The Artist in Residence Program is a unique experience that stimulates a love for performing arts and artists.  While students who already participate are inspired to continue and reach new heights, other students are enticed to become involved.  This opportunity allows students to hear about what life is like as a musician, as well as to take part in master classes and individual and group instruction.

For the past 13 years, world class professional musicians have been guest artists at Hopewell.  The week long program for students in grades 4 through 12, culminates with a concert featuring the artist performing with the Junior and Senior High Jazz bands, along with the Trinity Music Group Big Band.  To date, this program has surpassed $31,000, with the funds being used to purchase new and used instruments.  These instruments are provided for students, especially those who can’t afford to rent or buy their own.  The money is also used for various items to enhance the overall music program at Hopewell.   

 

David Bufalini coordinates and produces the Artist in Residence program.  At a time when philanthropy is increasingly vital to the success of public schools, this program has helped to further expand and enhance our music program.  Mr. Bufalini continuously demonstrates how concerned individuals can make a difference in providing for our students into the future.  Through this program, David continues the legacy of his past Band Director, Victor Pasquarelli.  Mr. Bufalini is also past President of the Hopewell School Board and Hopewell Band Boosters.  Dave, along with his father, Henry, are members of Bugles Across America, which plays Taps at veteran’s funerals throughout the area.  Dave and his wife, Jane, have 3 children, Brandon, Natalee and Michael, all who have been members of the Hopewell Band.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trombonist  

Sarah holds the distinction of having been the first female instrumentalist to tour with Ray Charles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aliquippa native and 3-time Grammy award winning jazz tenor saxophonist.

 

 

Broadway singer, voted Best Jazz Vocalist in Pittsburgh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master trumpet player and Grammy award winner.

 

 

 

 

Aliquippa native, singer, songwriter and guitarist.

 

 

 

 

 

Lead trombonist with the Count Basie Orchestra.

 

 

 

Hopewell native and professional drummer who has appeared with Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs and Reba McIntyre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hopewell graduate who band captured third place in the world at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jaggerz  

Hopewell High School graduate and vocalist of the local group whose hit song “The Rapper” sold over 2.5 million copies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western PA region’s only non-profit, professional repertory jazz orchestra.

 

 

 

 

 

Former Hopewell Band Director, Lori Luurtsema, and B.E. Taylor  

 

Working with world renowned artists not only gave my students an experience they would learn from and cherish but also ignite an unquenchable musical fire in them." 
                                      -Lori Luurtsema 

 

 

 

“When the artist in residence program comes to HHS, it is a tremendous learning opportunity for our students to interact with and receive authentic feedback from professional musicians.  From Sara Morrow to Ralph Lalama to BE Taylor each artist shared their passion for performance and reinforced the work required to achieve excellence while engaging our student musicians and challenging them to push their playing to new levels.”

Michael E. Allison, HHS Principal