Paul G. Stafura

Paul Stafura's tamburitza experience began in 1961, at age 12, when he became a charter member of The Junior Tamburitzans of Duquesne (Duquesne, Pennsylvania). These beginnings occurred through the encouragement of his parents who wanted to develop his love for music and for his ethnic background. Just a few years later, another charter tamburitza group began in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, called the Ambassador Tamburitzans under the direction of Mr. Ivan Yanzetich. It was an all male group that played advanced selections of tamburitza music. Another community group organized by Walter Kolar, called The Tamburitza Philharmonic Orchestra, was in existence. Its purpose was to perform more classical selections for symphonic presentations on the tamburitza. By joining these groups and small combos, a strong appreciation for tamburitza playing developed, which prepared him for acceptance into the Duquesne University Tamburitzans as a performer from 1967 to 1971. Six years of undergraduate and graduate study provided great opportunities to tour both domestically and internationally. Several albums were recorded during those college years, and it was an educational experience to play and perform with so many talented musicians who came from different musical backgrounds. As the years went by, Paul performed and recorded with The Steve Vesolich Tamburitza Orchestra and played many fun gigs with The Continental Dukes of Pittsburgh. The technical side of 'live' recording became an interesting hobby leading to self-recorded albums of The Duquesne University Tamburitzans and, for several years, partial ownership of Granny's Attic Communications. During his ongoing work as Company Manager with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, Paul penned many musical arrangements for each season's production, as well as for their travel abroad. In 1982, he was awarded a 'Meet the Composer' grant from the state of Pennsylvania for a special musical arrangement. Since 1988, he has been the Managing Director of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, which has been a tremendous experience of directing music, song, and dance with America's premiere folk ensemble. This season marks 40 years of rewarding work with the Tammies, as a student and as a professional.