A Short Music Bio:

Wes Norton
nortonw@crcwd.com

Wes Norton has been a student and teacher of guitar since 1953. He studied Classical Technique with Peter Colona at Philadelphia's Settlement School of Music, and Jazz Performance with the acknowledged master jazz theorist, composer and guitar teacher, Dennis Sandole. His college training in music includes theory, harmony and choral conducting under Orrin Clayton Suthern, III.

He also had the rare priviledge and opportunity to have had some private instruction from the classical guitar master, Andres Segovia. Currently he teaches guitar at the Mt. Airy Cultural Center, Inc., and has a small number of private students.

Professionally, Norton has played with many jazz and classical musicians in the Philadelphia, Atlantic City and NY City areas. He has been a studio musician at local TV stations and recording studios; and worked as a "house musician" at several restaurants and catering establishments. He currently plays engagements as a solo musician or in small ensembles in the Philadelphia area.

On another musical track, Wes is a bass/baritone who has sung opera, jazz and religious music. He is a founding member of The Fiskites and Company, a world traveled choral group, a former member of Philmont Opera Company and former cantor/soloist for liturgical churches in the Philadelphia region.

Additionally, he produces musical events of a jazz, operatic or religious nature.

At various times in his career he has been a Public School Teacher of Science (ret.) in Philadelphia, PA, a research pharmacolgist (ret.) in academia and major pharmaceutical firms as well as a commercial/scientific photographer. Currently he suppliments his musical income as a contract "Patient-Instructor" and SP at Temple University Medical School, utilizing his performance, scientific and instructional backgrounds in one position.

He has recently appeared with his long-time guitarist friend, Gerald Smith, at the Tony Williams Labor Day Scholarship Jazz Festival in Cherry Hill NJ on Labor Day weekend, 2002 and The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia PA.

( Member, Local 77, AFof M; and associate of the Solo Musician's Network)