Board of Directors

GENERAL POWERS

All of the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by the Board of Directors in a manner consistent with these By-Laws and other applicable law. The Board shall make appropriate delegations of authority to the Officers and, to the extent permitted by law, by appropriate resolution, the Board may authorize one or more Board Committees to act on its behalf when it is not in session.

NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors shall consist of no less than nine (9) and up to (31) Directors until changed by amendment to these By-Laws, consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.

ELECTION AND TERM

Directors shall be elected at the annual membership meeting in the year 2000, to serve for one (1) or two (2) years, as established by lottery at that meeting, and shall remain in office until they or their successors are elected and qualify for two (2) year terms  in subsequent years 2001 and 2002.  The Immediate Past President shall remain an Honorary, Voting Member of the Board of Directors.

REGULAR MEETINGS

An Annual Meeting of the Board shall be held each year during the second week of January, for the purposes of electing Officers, members of the Board Committees, and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting, or at such other time as prescribed by the Board. The Board shall have regular meetings, the frequency of which is consistent with the needs of the Corporation and unless the Board shall provide otherwise by resolution, regular meetings of the Board shall be held at least twice per year, excluding the Annual Meeting.  The Board may, by resolution, prescribe the time and place for the holding of the regular meetings and may provide that the adoption of such resolution shall constitute notice of such regular meetings.  If the Board does not prescribe the time and place for the holding of regular meetings, such regular meetings shall be held at the time and place specified by the President in the notice of such regular meetings.    

QUORUM

At least fifty-one percent of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board, unless otherwise  specifically  provided  by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these By-Laws. Attendance shall be either in person or by telephonic connection whereby the distant member and those members present in person all hear and may speak to and be heard on the matters raised therein.

Don Bestor, a pianist/keyboardist with 27 years of "on the road" experience, 17 years of producing shows, and 12 years as a studio owner/engineer brings his talents to the Ft. Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. Don was an arranging major at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Don is committed to sharing his experience and talent with the NEW Ft. Pierce Jazz And Blues Society whose mission is to create greater awareness and enjoyment of jazz in the community through education and performances.

Mia Batalini's love for music led her to the FPJ&BS a little over two years ago. She took on the position of Office Administrator and works behind the scenes to help with the day to day running of the organization.

The Society's mission to keep jazz & blues alive in our schools and community is the reason Mia is passionate about her work. She is enthusiastic about the Society's vision for the future and is honored and humbled to be a part of it.

Chris Hulka, bassist, was born in Hialeah, Florida in 1960. Chris has been performing since age fifteen. Weaned on Jazz and Big-Band music by his father (Bassist, Marty Hulka), his love for music developed at a very early age. After three years as Student Arranger & Conductor in High School, he studied Music Education at the University of Miami, Miami-Dade College and is a recent Music Education graduate of Indian River State College.

Chris has performed a wide range of musical styles such as Classical, Country, Reggae, Worship, R&B, Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Top-40/Dance, Latin & Salsa, Big-Band, New-Age/World Music and of course, his true-love…. Jazz.

He has shared the stage with such well known artists as Don Bestor, Jr., Ira Sullivan, Doc Cheetham, John Bunch, Eddie Higgins, John Williams, Bras Townsend, Dennis Noday, Bob Wilbur, Panama Francis, Flip Phillips, Arthur Prysock, Helen O’Connell, Phyllis Diller and even Red Buttons.  All in all, nearly thirty-five years of studio recordings, radio & television appearances, big-bands, ship’s orchestras, road-tours, as well as countless shows and concerts.

Joining The Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society in 2007 has introduced Chris to many of the Treasure Coast’s finest Professional Musicians. Serving on the FPJ&BS Board of Directors, as Bassist for the FPJ&BS Jazz Ensemble and as Educational Outreach Coordinator, Chris has become an integral part of bringing Jazz into our local schools through concerts, clinics and college scholarships.

Anita Sperry and her husband Ron relocated to St. Lucie County from Miami in 2006.  She was a Dade County Commissions Operations Manager for 20 years. Among her many responsibilities, Anita served as liaison and worked with the Chief of Staff to the Chairperson and all thirteen Commissioners. 

Her excellent communications expertise, bilingual skills and event planning make her a very valuable asset to the New Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society.

Steven M. Satin was elected to the Board of Directors in 2011. He and his wife Lenora got hooked on the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society when they attended a Jazz Jam a few months ago after relocating to St. Lucie West from New York City. They became members immediately and have been volunteering at Jazz Society events ever since.

Born and raised in Brooklyn New York, Steven is recently retired from the NYC Department of Education where he was a Mathematics Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal over a 37 year career. He is particularly impressed by the educational mission of the Jazz Society and looks forward to working on behalf of local students interested in studying music.

At ten years old, Claudio Berardi discovered the excitement of playing drums and began to study in earnest with some of the area’s finest percussionists. Later, at the University of Bridgeport CT, he was the featured drummer in the Music Department’s Big Band workshop.

By his early teens, he was already playing professionally in several area combos and big bands. Soon after high school, he began touring the USA and Caribbean with Gene Hull and various other musical organizations, gaining valuable experience backing up such celebrities as Vic Damone, Sandler and Young, Bob Hope, and many others.

As a member of the pop combo The Hi Lights, Claudio performed on the Mike Douglas National TV Show with Kaye Ballard. In Las Vegas, he played main show rooms at the Sahara and Frontier hotels. He played the Playboy Club hotels and many of the Caribbean’s best resorts.

When Claudio gave up traveling and settled down with his family, he worked to develop a long career in the insurance business. But all the while he continued to play weekends in the Connecticut area. He became a regular in backing up local Broadway shows (even being on stage as an actor in a couple of comedies), played with the area’s top rock-pop band, and accepted random recording engagements.

Claudio moved to Florida upon retirement in 2010 and is currently a full-time “retired” musician.

Bill Genson has been a member of the Ft. Pierce Jazz & Blues Society since 2007. He started studying trumpet at a very early age and he continues to improve his musical skills. Bill’s passion for jazz has remained very prominent throughout his entire life. He believes that by participating in organizations such as The Shrine Band in Boston, The Concert Band in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and currently the Port St. Lucie Concert Band, that he can make a positive difference in his community through his love for music, his understanding of providing a quality education for all of today’s youth and for his wonderful people skills.

Bill Genson continues his humanitarian efforts by staying involved with local community organizations. In the past, Bill has served as President of the Kiwanis and of the Ft. Pierce Jazz & Blues Society. Bill Genson believes that knowledge through education is the key for all to become successful in anything anyone desires to do. Music is certainly part of that educational statement. Get involved and take the time to pass on to others what you learn through your life’s experiences.

Al Hager received degrees from Florida State University and the University of Florida. He has taught public school music in Florida and Georgia since 1968 and retired in 2009. Al was the first director of the Disneyworld All American College Band and the Atlanta Area McDonalds All Star Jazz Band. He is the Past President of the Florida Association of Jazz Educators and was selected Teacher of the Year at Jefferson Junior High and Stuart Middle School.

He performs with Flutes Renaissance, the Indian River Pops Orchestra, Live Session and directs the Treasure Coast Flute Choir and the big band, For Dancers Only. For the last ten years he has organized and directed the Director’s Jazz Band at the Florida Music Educators Association state convention. He is a popular adjudicator and clinician throughout the southeast.

Al is a published author, composer and arranger and has recently published three Paul Desmond transcriptions arranged for five saxophones. He is also the 2007, 2008 and 2009 National Barefoot Water Ski champion for the Men’s 6 Division.

Former saxophonist with Duke Ellington and other bands of the post- swing era, Notre Dame graduate, Gene Hull was the entertainment producer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for 20 years. He is the author of four books, including “Chasing the Muse – A life in Music and Show Business.” He is President of the Treasure Coast Writers Guild and book reviewer for Scripps Newspapers.

Gene’s jazz roots run deep. His band big band, “The Jazz Giants,” was featured and recorded at the 1962 Newport Jazz Festival. His committed interest in jazz remains paramount today in the Jazz Society.

After graduating college with a degree in Communications I worked for many years in the insurance industry. In the ‘90’s I left my career behind to become a stay at home mother to my boy/girl twins. I spent a couple of years as a special education paraprofessional in their primary school. When not working I volunteered with the PTA, became a co-leader for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, coached a girl’s softball team and played in a Mom’s Only soccer league.

In 2007 we all left our native New York and moved to Port St. Lucie. My hobbies include a love of music, photography, guitar, traveling and spending time with my husband Don, the kids and my dog. I also received a master scuba diver certification in the early 1990 and enjoy recreational diving!

