The Celentano Foundation was created in honor of Peter S. Celentano, Sr. by his children Rachel, Paul, Michael and Peter Jr. The foundation’s purpose is to allow access for children and young adults to learn and share their gift of music with the world.
Peter was a loving and devoted father who believed music education to be an essential, enriching ingredient for a good life. In his youth, he played trumpet in bands and orchestras throughout high school and college. As he got older, Peter wrote a weekly music column for a regional newspaper in which he advocated for free access to local music performances for lower income families. Even as Peter got married and had children–and consequently didn’t have the time to perform on his trumpet as often–he continued to play his trumpet at church on sundays and always had music ringing through the Celentano household. Each of his children started playing an instrument in 4th grade, and he encouraged them endlessly, always ensuring that they had access to private lessons, quality instruments, and a ride to every musical commitment they pursued. He inspired all four of his children to graduate with degrees in Music Performance at the collegiate level.
Because Peter believed so strongly in the value of music education, his children would like his legacy to live on, not only through his children, but also through the lives of others who dream of sharing their gift of music with the world. As a result, the Celentano Foundation was created to provide opportunities and support for others to discover and pursue their love of music from a young age.