Frank Farina | BBb Bass
Frank Farina retired as Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands at North Allegheny School District in 1999. He held this position since 1972. Prior to this Mr. Farina was on the faculty of Millvale Public Schools, Assistant Director of Bands while at Duquesne University and Supervisor of Instrumental Music for the Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools.
During his twenty eight years at North Allegheny his marching bands earned numerous top honors, appeared regularly at Three Rivers Stadium and performed at bowl games and parades including the "Grand Daddy" the Rose Parade. His Wind and Jazz Ensemble consistently earned superior ratings, performed at the Mid-East Music Conference, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Conference, and the International Music Festivals in Montreaux and Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as three times behind the Iron Curtain. Most recent were performances in Madrid and Seville, Spain and Hanover, Germany for the World Expo of 1992 and 2000.
Mr. Farina was Assistant Chairman of the Mid-East Instrumental Music Conference
sponsored by Duquesne University. He was on the National Board of Directors
and conducting staff of the American Youth Symphony. Cofounder of the North
Pittsburgh Civic Symphony, he served as Conductor for several years. Since
its founding, he served as Associate Conductor with the Allegheny Brass
Band. Frank founded and served as Executive Director of the 3 Rivers Music
Showcase from 1991 through 2004. This Pittsburgh organization hosts a music
festival and adjudication for student ensembles from Europe, Canada and
Eastern United States. This group also provides European performance tour
opportunities for amateur Pittsburgh musicians.
He is a graduate of Indiana and Duquesne Universities. He served two years
as State Band Chairman for PMEA, served as host for several PMEA events
and is past president of the PA Chapter of Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Master’s
Fraternity.
Honors include being chosen Man of the Year by the local American Legion.
He was selected Outstanding Band Master by Phi Beta Mu. Twice nominated
to Who’s Who Among American Teachers and he received the John Philip
Sousa Foundation "Legion of Honor."
Presently Mr. Farina is Associate Conductor of the Allegheny Brass Band
and plays a St. Petersburg Tuba in the ensemble. He also guest conducts
and adjudicates at festivals.
Mr. Farina lives in McCandless with his wife Barbara. They have three children:
Maria, Laura and Frank, III and five grandchildren: Zoe, Michael, Isaac,
Emily and Flayre.
