Marcus Copening

After 35 years of drumming, Marcus is well versed in all genres, immersing himself in current rock/pop and world music.

By way of the Bronx, San Francisco and San Luis Obispo CA, violin and piano lessons turned to drums by age 12. The world of rhythms was calling.

Marcus’ influences are Billy Cobham, Lenny White, Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, Stevie Wonder and everything Motown. Success would eventually take him to Japan on tour with funkadelic band Messiah and then a long stint with Ryo Kawasaki in NYC, ‘81-88.

He currently teaches and runs The Francis Camp For Drummers during the summer months in Topsham Vermont and serves as a traveling RN at various regional hospitals.

Jerome Monachino

Jerome started a love affair with the guitar at age 5. In addition to his undeniable gifts on guitar he also has a rich background in vocal studies, achieving the highest vocal award in the state of New York. Utilizing both of these attributes, Jerome began his journey into the jazz world at age 15. This path continued to bloom during his college years in various jazz ensembles, choirs and college chorale.

His compositions have earned him the reputation as being one of the leading innovators in liturgical music. Jerome’s M.A. in Theology no doubt infects his thinking in regard to the spirituality of music.

Jerome is currently Director of Chapel Music for St. Michael’s College.

Peter Engisch

When his grandfather’s piano arrived at age 6, suddenly Peter discovered a whole new way of expressing himself. Peter was surrounded by jazz and classical music throughout his formative years and ultimately chose the unorthodox self-taught approach. Unabashed exploration ensued.

With influences from Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny and Joe Sample, the excitement for composing and playing never dimmed.

Later, a 5 year stint in NYC with Grammy nominated jazz producer Paul Wickliffe would end up influencing a studio engineering career in addition to his evolving jazz/rock piano explorations.

Peter owns and operates Ad Astra Recording in Williston, Vermont.

Gary Matthews

Coming from a truly musical family (father, brother, sister all ended up with music teaching careers), Gary’s calling was obvious. He started playing bass 33 years ago and never looked back. With influences ranging from Jaco, Paul McCartney, Rocco Prestia and Ron Carter (to name a few), he immersed himself in all genres, learning the craft from all angles and ultimately making himself an in-demand player.

Gary is currently in his 28th year of teaching, is president of Vermont IAJE (International Association of Jazz Education) and if you listen closely you can hear him practicing his new passion on the porch of his Newport home: highland bagpipes!