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August 20, 1995 |
| "Music is my life", so
says jazz saxophonist Mike Arena. And live it he has,
starting with the clarinet at the age of twelve in Rochester, N.Y. Just
a few years later taking up the saxophone and flute. Arena did not come by his many musical talents accidentally. He grew up near the famous Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and played professionally with Chuck Mangione and others who later became major recording stars. Mike has produced several records on his own and has composed dozens of tunes. "Bitter Child" is a ballad classic. After moving to Central Florida, Mike organized the "Altamonte Jazz Ensemble". He is very big in the community's entertainment and music picture, unique in his longtime avocation - BIG BAND JAZZ. Going on 21 years, he has assembled and led what even some of America's most urbane cities can't put together and keep, a genuine, first rate community jazz ensemble! Mike has managed to lure such distinguished international guests as Nathan Page, pianist-arranger Dave Wolpe, trombonist Vic Bird, famed multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan, former Woody Herman drummer Don Lamond and pianist Harold Blanchard. Mike likes to spend his evenings composing on his Roland keyboard, preparing his compositions and arrangements for the Altamonte Jazz Ensemble. |
