Combining a dash of Classical with a pinch of Jazz

Down at Vinnie's Pizzeria, on Canton Street in Troy, you might witness the hustle and bustle of customers arriving for a slice of pizza prepared by the hands of Vincenzo Mignano and his father, Joe Mignano.
But what many don't realize is that the hands of Vincenzo that work tirelessly to form dough for hot pies are the same hands that can transform a piano into a virtuoso performance of music that many in the area enjoy.
The 27-year old Vincenzo, who is the son of the pizza shop's owner, is a 2000 graduate of Troy High School who is now living in Wellsboro with his wife Sandra (Kathcart) Mignano and his two daughters, 11-year old Shiloh and 5-year old Lucia.
A self taught pianist, Vincenzo has not only learned the art of music, he is also learning the art of balancing family, work and personal studies of classical music and jazz piano.
But one might never imagine that Vincenzo's studies were staggered when he takes a seat at the grand piano to perform pieces and arrangements by some of the Classical greats such as Chopin and Gershwin.
And this talent, this love, and this dedication to music has been well spent as Vincenzo takes his performances out into the community for Concerts that entertain both young and old.
The journey, however, for Vincenzo has been gradual - but it continues.
At the age of five, Vincenzo began piano lessons from his home, and then continued independently until he met Christina Fleury of Troy. It was through this introduction that Vincenzo began his Classical studies.
"We studied everything from Baroque to Contemporary," said Vincenzo. "It was as comprehensive as a college study." Vincenzo also noted that it was his studies with Christina that prepared him for concerts.
In 2008, Vincenzo picked up Jazz when he began his studies with Charles Kefover out of Blossburg, Pa. This incorporation of Jazz into his repertoire was chosen by Vincenzo to add a mix into his concert presentations.
"I studied this to broaden my audience," said Vincenzo. These studies also allowed Vincenzo to pick apart the music of Oscar Peterson, a Canadian born Jazz pianist who has since passed.
In a program scheduled for Nov. 5 at Troy's Memorial Auditorium, guests will experience this blend as Vincenzo performs a mix of Classical, and an equal mix of Jazz.
But the preparation for a concert such as the one scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 takes months of hard work, according to Vincenzo.
With a natural inclination for music, Vincenzo continued his studies and maintained his interest in performing where others in his family left off. "Others in my family took lessons," said Vincenzo, "but they never continued."
Of all the classical pieces studied and performed by Vincenzo, he is influenced most by Chopin, particularly his Ballade No. 4 in F Minor.
"This piece is a culmination of Chopin's ideas," said Vincenzo. "It's got his lyricism, the drama, and the passion."
And although this particular piece is not part of the program on Nov. 5, Vincenzo has put together a program of similar pieces, to include Chopin's Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major, for what will be his first show in the new Memorial Auditorium.
Months of hard work are culminating to this exciting debut for the Troy High School graduate. With new seating, new lighting, and a brand new Boston Grand piano acquired by the school this year, Vincenzo is extremely excited to have the opportunity to perform on the new stage.
"I'm very excited to use this new auditorium," said Vincenzo. "It was worth the wait."
During his months of preparation for the Nov. 5 performance, Vincenzo had to select the music to be performed, and he even took additional lessons throughout the summer from Mansfield's Dr. Nancy Boston to assist with this preparation.
This dedication to music involved study performed in-between work and his family life, which Vincenzo has a great commitment to. Vincenzo described working at home on Chopin's Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major, and how his daughter would join him by the piano and sometimes doodle on his notes.
"It takes a long time to study when you have many other commitments," Vincenzo added. "But it's worth it."
This hard work, dedication and study culminates to the evening's performance. Best described by Vincenzo, it is like the downward turn on a roller coaster. "Before you come out of the curtain," he said, "it's like the peak at the top of a roller coaster ride before you descend."
But once you hit the keys, according to Vincenzo, you stay focused.
As an avid baseball fan, Vincenzo also refers to a quote he heard one time from a Los Angeles pitcher. "Pressure is something you put into your tires," remarked Vincenzo as he recounted the quote.
And with a variety of performances under his belt, this crescendo of excitement leading to a performance, and the descent into his the actual stage show doesn't really go away with time, but is worth it. "It's something I enjoy doing," Vincenzo added.
Outside of the show scheduled for Nov. 5, Vincenzo has made various appearances around the community to include small recitals at local nursing homes, and workshops presented to area schools to help inspire and motivate new musicians.
According to Daniel Schwanger, band director at the Troy High School, Vincenzo is a great musician. "His abilities are rare," said Schwanger. "He's self-motivated and has developed his own talent."
Schwanger was also extremely impressed with Vincenzo's knowledge of music theory.
John Wile, choir director at the school, has incorporated his 30 member choir into the Nov. 5 program. "We're very excited," said Wile. He also noted that it will be the group's first performance under their new name, the Troy High School Select Chorus.
The Nov. 5 concert performance of Vincenzo Mignano will take place at the auditorium in Troy at 7 p.m., and will open with the Select Choir under the direction of John Wile.
Included in Vincenzo's program will be Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and various other compositions to include Vincenzo's own jazz arrangement for piano solo of Billy Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train". The concert is open to the public.

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