The NEMRF Board Musicians

Well, none of this would have happened without the tireless work of the volunteer NEMRF Board. So this holiday week, I am featuring the musicians that have dedicated their days (and many nights) to founding NEMRF, bringing in donations, and turning it right around and into the hands of musicians in need.

Gabe Langfur Rice, Trombonist and President of NEMRF

THEN: Gabe plays in Rhode Island Philharmonic along with many other groups throughout New England. He also teaches at BU and at Kinhaven Music Festival in the summer.

NOW: He is president of NEMRF and spends his days approving applications and sending out thank you letters to donors.

Hazel Dean Davis, Hornist and Vice President and Secretary of NEMRF

THEN: Hazel is freelance hornist, playing with Boston Pops Esplanade and A Far Cry, and subbing with the Boston Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony and many other orchestras throughout New England and the US.

NOW: She spends her days as Vice President of NEMRF, learning web design and creating the NEMRF website, soliciting donations, and conquering her fear of public speaking to do press interviews for radio and TV all across the region.

Clark Matthews, Hornist and NEMRF Board Member

THEN: Clark plays horn with Cape Cod Symphony and New Bedford Symphony, as well as with groups all across New England.

NOW: Clark helps to go through the applications to confirm each applicant’s musical work history

Tony D’Amico, Bassist and NEMRF Board Member

THEN: Tony plays bass with Portland Symphony, Boston Pops Esplanade, BMOP, and Odyssey Opera, just to name a few.

NOW: Tony helps to go through the applications to confirm each applicant’s musical work history

Pat Hollenbeck, Percussionist, President of BMA, and NEMRF Board Member

THEN: Pat has been at the center of the Boston music scene for decades, as a percussionist in the Boston Pops Esplanade, arranger-extraordinaire, and the president of the Boston Musicians Association.

NOW: As BMA president, he has been working tirelessly—on endless zoom and phone meetings- to help musicians during this pandemic, including helping to found NEMRF. Most recently he’s been “drumming” up applicants by personally calling musicians all across New England to check in on them.

HOPE: As the founders and board members of NEMRF, we share the hope that musicians will be able to weather this COVID-19 pandemic and industry shutdown, so that our communities can again be filled with the vibrant music we all love. We are committed to helping musicians through this pandemic, and to establishing a long term relief fund to provide financial assistance and critical resources as a safety net for musicians experiencing unexpected or catastrophic income loss. Whether it’s the whole industry or specific individuals in need, we hope NEMRF will be here for decades to come!