T H E  S O U T H E R N  T I E R  S Y M P H O N Y
JOHN WHITNEY - MUSIC DIRECTOR

  Composer and pianist Jacob Pleakis was born and raised in Olean, NY. Beginning his studies at a young age, Mr. Pleakis began to play extensively in the Western New York area. He worked as a rehearsal pianist and pit orchestra member for numerous Olean Community Theater productions, served as musical director for two Portville High School musicals, and enjoyed a three-year stint as pianist at the Old Library Restaurant (a local fine-dining establishment). As a student at Olean High School, Mr. Pleakis served as accompanist for the Select Chorus, composed for and performed in Jazz Ensemble, and arranged/conducted music by composer John Williams with both the concert band and full orchestra.

       Mr. Pleakis began his studies at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music in fall 2002; he graduated Magna cum laude with a degree in Jazz Studies (Piano Performance) in May 2006. While at Purchase, Mr. Pleakis studied with many world-renowned jazz musicians, including Jon Faddis, Todd Coolman, Pete Malinverni, John Riley, Charles Blenzig, and Ray Vega. He worked as a session musician/arranger for numerous projects and performed extensively in the Metropolitan area; he was also a member of the Purchase Jazz Orchestra and has performed at the famed “Birdland” jazz club.

          Mr. Pleakis is currently in his second year of graduate studies in Music Composition (Film Scoring) at New York University, studying with industry experts including Tim Starnes, Ira Newborn, Dr. Justin Dello Joio, Dr. Dinu Ghezzo, and Dr. Ron Sadoff. In addition to scoring many student films, Mr. Pleakis has recorded with chamber orchestras and continues to play regularly in New York. Presently, he is working on his first string quartet as well as producing and arranging songs for an upcoming album by singer/songwriter Abigail Payne.