Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Paul Scimonelli.
Hi Dr. Scimonelli, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Thanks for having me here. I auditioned for and was accepted into the U.S. Marine Band in 1969, performing primarily in The White House. While in the band, I enrolled at The Catholic University of America where I received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1974. I started my first band, called “Leo,” in 1974. We performed for the President and heads of the Marriott Corporation 1976. Also in 1976, I received a scholarship to pursue a Master of Music degree, at the University of Arizona, which I completed in 1977.
My brother Glenn and I formed a new band called “Street Life” in 1980. We wrote, recorded, and produced original music, movie scores, commercials, and industrial films. Street Life also performed for the G. W. Bush and Bill Clinton inaugural balls. Throughout the 80s and 9os, I taught Music courses at Prince George College and Howard Community College until accepting a full-time position as Director of Strings at the Landon School, Bethesda, MD in 1996. I retired from teaching full time in 2014.
Since 1970, I have been an active private teacher and conductor. I have written three books, had cancer three times, and I am still actively teaching and performing throughout the DMV area.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout my career, it has been financially difficult to keep a house and family going as a performing musician. We moved to Nashville in 1982 to pursue songwriting full-time, which turned out to be a big mistake. There is no “music” in Music City. In some instances, I was forced to pay to perform. The musical caste system in Nashville was extremely rigid. You are either a “road” player or a “studio” player and never the twain shall meet.
In Nashville, I was racially profiled for being Italian and persecuted religiously for being Catholic. The school system was antiquated in comparison to Maryland schools. We left after 3 years.
Our daughter Natalie, born in 1995, had significant health issues which were a tremendous challenge but they have since been resolved. My wife and my age-related health issues are a continual challenge.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been a performing musician since the age of 13, playing the string and electric bass primarily. I have played, sung, composed, and taught bass and music in general all my life. I’ve been successful enough to have major publishing companies accept many of my songs, but not lucky enough to have anyone record them.
I have played and composed every genre of music imaginable, from heavy metal to symphonic music, and have loved all of it. Proudly, I am known throughout the DMV area as a good bassist and performer. I am most proud of the work I did as Director of Strings at the Landon School for 16 years. Teaching string instruments to young children is a blessing, instills great self-confidence, and enhances performing skills.
Truthfully, I am most proud of my family. My wife is an exemplary woman who has kept our family solvent for over 50 years. All of my children are wonderful human beings, good mothers and fathers, and wickedly smart.
What matters most to you?
That people be kind to one another. Hatred is the single, most deleterious force in human existence. We must learn to treat everyone with greater respect. Regular people must do this. Politicians have none.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.paulscimonelli.com
Image Credits
Charlie Thomas, Julio Fonseca, Glenn Scimonelli, and Street Life
