Mike Gangemi
Michael Gangemi attended Westlake High School performing in their marching, jazz and concert bands on the trumpet. Over the next eighteen years, Gangemi served as the Associate Band Director at Westlake High School, Moorpark High School, and director of jazz bands at Colina Middle School. After earning his degree from California State University, Northridge, Gangemi became Band Director at Santiago High School.
Gangemi donated his time and talent to such organizations as the Ventura County Honor Band, The California Band Directors Association, and as Vice President of Jazz Education for SCSBOA. Gangemi was a clinician and guest director for dozens of schools and districts all over California and out-of-state.
Gangemi performed all over the country as well as a tour in Germany. Gangemi performed with Raymond Michael’s Elvis and Tom Jones Shows, the national touring company of Bye-Bye Birdie, and The Soul City Survivors including at their performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For two decades, Gangemi played lead trumpet and directed the big band The Lane 29 Orchestra, a non-profit charity band which donated to various charities and promoted local jazz education.
In 2015, Gangemi was named The New West Symphony Music Educator of the Year. In 2021, Gangemi was named Outstanding Jazz Ensemble Educator by The Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.
Gangemi died June 20, 2021. He was 49 years old. Gangemi’s memorial service was so well attended, it was held in the football stadium of his alma mater, Westlake High School.