I offer my sincerest condolences to Mr. Solazzo's family.
Michael was my string bass instructor and orchestra conductor from fifth grade (in 1968) through high school at Jamesville-DeWitt. He was instrumental in developing my love for the bass... later in life I spent several years playing bass guitar for different bands, including Peter's Rock, a Christian praise band. Just last year, I donated the same string bass I Iearned on in fifth grade with Michael to the local school system here in Leominster, MA. Hopefully some young student is now using that string bass with their own influential teacher.
Michael was always very supportive of me. He took such interest that he even gave me free private lessons for several years. I respectfully supported him in turn, and in eighth grade successfully petitioned the JD School Board to not cancel the string music program.
I am saddened to learn of Michael's passing, but touched by the thought of how many other bass players he has influenced over the years.
Respectfully,
Dr. Rich Gullick
[email protected]