Meet the ACO Musicians- Tom Servinsky

1.  Where were you born?  Tell us a little about your youth and upbringing?

 

Indiana, Pennsylvania (home of Jimmy Stewart). I am the oldest of 4 children (3 girls and myself). Both of my parents are still doing fine and living in Indiana. I grew in as close to what most would consider a "Norman Rockwell" type setting as one could get. Indiana is also home to Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

 

2.  Earliest musical memories?

 

My father was the band and orchestra director for our elementary schools who got the ball rolling with me. Since I was quite small and not strong enough to hold the Bb clarinet, he started me on the smaller Eb clarinet in the 2nd grade. Sitting in the band as a 2nd grader (with the remainder of the band in the 4-6th grades) still is something I remember with vivid details to this day.

 

My father was the first recipient of a Masters degree at Indiana University (music education) and some of my earliest memories were that of listening to him practice for his master's recital. I guess that's where the clarinet sound had an impression on me. The rest is history.

 

3.  Your education?  Where did you attend college, primary teachers?

 

Indiana University, Paris American Academy, and then the Chautauqua Institute of Music.

 

My father was my first clarinet teacher, followed by Dr. Daniel DiCicco who was the clarinet professor at IUP at the time. I then studied with Louis Paul, clarinetist with the Pittsburgh Symphony all through college and some time after. During my senior year in college I was on an exchange program with the Paris Academy (an American based school in Paris) which incorporated players from the Paris Symphony in Paris Opera into their studies program. I studied with Maurice Gabi, principle clarinetist with the Paris Opera, which we spent the entire time learning the French approach to clarinet playing.

When I returned to the states, Louis Paul arranged a few lessons with Stanley Drucker of the New York Philharmonic as I was thinking about attending graduate school in New York. I took advantage of the lessons, but never did move to the New York area as planned.

 

4.  Why did you choose your instrument?

 

My father chose it!

 

5.  When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician?

 

It was when I was playing in the Johnstown Youth Symphony when I got hooked. There was something about the sound of an orchestra that got me excited. And to this day, I still find this exciting.

 

The Pittsburgh Symphony was in residency each year at our college and I used to spend a lot of time watching and listening to all of the rehearsals. I even got to sit in with them on occasions when they invited some of the college students to play. I always thought I had what it took to be working, professional musician.

 

6.  Who were/are your most important musical influences?

 

My father, Benny Goodman, and Louis Paul were my strongest influences as far as clarinet players go. As many of you are aware, I wear several hats and my other life is that of a Steinway concert piano technician. Most days I'm on stage working as a piano technician tuning for some of the world's greatest pianists. I am been very privileged to work with some of the world's greatest artist each year. They humbled me with their dedication, intellect, and incredible zest they bring to the concert stage.

 

7.  Most inspiring composers?

 

Of all composers, Igor Stravinsky gets to me the most. There's something about the bravado he brings to the music. The power, the with extreme nuances, combined with extremely challenging rifs, makes this a composer that I have complete respect for.

 

8.  What would you be if not a musician?

 

I left music altogether from 1983-87 as I had completely burnt out.  I had returned to school to study Piano Technology as my interest in performing were beginning to weaken. I then concentrated fully on developing as a piano technician. However it wasn't to far off that my interest in playing again resurfaced, and shortly thereafter, Andy McMullan approached me 1989 about help starting a classical orchestra in Vero Beach. Well, you all know the rest of THAT story.

 

9.  Your favorite thing about playing in the ACO?

 

Stewart Robertson. What can I say. I feel that I'm getting  a personal lesson in musical appreciation each time he steps on the podium. His insight, clarity, and hilarious sense of humor are refreshing.  As a musician, it is thrilling to be an extension of his thoughts.

  

10.  With what other ensembles do you perform/where do you teach?

 

I'm the assistant concertmaster for the Keystone Wind Ensemble, a group which regularly records on the Citadel Lable. The Keystone Wind Ensemble records the music of one American composer each year and those recordings are distrusted worldwide to NPR stations and band directors. We just finished our 19th recording this past July and that CD should be out by the first of next year. We are slated to be one of the featured groups in 2010 for William Schuman's 100th birthday celebration at Lincoln Center.

 

I'm also one of the conductors of the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony, a group of dedicated young musicians from the Treasure Coast counties who regularly perform throughout the region. For those who were in attendance the concert of last season, featuring my students in a side-by-side concert with ACO, playing Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony, you'll remember the level of professionalism we strive for.

 

I also am developing as a jazz pianist which I regularly perform for my private clients throughout the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach homes. My hope is to someday develop this to the level of my clarinet playing and making something of it. Just another idea I have in the making.

 

11.  What is in your CD player right now?

 

The 1812 Overture and the Carmen Suite, which is what I'm doing with my Treasure Coast Youth Symphony this fall. Next in line is the Rhapsody in Blue, which we will feature my daughter, Laura, next spring with the youth symphony.

 

12.  What do you like to do outside of work/hobby/pastime(s)?

 

My main pastime is my family. My wife ( Marie) and I have 2 girls at home ( Claire-15, sophomore and Laura-17, senior) and they keep us busy with their interests. We also raised Marie's older 2 girls ( Tara 28 and Gabrielle 26) who are now out on their own making heads and tails of the world around them.

 

Both Marie and I have large extended families as many of our trips involve seeing any number of them.

 

I'm an avid fisherman and lobster diver. Most weekends you can find me in my boat heading due east from our dock at the St. Lucie Inlet, either heading 6 miles off shore looking for dolphin or to my favorite reefs looking for lobsters.

 

13.  Anything else particularly interesting or enlightening you would like to share?

 

Yes...For those who think the youth today are going down empty road, I've got news for them.  There are some extremely bright and talented students out there who deserve our attention. The talent pool we have is getting better and better.  However there some sad situations some of these students must face each and every day.

 

Unfortunately some of these students aren't getting the support and direction they deserve.  Between single mothers doing their best to keep the lights on and the kids off of the street, to families which are just down in on their luck, some of these students struggle to keep a smile on their face and not burden others of their misfortunes.

 

It has been part of my mission in life to inspire and help direct these students  who are coming up through the ranks.  Without the support of the community many of these students won't make to the college level. 

 

What ever you can do, be it financially helping out some of the families who barely able to by food and pay the mortgage, or lend a helping hand, it all helps these students find their way in life.  If any of you would like to help financially to our Treasure Coast Youth Symphony families, or directly  help sponsor one of our needy families please contact me at 772 260 7110 and we will make sure that your assistance gets to those who need it.