Michael David Migliore

Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting my dad knew right off the bat that he was a kindhearted, sweet and humble man, with an undeniable sense of humor. From a young age growing up in Buffalo, NY, these traits were recognized by his educators and childhood friends as he began to emerge into the local music scene. He began playing the alto sax at age 10 and was instantly fascinated. At home, his parents and sister witnessed first hand his dedication to the saxophone through his countless and meticulous hours of practicing, as well as his deep growing appreciation for jazz greats such as Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Gene Ammons, Miles Davis, and others alike. By age 14 he was gigging professionally. As his talents grew, my father started playing with the Buffalo State Jazz Ensemble and toured Sweden at age 17. Upon graduating from Kenmore East HS and attending a semester of college, he was picked up by the Maynard Ferguson Big Band and went on the road. This was the moment that really kickstarted my father’s career — he toured all over the world with various greats such as Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, Doc Severinson, Bob Belden, and many more throughout the years; played classically with the American Symphony Orchestra, New York Pops, New Jersey Symphony, played many concerts at Carnegie Hall, and played with popular greats such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Wilson, and many more. He played on hundreds of cds, worked on various Broadway shows, and even taught at NYU for ten years.

Aside from my fathers great accomplishments, he always held his family near and dear to his heart. My dad was more than present my entire childhood despite his busy and ever-changing work schedule. The amount of silly games he would make up for my brother and I was endless, and we were never short on hugs. He’d take off work to come hear Mikey and I’s first band concerts, watch our baseball games, and help us with homework. He spent as much time as he could helping to craft our own musical abilities, whether through competition preparation, running scales, playing duets together, or introducing us to experimental music by jamming in the basement with all of the lights off. He never ceased to fuel our creative and artistic natures with his endless wealth of knowledge, and especially never ceased to love our family with every bone in his body. He spent so much time with my mother planning family vacations, summer bbq’s, and special nights where he’d make a huge pot of home made sauce and meatballs with spaghetti. To say he loved my brother, my mom and I is honestly an understatement. I wish there were stronger words for me to use.

There is so much more I can say about my father, and perhaps at another time I will be able to write something lengthier and more detailed. With all of the craziness this week, we were at least able to come up with the idea of starting a scholarship fund in his honor. My dad was always passionate about instilling the importance of the arts and music through teaching and education. He had many successful private students over the years, and was always so proud of my brother and I for pursuing music in our higher education. With this scholarship fund we hope to provide some financial relief to a young jazz musician finishing college, whom we will announce at a later date. My father always poured his love for music into his work, but it especially shined through his young pupils. I think that speaks volumes to his character — and anyone who knew my dad, whether personally, in passing, through playing, or from afar would say the same.