Written by Nancy Petrucelli and Lisa Church
For over 20 years, Nancy Petrucelli has been an integral part of the Silver Starlite Orchestra—first as the lead trombonist and now as its director. Her journey with the band began under the mentorship of Dot Caccio, the founding director who started the ensemble 45 years ago. When Dot decided to step down, Nancy hesitated for a few years while she was busy teaching full-time as an orchestra teacher in Hillsborough, NJ. But when retirement opened a new chapter, she embraced the opportunity and took over the leadership of the band in September 2020, guiding the group through the challenges of the post-Covid era.
Early Beginnings and Musical Passion
Nancy’s love for music blossomed early. Influenced by her mother’s unfulfilled dream of playing the piano, Nancy began playing piano in third grade. Initially, she began with piano lessons, a year later she joined the school orchestra on violin, and the year after that she joined the school band on trumpet, never giving up on any of those instruments—but it was the trombone that ultimately captured her heart. Strangely enough, she really wished she could play that 'funny looking instrument with a slide', but didn't know what it was called and was too embarrassed to ask the director if she could play that 'funny looking instrument with a slide'. One day, a new boy came into the band with that instrument. She ran over to the boy's music stand, saw it was called the 'Trombone' and that was the beginning of a lifetime love affair for her. From that moment on, Nancy was like a fish in water.
In high school, Nancy’s passion continued to grow. Despite the absence of a dedicated jazz program at her school, her persistent requests led to the formation of an after-school jazz band, where she honed her skills by playing classics like “The Pink Panther.” These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her enduring love of jazz.
Academic and Professional Growth
Nancy’s academic journey took her to Glassboro State College, where she studied classical and jazz trombone and music. It was there that she discovered her deep connection with jazz—playing in the college jazz band was an unforgettable experience that solidified her commitment to the art form. Her talent earned her a full scholarship to Illinois State University, though the pull of her home state and her passion for the Glassboro jazz band ultimately brought her back to finish her degree. A memorable tour of Romania with her college band remains one of her most cherished experiences.
Her professional life was equally vibrant. Nancy married a fellow musician and moved across the country—from Tulsa to the Dallas/Fort Worth area—where she continued to teach, perform, and immerse herself in the world of jazz. Despite the ups and downs of personal life, including the challenges of raising three daughters and navigating career locations, Nancy remained steadfast in her musical journey. She taught privately and played with various jazz ensembles, always seeking new avenues for expression and connection.
Return to New Jersey and Leadership
Returning to New Jersey marked a turning point for Nancy. After teaching general music in Linwood and Orchestra/Choir in Westfield, she eventually settled in Hillsborough. There, she spearheaded a thriving strings program within the public schools, which grew steadily over the years. When Covid-19 forced her to retire in 2020, she finally found the time to fully embrace her passion for performance. In September 2020, she took over as Director of the Silver Starlite Orchestra—a group that continues to thrive despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
A Band Like Family
Today, Nancy leads a diverse ensemble of 17 instrumental musicians and 3 jazz singers, a group she considers family. The Silver Starlite Orchestra has a storied history, having played at venues from Pavinci’s Grill on Lake Hopatcong to various community events, dance halls, and festivals. Their repertoire spans genres—swing, Latin, polkas, pop, and rock—catering to audiences with varied tastes. Whether performing at a Hungarian Debutante Ball or a roaring 20’s birthday party, the band’s energy and versatility shine through.
The Silver Starlite Orchestra has partnered with the Roxbury Arts Alliance (RAA) for over ten years, utilizing the theater for their bimonthly rehearsals and performing concerts annually. Additionally, a "Senior Celebration" performance has been planned in the theater for senior citizens who reside in local aging and care facilities, and they will be one of the featured bands in the Roxbury Arts Alliance's free outdoor summer concert series.
Longtime RAA board member and Director of the local business Merry Musicians, Genevieve Schmidt says, "Partnering with our local orchestra brings the joy of live music to our community! Not only do we have the privilege of hosting their rehearsals, but we also get to experience their incredible performances firsthand."
RAA Vice President Cindy Donaldson agrees the band is a "fan favorite". "We have a lot of repeat customers that come to the Silver Starlite concert every year. It is a pleasure to hear all the positive, raving comments from the audience as they walk out of the theater after the show."
If you’re looking for an exceptional big band experience that melds nostalgia with vibrant, up-to-date live musical energy, look no further than the Silver Starlite Orchestra. Check out their YouTube channel to see their performances in action and join us at one of our upcoming gigs for an unforgettable night of music!
Welcome to a new chapter of big band magic—where every note tells a story and every performance is a celebration of life!
Read more about Silver Starlite Orchestra on their WEBSITE
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