Stevie Hollywood

I'm STEVE MITCHELL, a composer/arranger, road-tough keyboardist with almost 20 years of experience. I've studied at Interlochen Arts Academy ('84 Orchestral-Brass) and have great logic of string sections, all horns, and their placement in contemporary and orchestral pieces. I use authentic (multi-sampled) instruments when applicable.As a SELF-TAUGHT pianist at Saginaw High School, I earned a 2nd place finish (amongst pianists statewide) in Michigan's Prep Jazz Competitions of 1987, held at Saginaw's Heritage Theatre. It was an honor to attend Derek Shelton's band classes, and share stages with current legendary Michigan musicians: James Owens (guitar) Terrence Herd (drums) and Ernest Holmes (bass). Our quiet chemistry, hunger, and youthfully aggressive improv/flair was "truly ahead of it's time" according to our advanced listeners (and instructor). I was very proud that my first teen band experience was THIS ONE... Four li'l aces, in an entire classroom of great horns. We won MICHIGAN'S BEST Combo & Big Band Ensemble honors that year (James & Terrence had 1st Place finishes) and 3 of our horn players had nominations. I was just giddy to be there, and truly felt that every pianist in that competition was awesome. They'd paid far more "dues" than I ever had, studying years of theory and having their recitals. I simply grew up in a fun musical family, in a "jam band" neighborhood full of elder musicians. I was the only competing pianist who COULDN'T read sheet music, yet my (improv and solo) marks were perfect across the board. I'm certainly no Beethoven, but based on a week when my high school band was absolutely "on fire" this was the ultimate moral victory for me. With a new assurance, I soon retired my brass instruments.I've also completed 3 great years of voice training, and have arranged all vocals in every cover band in which I've performed. In each, ALL 5 instrumentalists were "featured" and harmonized together, covering heavy groups like CSN&Y, Earth Wind & Fire, The Eagles, Doobie Bros, and the Motown era. I've enjoyed many, many years of Award-Winning Top 40 Band fun/highway mileage.I've never ventured into the deepest waters of recording success, and my quest now begins. Thanks in advance, should anyone's prayers find/motivate me.Special thanks to the late greats... William Edward Orr, (Sr./Jr.), Charles Mark Bellinger, and Mr. Derek Shelton, for their major roles on my journey. Keep lighting my path.I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4