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About Us
About Us
What We Do
Our workshops embrace a fresh new look at the art of music and its role in education. The Leadership Training and Marching Band Workshops, as well as the Director & Staff Sessions, are packed with world-class clinicians and include contemporary perspectives and insights into music education. Each year the goal of the Vivace Productions staff and clinicians is to provide educational and innovative workshops for students and educators who attend our workshops and to remain committed to upholding the level of excellence our participants have come to expect. Adding the Collegiate Marching Band Festival in 1996 allowed us to expand our mission by showcasing the talents of college and university bands from diverse backgrounds and musical styles.
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Vivace Productions, Inc. was founded by Dr. John W. Villella in 1996 as a continuation of the forward-thinking and renowned programs founded in the 1970’s by Dr. James R. Wells and Educational Resources. Initially the Marching Band and Band Front Conference at West Chester University by Educational Resources was the only workshop of its kind that was available to students and educators. A second workshop was added in 1984 at Lafayette College, and in 1986 the Band Leadership Training Program was developed featuring Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Professor George N. Parks.
Team Vivace
DR. JOHN W. VILLELLA, OWNER/PRESIDENT
- Villella frequently serves as a guest conductor, adjudicator, guest lecturer, and director of music festivals in the United States, Canada, and Europe. His professional affiliations include membership in the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National and State organizations, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma. Dr. Villella is currently the Chief of Staff in the office of the President for West Chester University. He previously served as the Associate Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Director of both the Symphonic and Concert Bands, and has served as both Assistant Director and Band Director of the West Chester University Golden Rams Marching Band.
- Bruce Rickert is thrilled to return to the Vivace Productions Marching Band Camps. Bruce started his career working under Dr. James R. Wells as the Director of Music In the Parks, part of the Educational Resources group. While at Music in the Parks, he assisted with the Summer Marching Band Camps, Band Leadership Training, and Show Choir Camps. Currently, Bruce is the Owner and President of Peak Performance Tours where he has been planning Middle School and High School Band, Choir and Orchestra performance tours in the USA and abroad for over 22 years. He holds both a B.S. and M.M. in Music Education from West Chester University. His professional affiliations include the Student Youth Travel Association, Music Educators National and State organizations, as well as an alumni member of both Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi.