Nicholas M. Baratta composer / arranger

Nick M. Baratta is a 1980 graduate of The New England Conservatory, with a BM in Music Education and Applied Percussion. He was a student of the BSO's Frank Epstein and Vic Firth. From 1980-2000 he was a faculty member of the West Genesee Central Schools where he served as the Junior High Band Director, High School Lab Director, Assistant Marching Band Director, Marching Band Director, taught all percussion students (grades 6-12), and coached the percussion ensemble. He has been the Creative Director/Wind and Percussion Arranger for the West Genesee Marching Band since 1978 through the present. West Genesee is a 30 time New York State Champion, and the Festival of States National Champions in 1976, 1980 and 1984. Nick has served New York State School Music Association as an All-State selector for Percussion 1990-95. He has been a private percussion teacher from 1980 to the present. Nick was also the arranger/program coordinator for the Texas Sky Ryders, finalists in the 1991 DCI World Championships. Nick has had compositions and arrangements performed at prestigious festivals, including: the Mid-west Band and Orchestra Clinic, The Music Educators National Conference, Bands of America National Concert Festival, and Percussive Arts Society National Convention. Pieces for percussion ensemble have been performed by: The Eastman School of Music; The New England School of Music; Percussive Arts Society National Convention, Anaheim, CA; Kent State University; and, The University of Utah, among others. "Lullaby", was released as a CD in 1995 by The University of Utah Percussion Ensemble on their "Classics Works" series. Currently, Nick is a designer/arranger and consultant with high schools regarding their competitive marching band endeavors. Nick has proudly been published by Alfred/Belwin since 1987.