About The Band
Retrospecticus is comprised of nine hard-working and skilled musicians who take pride in their craft, are well-prepared for shows, and above all, professional in appearance, attitude, and actions. We don't like to boast when it comes to resumes, but it?'s hard to be humble when you have these kind of credentials...
Stephanie Fisher - vocals
Stephanie has been the featured vocalist for the popular covers band, Retrospecticus, for the past two years. She's earned solid reviews performing as a jazz vocalist working with guitarist Scott Morgan (at Montsweag Roadhouse in Woolwich, and Augustine's Restaurant and Lounge in Brunswick), and keyboardist Matt Fogg (at Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport). Singing has been a life-long passion for Stephanie; from singing with the Morse High Jazz Singers, to winning 1st Place for the state of Maine in the Talent America Competition in 2000. She continues to develop her vocal skills and repertoire; working on a variety of projects with Matt Fogg, ranging in style from jazz and soul, to R&B and gospel.
Matthew Fogg - keyboards
Matt is an accomplished performer, educator, and arranger who graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in music education. He taught in the Portland school system for several years before co-founding the Midcoast School Of Music with percussionist Chris Marro. His recordings through the years with other musicians have garnered rave reviews from critics and his sought out as both a collaborator and solo performer. In 2008, Matt was honored as the first Artist In Education by Yamaha and has been a Yamaha-endorsed performer ever since. For a more detailed biography and a listing of Matt's other performances, you can go to www.MattFogg.com.
Mike Derosier - guitar
Mike started gigging regularly in college while earning his BA in English at the Unversity of Maine. After graduating he continued to gig extensively and study music privately with many area professionals and educators of note. His experience has ranged from trio and small combo work in clubs as well as playing with several of the area's premier function bands over the past 15 years. Mike was an early member of Retrospecticus before leaving to pursue other opportunities but is back in the rhythm section and churning out the grooves!!
Anthony Marro - saxophone
Anthony Marro graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Anthony's major instrument was clarinet, with piano as his minor. His principal teacher on clarinet was Thomas Parchman, the principal clarinet for the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Anthony has also studied clarinet, saxophone and flute with Joe LaFlamme, Rick Gordon and Bob Carabia. In college, Anthony was principal clarinet in both the University Concert Band and University Wind Ensemble, while also playing lead alto saxophone in the University Jazz Ensemble. He has performed with the following world-class musicians and groups: The Temptations, Barry Manilow, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Artie Shaw Orchestra, Jerry Bergonzi and Harry Allen. Anthony has also performed with local musicians and groups in the Portland area: Don Doane Sextet, Terry White Big Band, Al Corey Big Band, Tony Boffa Band and Matt Fogg. Currently Anthony is the director of instrumental music at Morse High School in Bath, Maine, where he directs a concert band, jazz band, jazz combo, pep band and teaches courses in Music Theory, Jazz Improvisation and Film Scoring.
Jen Precopio - baritone saxophone
Jen Precopio has been playing saxophone since age 11 and has studied with Dr. Tim O'dell and Anthony Marro. During High School, Jen mad top chair on alto saxophone for the District III Honors Band and top chair on baritone saxophone for the Maine All State Honors Band. Jen is a recent graduate of Morse High School and has played in many ensembles including, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, and several Midcoast School of Music ensembles. She was also a recipient of many music awards including the John Phillip Sousa Award. Jen plans to further her education in the fall by attending the University of Southern Maine as a Music Education major.
Justine Kendzia - trombone
Justine Kendzia is currently attending Boston University for Trombone Performance, studying with Don Lucas. She has been playing trombone for eight years, studying with Anita Jerosch and Mark Manduca, and has also been playing piano for ten years and is currently studying jazz piano with Matt Fogg. Throughout high school, Justine has made top spots in the All-State Honors Jazz Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, and the District III Honors Band. While attending the Berklee Jazz Festival, Justine has received the judges' choice award two years in a row. She has also played in the Bowdoin College Big Band, Orchestra, and Trombone Choir, and has played in the Latin Ensemble at the University of Maine in Augusta. Justine has been hired to play in pit bands for various musicals, and subs for multiple local bands. Justine joined Retrospecticus during the summer of 2009 and has been a welcome addition.
Craig Skeffington - trumpet
Craig Skeffington has been the band director at South Portland High School in Maine since 1994. His performing groups have won numerous honors during that time, including the Maine State Jazz Festival 11 times; the Berklee College of Music Festival three times, 1995, 2001, 2009; and MusicFest Orlando once, in 2001. In 2003, Craig was awarded Music Educator of the Year by the Maine Music Educator's Association. He has served as Maine's Jazz Activities Vice - President as well as a former Instrumental Jazz Chair. Craig has also served as President of the Maine Band Director's Association. In 2007, he was recognized by the national magazine School Band and Orchestra as one of the "50 band directors that make a difference". As a New England area trumpet player, Craig has a wide variety of performance credits. These include working with Natalie Cole, Barry Manilow, Colin Raye, the Glenn Miller Big Band, and touring with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. As a member of the New Hampshire based Seacoast Big Band, Craig has performed with artists such as Bobby Shew, Louis Bellson, Bob Mintzer, Frank Foster, Clark Terry and Bob Florence. As a member of the Maine based Portland Jazz Orchestra, Craig has appeared with both the New York Voices and Wayne Bergeron. As a composer and arranger, Craig has studied with Bob Florence, Toshiko Akioshi and Don Stratton. His pieces appear in the NYSSMA manual, have been selected 5 times as "Editors Choice" by JW Pepper as well as having been reviewed in the International Association of Jazz Educator's Journal. In 2007 and again in 2009, his music was programed at the prestigious Mid - West Band and Orchestra clinic in Chicago. His music is published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company in San Diego, Ca.; by Alfred/Belwin Music (formerly Warner Brothers); and by Manduca Music in Portland, Me. Groups ranging from middle school jazz bands to college and military bands have performed his music. Craig is currently an adjunct staff member at the University of Southern Maine where he teaches applied jazz arranging. Craig currently resides in South Portland with his wife Carrie and their two daughters, Hannah and Molly.
Duane Edwards - bass
Bassist Duane Edwards is an accomplished musician from Rockland, Maine. He studied at the University of Maine at Augusta with Boston bassist Greg Loughman, Thelonious Monk Institute Award recipient Steve Grover, and composer Richard Nelson. He graduated from UMA in 2007 with a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Music. Duane has also studied with jazz heavyweight Ben Allison. His music has been featured on All About Jazz radio and across the United States. Duane actively performs in many popular groups , freelancing across New England and Canada.
Chris Marro - drums
Chris Marro grew up in South Portland, Maine and began playing drums at the age of 9. Chris studied drums and percussion with Phil Verrill, one of the top New England drum instructors. With Phil's guidance, Chris started his teaching career in the greater Portland area in 1999. Chris is currently employed by the Bath, Cape Elizabeth and Westbrook School Departments as their percussion specialist. He also teaches drum lessons privately at the Drum Shop and taught at the Tony Boffa School of Music for over 10 years. Chris is the director of the New England Percussion Camp Association?fs annual summer camp. Over the years, Chris has become one of the most demanded private instructors in the area. From 1999-2002, Chris was the percussion instructor for the Westbrook High School Marching Band. Chris also helped to instruct the Southern Maine Youth Percussion Ensemble into national competition at the WGI world finals in 2001 and 2002. In 2005, Chris graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a B.A. in Communication and Media Studies. Chris played drums for The Tony Boffa Band for 2 years and is currently the drummer for the band Retrospecticus.
