MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR/COMPOSER/ORCHESTRATOR/MASTER TEACHER/AUTHOR/LECTURER

Joseph A. Valenti. Born in Brooklyn, New York.  He knew that he wanted to be a musician since the age of three. He moved to California and started on trumpet at ten years old in a local Grammar School Music program. Maestro Valenti stayed in music in the local Schools of Los Angeles. During the second World War and after High School, he went into the Navy. Later he was Honorably Discharged from the Navy and attended Westlake College of Music on the GI. Bill of rights. There, he studied with some of the most prestigious instructors.

Majoring in Conducting, Harmony, Counterpoint, Solfeggio, Orchestration and on Trumpet, His main instrument. He graduated after two years and won an extra two year scholarship from the Veterans Administration for having superior Grades. Recommended by the Dean of the school who thought that he had an unusual talent. The Dean felt that VALENTI deserved the extended advanced studies with the fine staff at Westlake College. His first term of two years equivalent to a Bachelors Degree, his second term of two years equivalent to a Masters Degree. He performed with many notable studio Orchestras in Hollywood doing Recordings. During that period he played with the Art Linkletter show (NBC Staff). Also with the Mark Wilson's Magic land of Alkazam (CBS Staff).

When the Korean War broke out he went into the sixth Army Band at the PRESIDIO of San Francisco, There, he was fortunate with his very fine recommendations to study with the Famous Pierre Monteux, (World Famous Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) for two years gratis. (VALENTI was in the Army and Maestro Monteux would not accept payment from a soldier). VALENTI was Honorably Discharged from the Army and continued to perform with Community Orchestras, Recording and playing with Society and Ethnic and Show Orchestras. He was gaining a large repertoire of varied types of music and invaluable Professional experience.

His first Break as a Conductor came while playing Trumpet with the Southeast Symphony Orchestra Circa 1954-55. When he was asked to help the orchestra get through the Eroica, (Beethoven's Third Symphony). The Rehearsal Conductor had problems conducting it. He asked VALENTI to put down his Trumpet on the Principal Chair, and pick up the baton. (VALENTI Luckily having the background in conducting prior to this time.) He was easily able to do the difficult work and kept conducting from then on.

The principal Conductor Henry Lewis was impressed upon seeing VALENTI Conduct and Rehearse. Henry Lewis having acquired a new position with the New Jersey Symphony said, "VALENTI why don't you conduct the next concert, you know about as much as I do as a Conductor". And a new Music Director and Conductor was born into an Orchestra. VALENTI and his wife at that time were instrumental in qualifying the Southeast Symphony with the County and allowing them to gain an established Grant from the County music commission. VALENTI was five years with them, playing many difficult programs and challenging the orchestra to greater abilities.

VALENTI later left the Southeast Symphony and organized a few other local symphonic groups. He continued to teach and became one of the outstanding instructors on the West Coast. He has authored many books on Musical Technical Subjects. He later started the Peninsula Symphony in 1967 at the request of many musicians in the area of Palos Verdes California. He was fortunate in having a supportive Wife with a good ability to form the spearhead group and Board of culturally minded persons with great interest in their Community.

Upon seeing the professional quality that VALENTI was able to produce, the Board became proud, and they wanted to support this Grand Symphony Orchestra. (The Peninsula Symphony) Now after thirty four years there is a Great established Orchestra, and a Board of wonderfully talented persons that wish to bring their community a greatly needed Culture. Also an Orchestra that some of their qualified local musicians could perform with.

ADVANCED CONDUCTING

• Dr. Alfred Sendrey (17) years
• Pierre Monteux (2) years
• Mischa Bakalinikoff (1) year
• Constantine Bakalinikoff (3) years
• Serge Koussevitzky (6) Master classes

CONDUCTING EXPERIENCE

BALLET CONDUCTING

CHORAL CONDUCTING

• North American Male Chorus
• Choir of the First Methodist Church, (San Fernando Valley)
• Price Chapel Choir
• Phillips Temple Chorus

• Raphael Mendez (2 years)
• Del Steigers (3 Years)
• Louis Maggio (3 years)
• Maestro Joseph Livotti (3 years)

PERFORMANCES AND COMMAND PERFORMANCES

• For Mayors, Governors, Ambassadors, Presidents, King of Italy, Spain and other Royalty.

ADVANCED COMPOSITION STUDY

• Ferde Grofe (Valenti was also his Class Assistant and student)
• Russell Garcia (4 years)
• Albert Harris (1 year)
• Alfred Sendrey (17 Years)

TRUMPET EXPERIENCE

• Soloist with the Sixth & 93rd Army Bands
• Played Solo trumpet with E. Franco Goldman in Concert
• Performed with The Long Beach Band
• Trumpet Soloist with the David Rose Orchestra (Highway to Heaven series)
• Mark Wilson Show and C.B.S. Magic land of Alakazam
• Bill Loose/Jack Cookerly Studio Orchestra (Music Library for Pictures & TV.)
• Murray Korda Monsignor Orchestra
• High Society Orchestras
• Los Angeles Civic Light Opera

TEACHING EXERIENCE

• Sixty years a professional Teacher of brass instruments
• Music Director of Pedrini's School of music. (1954)
• Private Teacher and Dean of the Crenshaw School of Music (7 years)
• Professor of Symphony Orchestra at LA.. Harbor College since 1975
• LAUSD College Teaching Degree (valid for Life)

ARRANGING AND COMPOSITION

• AF. of M. Musicians Local 47
• American Symphony Orchestra League.
• Conductors Guild A.S.O.L.
• California Symphony Orchestras.

COMMENDATIONS AND AWARD

• State of California (4)
• City of Los Angeles (5)
• Community Service Award (1)
• Proclamations (1)
• Maharishi age of Enlightenment Award (1)
• Many Medals of music Excellence (10)

Maestro Valenti Has Conducted and performed with some of the best known names in the Classical Music World.