Richy Barz Memorial Scholarship

Richy Barz Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available for a saxophone or wind instrument student.

A graduate of SUNY Potsdam – Crane School of Music, Richy went on to the United States Army and played in the U.S. Army Field Band until his honorable discharge in 1964. An accomplished musician, he began his professional big band career with the Les & Larry Elgart Orchestra. He was the road manager and woodwind player with the Glenn Miller Orchestra for many years – traveling the world 50 weeks a year and recording numerous albums. He also contracted musicians for and played in many other famous big bands. After a long career on the road he settled down in Rye, NY. and became a booking agent for the prestigious Willard Alexander Agency in New York. Representing Jazz & Big Band Artists. Richy recently produced, directed, played and contracted on 3 Glenn Miller Orchestra Christmas Albums which each sold over 1,000,000 copies. His journey ended with a move to the Poconos in 1986 where he with wife, Nancy, opened their own company, Big Band Productions, producing, directing and marketing top name Big Band Luncheon Shows at various hotels in the area. Most recently Richy was a woodwind instructor. Richy was a member of the Phil Woods Festival Orchestra which has helped raise money for COTA Campjazz.