Who We Are
Music has been a lifelong gift and passion for us, and we know how music can build connections, influence behavior, shape culture and strengthen social bonds. We were inspired to create Power of Music after bearing witness to the increasingly limited budgets for music education in the St. Louis area, and and we want to share the gift of music with future generations of potential young musicians by giving St. Louis children the opportunity to explore and learn what the Power of Music can do in their lives.
Bob Keller
Bob Keller is an accomplished musician of over 55 years. He was an integral member of the Allman Joys, the pre-cursor to the Allman Brothers Band and honed his chops right here in St. Louis during the Gaslight Square heydays of the 1960’s. His music, life and demeanor are intertwined with themes of peace and love. So much so, that having relocated to the St. Louis area a few years back, he formulated a concept of giving to children’s needs that were not being met, and the seeds of our Power of Music effort were planted.
Peter Lang
Peter Lang has been an educator and musician for over 25 years. As Director of Performing Arts at The St. Michael School of Clayton, he believes in the positive effect of a student’s ability to gain confidence and a “Can-do” attitude through musical instruction. He often states in presentations, “Every opportunity that we as educators have to give a student a reason to come to school must be capitalized upon. That one bright spot in the day can be the beginning of a brand-new start for troubled students.” As a small business owner, he continues to expand his network of lesson and group instructors, bringing together teachers and students in fun and creative environments. Peter holds advanced degrees in Jazz Studies and Business. “Long before the perfection, practice makes it possible.”
Tony Badamo
Tony Badamo has a life-long passion for music and the music products industries. Currently he is a Pro Sound & AV systems designer for Tech Electronics serving customers in the education, house of worship, government and commercial channels. As a musician, he has been performing in and around St. Louis for over 30 years. As a result of his work in the education market, he saw the need for expanded music education in public school systems in the greater St. Louis area, and with a lot of help from his friends and associates, formed Power of Music to give the gift of music by exposing all students at an early age with the opportunity of making music themselves.
Dave Sivcovich
Dave was born into a musical family. He got his first bass in the summer of ’69 and used it to play all over mid-Missouri in the 70’s including summer residencies at Lake of the Ozarks. After taking a few years off to do that family thing, he picked up a 6-string and rejoined the area scene playing in several blues and classic rock bands with an occasional side trip to bluegrass mandolin. But it was through Dave’s son Mike that that he really saw the power of music. As a junior high teacher in north St. Louis (and reggae bass player), Mike was able to use music to form bonds with his students that transcended cultural differences. Dave understands the need to provide young students with avenues for constructive self-expression and how this helps develop well rounded individuals.
Dave Crawford
At a very young age, Dave Crawford was introduced to classical and jazz music through his parent’s LPs. Later in elementary school, he began playing trombone, and would eventually play many of those tunes in high school and college. That creative outlet fueled his desire for education as he obtained two engineering degrees and a law degree. Today in addition practicing as a patent attorney, Dave helps recording musicians obtain licenses from composers and applies for copyright protection for their recorded works. Mr. Crawford credits much of his success to a life-long exposure to music.