KORI BARKLEY
Staff Writer
It is evident to most students pursuing the arts that finding a career to fit one’s area of study will be a challenge, especially in today’s society where arts programs in schools and communities are continuously diminishing.
Greg Paladino, a graduate from the School of Music in 2014, understands that it takes strong commitment to positivity and professionalism, loads of practice and valuable connections to succeed.
As a piano performance major, Paladino was very involved during his time at Fredonia.
Aside from his studies, Paladino accompanied dozens of students for performances on and off campus, was a member of Much More Chill (Fredonia’s all-male a cappella group) and was heavily involved in other productions requiring piano collaboration, such as the Student Opera Theatre Association’s “Grand Afternoon of Singing,” Opera Scenes productions and local high school musicals.
“My friends in Much More Chill were some of the best people I got to know here, and my collaborative performers were partners who helped me grow musically and professionally,” said Paladino.
Paladino, fortunately, continues to be involved in the music field since graduating.
Today, he travels back and forth between Fredonia and his home in Buffalo for accompaniment gigs while he maintains his job at the Palace Community Theater in Lockport as a conductor and concert pianist.
Additionally, Paladino is the assistant music director, rehearsal pianist and keyboardist for the Gowanda High School musicals and has secured similar future opportunities in Westfield, Williamsville North and other colleges.
Among some of Paladino’s mentors and biggest inspirations from Fredonia are Fr. Sean Duggan, professor of piano; Daniel Ihasz, vocal science professor; and Paula Holcomb, conductor and director of Fredonia’s Wind Ensemble.
Paladino considers these three to be instrumental in his success at Fredonia and beyond.
“They all taught me something valuable, if not about a subject, then about myself, the world and my place as an artist in it,” Paladino said. “These particular teachers gave me the gifts of their time and energy in a way that inspired me how to lead, teach and learn.”
While success in the arts often relies on one’s desire to continue to grow and learn as much as possible, networking is oftentimes the most crucial part of an artist’s professional journey.
“The collaborative opportunities you maintain in the collegiate arts programs are some of the most vital experiences you can possibly have to be prepared for life after graduation,” Paladino explained.
Through his connection with a fellow Fredonia graduate this past summer, Paladino was recommended for a job in Grand Lake, Colorado, to replace the synthesizer player in the pit orchestra at a reparatory theater for the season.
“Most of my community and educational jobs have been a direct result of my contacts and collaborations from Fredonia,” he said.
The future of the arts is in the hands of our society.
“Music is one of the few disciplines in our culture where individual merit and exploration is encouraged and rewarded,” Paladino said. “Our role in the community, as teachers and role models, is to inspire our peers and students with true creative agency.”