RICK SHARP — Rick now has the longest tenure of any active Gateway City Big Band member, having joined the trumpet section in 1974.
Rick began playing the trumpet at the age of nine in the Riverview Gardens School District. He continued through high school, studied privately and continued playing in college at the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he led the basketball band. After graduation Uncle Sam called, so Rick enlisted in the Army Band where he served in Stuttgart, Germany. Less than a year after returning from Germany he was invited to join Gateway, and he’s been active ever since. By day Rick is Senior Vice-President for Mortgage Production at Central Mortgage Company where he directs mortgage origination activities for the 13 banks owned by Central Bancompany of Jefferson City, Missouri. His co-workers have become used to his hobby and often attend the band’s performances. Rick has one son, Doug, a piano, clarinet and sax player who has subbed with the Big Band over the years. Doug is a First Lieutenant with the United States Army and currently resides in Augusta, Georgia with his wife Susie and their two children. In February, 2005 Rick and trombone section leader/vocalist Karen Kelly Sharp were married. The return of the popularity of big band music has Rick thrilled as he notices the crowds getting younger and younger. Rick sees a real future for big band music, a passion he has had for over 50 years. |
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