The Emerson J. Dillon 8th grade band under the direction of Mr. David L. Frateschi has enjoyed a longstanding tradition of excellence in the CNY region as well as along the North East.  His Bands have won numerous 1st Place and Grand Champion Awards as well as traveled to and performed in Toronto / Niagra Falls Canada, Rochester / Syracuse New York, New York City, Hershey Pennsylvania, Boston Massachusetts and Ocean City New Jersey.  In addition to our performances, we have traveled to see productions of: “The Phantom of The Opera”, “Beauty and The Beast”, “The Lion King”, “Ragtime”, “Shear Madness” and “Annie Get Your Gun”.  This year’s trip will be to NYC to see “Wicked”. We have also been fortunate to have the opportunity to see the “Syracuse Symphony” and the “Boston Symphony” live in concert! We have had the pleasure of having two world-renowned composers James Swearingen and Robert Sheldon, guest conduct their own music with us. 

We have had students selected to perform with the NYSBDA Middle School Honor Band every year but one since the first year of inception.  We also participate in JH Area All State Band and Oswego County’s JH All County Band in which our average number of participants over the last three years has been 15 students in JH Area All State each year, and 32 students in JH All County Band each year!  One third or more of our band members participate every year in NYSSMA’s Solo and Ensemble Festivals.  Our average number of students performing at level 4 over the last three years has been 22 each year!  Our average number of students performing at level 5-6 over the last three years has been 15 each year!  Many of our students study privately either during the school year or summer months and many times both. We also place a strong emphasis on incorporating technology in our classroom through the use of “Finale” and “Smart Music” software programs as well as jazz play along books by Jamey Abersold and Jim Snidero. 

DAVID L. FRATESCHI

David L. Frateschi, a resident of the City of Syracuse, is the Director of the 8th Grade Band, Middle School Select Band, Middle School Jazz Band and Middle School Parade Band at The Emerson J. Dillon Middle School in Phoenix, New York since 1989.   A high school graduate from North Syracuse Central Schools, Mr. Frateschi went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and Master’s Degree in Music Education from Syracuse University.  He is currently enrolled at Syracuse University where he is pursuing his C.S.A. Degree.  Mr. Frateschi is a member of The Oswego County Music Educator’s Association, The New York State Band Director’s Association, MENC, The New York State School Music Association, Local 78 American Federation of Musicians and Honorary Member of both Tri-M Music Honor Society and National Junior High Honor Society.   Mr. Frateschi was the current Greater Fulton Chamber of Commerce “Teacher of The Year” 2002/2003 and is listed in “Who’s Who in American Teaching” 

He is active as a performer, guest conductor and adjudicator in the Central New York area.  Mr. Frateschi is both a NYSSMA Solo and Major Organization Judge.  He has performed as a member of the “Stan Collela Big Band”, the “Stan Collela Pops Orchestra”, the “Sunday Night Road Band”, the Latin group “El Zorro Band” and the “American Musical Ambassador’s European Tour”.  He currently can be seen performing with Syracuse’s Old School Soul/R&B group “The Blacklights”, Rochester’s # 1 Party Band “NIK and The Nice Guys”,  “The Marching Bluenoters” as well as with The Central New York Music Educator’s Wind Ensemble.  Mr. Frateschi is very active as a pit musician with “The Talent Company”, “The Merry- Go- Round Playhouse” and “The Cortland Theatre”.  Mr. Frateschi is the founder and music director for the Phoenix Community Concert Band as well as runs a private studio in Oswego County where he teaches children/adults of all ages and levels.  David and his wife Diana have three children: Tony 12, Louie 10 and Giovanna 7.