Michael Fortune
Background
I received a B.A. in Music and a B.M in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Pursuing a Masters degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technologies at SUNY Albany has broadened my horizons immensely! I taught elementary and middle school band in New York City for seven years. After moving back here two years ago, I most recently taught general music at Shenedehowa Middle School. This year I have begun as an elementary band director at Schalmont Central School District. I also give private lessons on snare drum and drum set and am a member of MENC, NYSSMA and Musicians Union Local 506. While living in New York City, I was a professional jazz drummer playing with many masters of jazz including the Sun Ra Arkestra, Sonny Simmons, Daniel Carter, Roy Campbell to name a few at venues such as the Blue Note and the Knitting Factory. I have recorded jazz CDs, one of which hit #32 on iTunes Jazz bestseller chart and am featured on a “Living Legends” box set from Ayler Records. When not teaching and studying I currently play in jazz venues in the Capital District. Most importantly, I am married to my lovely wife Dina and we love living in Upstate New York!