Several years ago my son’s drum teacher recommended that he sit in with the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society at one their Jazz Jams as a way to familiarize himself with playing in a professional setting with professional musicians. Sadly, at the time, our busy schedules did not afford us the time to do so.

Fast forward about two years when, on a beautiful Tuesday Florida evening, we found ourselves with a lighter load of homework, housework and all those other obligations that got in our way and Chris (my aforementioned son) and I were finally able to make our way to a Jazz Jam! “WOW,” I thought, what a wonderful opportunity for young aspiring musicians to express themselves and also receive informative tips from the professionals.

We’ve both been enjoying the Jazz Jams, the Festivals and all the activities put forth by this amazing group of people ever since! I was so impressed by what this organization offers that when I was offered a position on the Board of Directors I jumped at the chance!

To anyone out there reading this, please check us out- you will not be disappointed!!

Hailing from Buffalo, New York, a former U.S. Air Force member and 40+ year veteran in the printing & graphic arts industry, George shares his penchant for organization & efficiency and his “get it done” attitude with the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society. Never sitting idle, George is an avid photographer, a proactive member in local community affairs, an Advanced Open-Water Certified Scuba Diver and an active, Licensed Coast Guard Capitan. With his positive, “can-do” attitude, George is a graciously welcomed member of the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society’s Board of Directors.

Stix was one of the co-founders of the Fort Pierce Jazz Society which was formed in 1996. He was a Board Member from 2002-2003. He has recently rejoined the Ft. Pierce Jazz & Blues Society and presently is a Board Member.

Stix Nickson started his musical career as an accordionist at the age of 8. While becoming an accomplished accordionist, he changed musical interest and pursued percussion. He studied drums and percussion with Charles Perry in (NY) 1966 – 1974. Stix attended The Manhattan School of Music 1976 - 1978 under the direction of Ronald Gould (Percussionist with the NYC Ballet Orchestra).

To his credits he has worked and performed with the likes of Pink Floyd on the Wall Album in 1984; The Drifters; Tiny Tim; Bill Haley’s Comets to name a few. He has been and continues to be a member of the Music Teachers National Association; Florida Music Teachers Association; Treasure Coast Music Teachers Association; Percussive Arts Society and the Florida Bandmasters Association, Certified Percussion Adjudicator (2008 – Present). He performs regularly at the Lyric Theatre and Jupiter Theatre in selected Broadway show productions.

He is deeply interested in participating in the music community and since 2002 has been the Principal Percussionist with the Treasure Coast Symphony Orchestra. Since 2003 he continues to perform with Indian River Pops Orchestra. Stix also continues to play with The EV-ZONES Jazz Trio.

Presently Stix owns and operates his own business called “Drummersonly Drum Shop” right here in our neighborhood of Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Living in a small southern town that had a local college with a fabulous jazz program was a super beginning for my lifelong love of jazz. Over several years my parents boarded four college boys in our home – who were always music majors. So there were jam sessions going on in our living room most every day.

Mom played piano and I sang. The two of us often entertained at local events.

When we married, my husband and I moved to New Jersey. With such close proximity to the myriad cultural attractions of New York City, I was fortunate to be exposed to forty-four years of seeing and listening to some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians. Because my late husband and my brother were involved in television production in New York City, I also got to go to many televised jazz venues that were not normally open to the public.

Imagine how wonderful it is for me to retire to Fort Pierce and find that quality jazz venues here are closer, less expensive, and absolutely top notch.

Bob Sagnella is a native of Providence, Rhode Island. Bob studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston and was very active in the jazz scene throughout New England. He has performed with such jazz giants as Bobby Hackett, Dave McKenna, Scott Hamilton, Lou Columbo, Gray Sargent and Dick Johnson, to name a few! Bob spends his winters in Port St. Lucie, Fl. and migrates north to Rhode Island during the summer.

He has been a member of the Fort Pierce Jazz Society Ensemble since 2004 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2009.

Jim Tucci, has been a drummer since the age of 12. He honed his jazz skills with the army band in France and played USO shows from New York to Europe, entertaining the troops. He has appeared with great singers such as: Frank Sinatra, Jr., Leslie Uggams and Don Rondo.

Jim is committed to sharing his skills and experience with young musicians through the opportunities made possible by the Ft. Pierce Jazz and Blues Society.