My Bio

Here's a brief bio (in most general sense of the phrase):

As I said, I'm Matt Caponigro. I'm a strapping young man (uh-huh... right... ) who attends Adams High School (entering his Junior Year), in South Bend, IN. I'm currently Drum Major of the John Adams Marching Eagles. This year I enter the International Baccaleaureate Program at Adams High, looking forward to the years to come. I also enter my third year with the Nationally recognized (http://www.five7four.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090512/FIVE7FOUR/905129905/-1/five7four02) Adams Mock Trial program. And of course, I love to play piano.

I've been around music all my life. My mom sang in the Glen Ellen Children's Chorus as a kid, and is currently the the chair of the Children's Choir of Michiana, director Wishart Bell (http://wishartmusicservices.com/). I started my own adventure with music in the crib; although I don't have any recollection, I used to wave my arms while laying in my crib, doing so in a manner resembling a conductor, leading the orchestra on. My formal education began at age 6, with my first piano lesson.

Funny story: we were living in Chicago at the time, when my parents sat me down and proposed a move to Michigan City, IN. Being the young businessman that I was, I knew I had to get something out of the ordeal. Ergo, I delivered my parents a clear-cut and well thought out ultimatum: find me a piano teacher when we get there, AND buy me a dog, and I'll come with you. Luckily, being as they were not the least bit interested in leaving me behind, I got those piano lessons (and Lucy, for that matter) and they got to keep their son.

I've been taking classical piano lessons ever since, with various teachers both in Michigan City, and in South Bend when we moved in '04. I've spent 4 summers at Interlochen Center for the Arts, an internationally acclaimed and prestigious arts camp/school in Interlochen, MI (http://camp.interlochen.org/), where I majored in piano studies. There I took numerous Master Classes with world-reknowned teachers and musicians alike.

In fifth grade (so '05) I joined up in the Jazz Ensemble at st. Joe Grade School, South Bend. I've been loving jazz ever since, playing in the Jazz Ensemble then and Jazz Band 1 at Adams now. I've taken Jazz Master Classes with Carl Coen, Larry Dwyer, and many more. I also play saxophone and clarinet, while managing to mess around with guitar, bass guitar, and drums on the side.

I started accompaniment in 6th grade, mostly for local participants in the annual Indiana State School Music Association Solo & Ensemble Competition. I've accompanied over 20 musicians in the past 4 years on piano, ranging from vocalists to violinists and trumpetists, with plenty in between. I've also played in other settings, including but not limited to: religious services, Christmas parties, Graduation parties, Wine-tastings, etc.

Besides playing piano, I love snowboarding, flying, reading, writing, hanging upside down, hiking, playing chess, listening to music, cooking, relaxing with friends.

I currently study with Dr. Robert Rhein (Associate Music Professor at Bethel College).

Peace, Love and Insanity...