Director
Director Gary Gamponia is a community activist and performing musician of almost 40 years. The "Pay it Forward" Volunteer Band idea was born out of his love of music/performance and his community activism. "Why aren't more musicians using their talents to make the world around us a better place?

Gary is a former Los Angeles City Council aide and was the Public Relations Director for Road Angels, an organization you might remember that organized sober volunteers to drive intoxicated people home on major holidays. He's been involved in Animal Rescue and Advocacy for years as well.

A guitarist, bassist, and singer he never made the big time but is honored to work alongside big-time musicians. "The most amazing aspect of this program has been that musicians who ARE big-time, musicians who have big-time skills, musicians are SO busy trying to make a living in this business are willing to donate their time to this cause", he says. The fact that they are willing to play alongside talented amateurs is a testament to that dedication.

Contact Phone: (213) 388-8500
Contact email: gary@thepayitforwardband.com
Gary's Website: www.thepayitforwardband.com & www.silverlakemusicianscoop.com

Music Director
As a well respected band leader who has led ensembles that he himself formed, he is an ideal choice for this position. In addition to leading bands he is also a much sought after guitarist, working in a number of ensembles in different genres, including jazz, swing, the Great American Songbook, country, big band, and oldies rock & roll.

Phil also has performed for other volunteer music organizations, including the Union Station Swing Band, a non-profit organization that works to keep swing music alive and kicking all around Southern California. His goal as Music Director is to help the organization's musicians perform as a cohesive unit, a daunting task for an organization that has a different roster from week to week.

Talent Director
Our Talent Director is veteran songstress Dolores Petersen who brings a wealth of international singing and music biz experience to the band. She is the vocal godmother to a legion of singers, developing programs over the years to help singers improve their skills. Her most well known endeavors in this area include the Vocal Collective and the famous Jazz jam she hosts at the Hollywood Studio Bar and Grill every Thursday night of the year. She is beloved and respected for encouraging singers to push the envelope.... to be all they can be.

In addition to her professional singing gigs Dolores is a Visual Artist, Promoter, Jazz Presenter, Graphic Designer, Vocal Instructor, and Production Coordinator. She is also a Director of the Duke Ellington Society.