Richie Vitale

Richie Vitale has been teaching in the NYC public school system for eight years now with YANY (Young Audiences of NY) and MNMP (Manhattan New Music Project). Currently Richie is leading a seven to eleven-piece salsa band entitled Orquesta Universal, featuring twice Grammy nominated, Cuban born singer, David Oquendo. New York Salsa is in it’s 3rd release and is available on iTunes at: MySpace.com/richievitale and his performances can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/user/richievitale He teaches as Brass Specialist to grades 5 to 12 and the Recorder (wooden or plastic flute) to grades 3 and 4. Richie has been teaching one-hour salsa classes prior to his performances, which include the basic steps and a routine for partner work, and he has studied salsa dancing with Carlos Konig for 5 years now and has also studied with Maria & Eddie Torres, Jimmy Anton, Santa Rico School and Karisma School. His experience with big bands has been impressive. Richard has performed with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Buddy Rich, James Taylor and Sting. Richie has also taught Jazz Ensemble at Long Island University and Master Class and Clinics at the Eastman School of Music and is currently teaching in the NYC public school system as an “Artist in Residence.”