Paul Lavalle(1908-1997)

One of America's most noted bandmasters and conductors was also an arranger, composer, clarinetist and saxophonists. He was educated at Juilliard on a scholarship and studied with Joseph Schillinger, then joined the NBC Symphony Orchestra as a clarinetist under Arturo Toscanini. He was the conductor of the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street for NBC radio, and during 1944 he organized the Stradivari Orchestra. He was the bandmaster of the Band Of America, the New York World Fair's official band during 1964 and 1965. His guest conducting appearances included concerts with New York Philharmonic, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the ABC Symphony Orchestra, and the Rochester Philharmonic. Joining ASCAP in 1950, his popular instrumental compositions include "Deep Melody", "United States March", "The Merrymakers", "Memoirs of a Dilemma", "Dance of the Woodwinds", "Big Joe, the Tuba", and "Good Fellowship".