TED REINHARDT AND BRUCE BRUCATO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Ten years ago (March 4, 2015), the music world lost drummer extraordinaire Ted Reinhardt in a tragic plane crash.  As co-founder of Buffalo, NY’s legendary fusion band Gamalon and drummer for the world famous jazz ensemble Spyro-Gyra, Ted amassed a professional resume that few peers could match.  Greg Opalinski and I had the good fortune to work with Ted on several recording projects with The Dooleys and most recently with MPP (Major Progress Program).  

Upon his death, MPP released a triple album of recordings featuring Ted, Tom Reinhardt, George Puleo and David Kane to fund a scholarship created to honor Ted and his best friend, Bruce Brucato.  Bruce was also a member of Gamalon.  Each Spring, graduating seniors from Kenmore East High School (Ted and Bruce’s alma mater) compete for a scholarship awarded in their memory.  

RECIPIENTS OF THE TED / BRUCE SCHOLARSHIP

2017 Julia Viger & Natalie Elwood $500 (each)

2018 Brittany Hoffman & Emily Walter $500 (each)

2019 Megan Swick $500

2020 Madison Reimer $500

2021 William Burhans $500

2022 Kelly Lopat $500

2023 Eva Eggers & Tessa Mihelbergel $500 (each)

2024 Maggie Graber & Megan Heigl $500 (each)

2025 Nolan Vitko & Owen Shotwell $500 (each)

Please consider making a donation to this worthwhile cause by making a check payable to “Ted Reinhardt and Bruce Brucato Memorial Scholarship” and mail it to 

Paul Swisher

823 Carriage Lane

Lewiston, NY 14092

Donations can also be dropped off directly to George Puleo at 

Apples & Oranges Records

3048 Delaware Avenue

Kenmore, NY 14217

(716) 871-8722

In appreciation for your generosity, George will gift you a copy of MPP’s triple vinyl album, “Life and Death In Pandora’s Box”  This was Ted’s last recording project. 

Several songs from this album can be accessed on the MUSIC page on this web site.  

Thank you for supporting the “Ted Reinhardt and Bruce Brucato Memorial Scholarship”