximizing an aesthetic experience with limited rehearsal time together. That evening, the students join their clinicians for a concert of jazz and standards performed before a live audience. Our 2020 show will include Dr. Jacob Craig as the conductor and pianist, guest artist Paul McCall on trumpet, Ryan Dillahay on guitar, Warren Williams on drums, Gavin Martellotti on sax, and Josuha Evers on bass.
Jacob Craig began playing piano at the age of 5. He is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach and was given the 2019 Laurel Award for Educational Excellence by the IRC Cultural Arts Council. Jacob also serves as the Director of the Silver Tones community choir and the Pipe Major of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.
Paul McCall is a celebrated trumpet professional on the Treasure Coast and boasts an extensive list of collaborations with prominent jazz artists throughout his career. Paul is our first guest artist and will be an enthusiastic mentor to our aspiring student musicians.
Gavin Martellotti is a young saxophonist graduating from Sebastian River High School. Gavin's roots are in jazz and classical music. He was a featured soloist in Sebastian River High School's Prism concert and garnered top awards in the North American Saxophone Alliance competition. Gavin will be attending the University of North Texas, a school known for its renowned jazz programs and wind ensembles.
Josuha Evers was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, and graduated from the Dreyfoos School of Arts in West Palm Beach. He is currently attending Palm Beach State College. Joshua's proficient and relaxed style on the upright bass immediately caught Dr. Craig's attention as a superb addition to our sextet.
Warren Williams is a junior at Indian River State College. He first picked up a pair of sticks at the age of four in his grandma's church and was instantly captivated. William has polished his craft with like-minded musicians at professional venues and worship teams at Christ Church of Vero Beach. His musical models range from old school Buddy Rich to the contemporary Tony Royster Jr.
Ryan Dillahay has been playing guitar since the 8th grade. After one year immersed in the Indian River Charter program, Ryan fell in love with music and performing. Ryan has been our featured guitarist since "Have Pianos" inception three years ago. The smooth yet exacting style he continues to refine shadows his favorite artists, such as Pat Metheny and Mike Stern. He is now attending the University of North Florida under the tutelage of Barry Greene.
2018 Ensemble Shiyan Vernon, David Israel, Ryan Dillahay,Luke Tessier and Maxwell Twardowski
Jacob Craig, Shiyan Vernon, Ryan Dillahay, Luke Tessier(drums) and Maxwell Twardowski(sax)
2018/2019 Facilitator Jacob Craig
Luke Tessier, Ryan Dillahay, Maxwell Twardowski, David Israel, Shiyan Vernon (not pictured) receive stipend certificates from Unity Spiritual Center’s Rev. Dan Holloway.
Jacob Craig began playing piano at the age of 5. He is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach and was given the 2019 Laurel Award for Educational Excellence by the IRC Cultural Arts Council. Jacob also serves as the Director of the Silver Tones community choir as well as the Pipe Major of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Shorter University, his M.M. from FSU and is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Sacred Music Performance.
2019 Ensemble
Kristi Beckett, Warren Williams, Ryan Dillahay, Robert Kerstein and Dominic DeGrandis received 2019 stipends from Unity Center's Glenn Ferdinand (in white).