BOSTON, March 24, 1998 -- A long list of Berklee College of Music faculty will "Play for Ray" to honor retired Distinguished Professor of Trumpet Ray Kotwica, who was one of Berklee's most popular faculty members for 40 years. The concert is Friday, April 3, 1998, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass. Ave. in Boston. Tickets are free in advance from the Brass Department, at (617) 747-8461, or $4 the night of the concert at the Berklee Performance Center box office.

Featured performers include concert organizers Tiger Okoshi and Jeff Stout, Phil Wilson, Paul Fontaine, George Zonce, Jerry Seeco, Lin Biviano, John Repucci, Joe Hunt, Tony Lada, Ken Cervenka, Tony Germain, Jeff Galindo, Ken Pullig, and the Greg Hopkins Jazz Nonet, among others.

As Trumpet chair and Berklee's first Brass Department chair, Ray Kotwica earned a reputation as a demanding yet caring private instructor. His teaching style has nurtured the talent of many trumpeters, including Berklee alumni Wallace Roney, Claudio Roditi, Tiger Okoshi, and Lin Biviano.

Besides teaching, Kotwica made his mark on the Boston music scene as lead trumpet player at the Shubert Theater. His playing was a highlight of many Broadway hits, including Camelot, Hello Dolly, Cats and A Chorus Line.

In recent years, Ray Kotwica has brought his seasoned teaching skills to young students in Boston's inner-city schools through the Berklee City Music outreach program. Its mentoring component provides young musicians with a free education by matching them with Berklee student and faculty tutors. Students Brent Irvine and Mark Goncalves, whom Kotwica began mentoring at ages 14 and 12 respectively, are now attending Berklee on full scholarships.

Ray Kotwica's efforts with Berklee City Music were recognized in April 1996 when he received the Pro Arts Public Service in the Arts Award in a ceremony at Boston City Hall. The annual award is given to educators who use their creative talents for community service.

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For press information, contact:

Toni Ballard
Office of Public Information
(617) 747-2247 Fax: (617) 247-8788
tballard@berklee.edu