MARCIE CASTRO
PIANIST/ VOCALIST/ COMPOSER

Marcie Castro began her musical training at the age of 7 in Long Island, NY. Marcieís mother is a native of Brazil and her father is from Spain. English is her first language, however, she learned Portuguese and Spanish at an early age. In later years she became fluent in French and Italian.

Her early training in classical music gave her a proficiency in piano technique that enables her to perform many challenging pieces. In her early teens, she began composing her own music. Marcie continued her musical studies at Arizona State University where she majored in Piano Performance and Composition. Arizona State had an excellent jazz program where she studied improvisation and played in the Big Band and a Salsa band.

When Marcie was a college sophomore, the universityís school of dance employed her as a pianist for ballet and modern dance classes. This position became her profession for the next 10 years. As an accompanist for dance, she learned the art of creating an atmosphere and mood for movement. This talent has given her the versatility for setting a mood in a quiet piano bar, a lively cocktail party, a large wedding or a sing-a-long in a private living room.

At the age of 26, she began vocal studies as she continued working around the country for major dance schools and dance companies including Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Elliot Feld, Joffrey Ballet, the School of American Ballet as well as the High School for Performing Arts in New York City. This is the high school that became immortalized in the film and television show, îFame.î

While working at The High School of Performing Arts, Marcie was commissioned to write a composition for dance featuring electronic music. Her work on this project was given an enthusiastic review in The New York Times.

In 1990, she began to focus on composing and performing in NY venues. She worked at such places as Windows on the World in the World Trade Center, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the Vista Hotel and both country clubs and cabaret theaters throughout the city. She currently works on a steady basis at the Rainbow Grill at Rockefeller Center.

In 1991, her composing took on a new direction when she was asked to write childrenís music for a Disney television program. She also wrote jingles for McDonalds and European American Bank as well as several other companies.

In 1990 she started her own company called, "Perfect Parties Entertainment." This company continues to provide entertainment for private functions such as weddings, anniversaries, ladiesí luncheons and corporate events.

In 1997, she was given the opportunity to work on a luxury cruise ship on a world cruise. The ship was called "The Royal Viking Sun." It was owned by Cunard Lines. She continued working on ships several months each year. Since 1999 she worked exclusively for Crystal Cruises, which is considered the worldís best large cruise line.

Having traveled the world and possessing such a musically diverse background, fluency in 5 languages and a warm personality, Marcie continues to please her audiences wherever she performs.

In 2001, she ventured to Los Angeles, accompanied by top studio jazz and Latin musicians, where she recorded her debut CD, "Enchantment". In May, 2002 her second CD, "Inside My Heart" was released. This solo piano and vocal performance contains some of her favorite popular standards done in her own unique style.