Music For The Mission Presents Our
‘Artist Of The Month’

We are proud to promote local artists and appreciate their support of Music for the Mission!

This month’s Artist of the Month is
Maria DeSantis!

Maria DeSantis

“If music be the food of love, play on. “

William Shakespeare

Vocalist, Bandleader, and Music Contractor Maria DeSantis has honored and enriched her father’s legacy, leading the DeSantis Orchestra to it’s 75th anniversary year (May 22, 2022) as a vibrant part of the Central New York music scene. Her genuine love of singing-performing all musical styles from Jazz & Big Band, Broadway, Sacred, Contemporary is the basis for innovative ideas and special arrangements to enhance the orchestra’s repertoire.

At age 4, she studied piano under the tutelage of her grandfather, Professor Thomas DeSantis. At 8, developed her love of music and singing by appearing in local musical theater productions, including the Pompeian Players. She performed with her Jazz/Rock band “Hot Pocket” while simultaneously catching the “Big Band Bug," joining her father in 1979. She studied in New York City with vocal coaches Adrienne Angel and Neil Wolfe during her early years of performing.

Honors:  

Sammy’s Hall of Fame 2005, Syracuse Sounds of Music Ovation award in 2016 Lifetime member of Local 78 Professional Musicians of CNY.

As director of the DeSantis Music Schoolhouse for many years, she developed the valued music relationships which connected her to music education and lead to her role as a well respected music & event planner.

She remains committed to using her Father’s orchestra as the vehicle for providing the area’s top professional musicians & vocalists with quality performance opportunities.

And continues to involve young musicians and singers in her “ Tomorrow’s Star’s” shows giving them a “ real life experience” with the full orchestra.

Her favorite project by far has been creating the annual “Christmas with The DeSantis Orchestra” Show (15th year) as well as more than a dozen other concerts each year together with “valued sponsors & supporters.” She is most proud of the DeSantis team of musicians, vocalists & arrangers, who continue to bring unparalleled musical diversity to CNY audiences!

The past few years have necessitated a change of priorities as she adjusted her vocal role to focus on keeping the Orchestra team together and moving forward while tending to the demands of caregiving for her parents for the past 5 years, as well as navigating the pandemic.

Her wish in the next chapter is to achieve a life balance that enables her to re-dedicate time to enhancing her personal vocal performance & musicianship.

Maria is deeply appreciative of the support from the CNY community and is looking forward to celebrating the Orchestra’s 75th year throughout the region.