Rick began playing the saxophone in the 5 th grade.  In High School he took music theory classes and became very involved in his High School’s symphonic and jazz band programs. Rick also participated in all-county concert and jazz ensembles, Suburban Council Music festivals, and became the lead alto sax in the Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble. As a sophomore in high school he joined the Yankee Doodle Band, which is a concert and marching band affiliated with the American Legion that plays all over the country, and has even opened for the Bee Gees and Little Richard!  Rick can still be found playing with the Yankee Doodle Band in an occasional parade.

Rick majored in Music Performance at Schenectady County Community College where he earned an associates degree. In addition to S.C.C.C., Rick played clarinet in the State University of NY at Albany's Symphonic Band,  S.C.C.C.'s clarinet quartet and wind ensemble. He played Bassoon in SUNY's Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and the Colonie Memorial Town Band. Rick also played lead tenor sax in the Greg Nazarian Big Band for about 4 years , and in the pit band for the Playhouse Players. 

Rick came across the Stratford Community Band's web site while searching for an organization to play with here in CT. He finds the band to be quite enjoyable. “There are many talented performers in the group and as always it's a great experience to be able to play in a group, especially with great people from so many diverse backgrounds.”