JIm Rungo - BTP Co-Director of Music

Jim has been consistently with BTP since its inception. Growing and learning right along with the program has been and continues to be a privilege for which he is always grateful.

His formative years abroad provided an ideal backdrop for a multicultural upbringing. Born and raised in Paris to French-Tunisian and Italian-American parents respectively [ the quintessential WWII love story 68 years in the making ],he did live and travel elsewhere; Germany, Portugal, Great Britain, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain and others, but always returning to his roots in France.

Pre-college days brought a major life altering move ……..not ” Back to the U.S.S.R.”, but rather back to the good ole’ U.S.A., having previously spent 8 months in California. His long interest in music traceable to his childhood, surfaced when, without a Soccer team to join, he opted for Band, Saxophone to be exact, and in record time rose to first chair. A feat he soon duplicated in the Drum section where his inner passion, one of several anyway, would no longer be denied and demanded his attention.

With such a whirlwind background Jim’s varied interests are not a surprise including ; languages [ he ’s still working on English] and mathematics, both subjects that Jim has tutored. Also science, business, history and especially the Arts ; Music, Art , Dance, Education all of which he also tutors. He holds Bachelor of Arts degree and has accumulated many hours at the Graduate level in Design , Architecture,

Counseling and Acoustics. This list though incomplete represents some of Jim’s life long endeavors both in and out of the classroom, on both sides of the desk. Vocationally Jim considers himself very fortunate to wear more than one of these hats, but none more than Music.

As a professional musician/instructor Jim has 35 + years experience in all aspects and styles from Jazz to Classical, Pop to Opera, Polka to Musical Theatre and Ethnic to R&B and all in between. He has performed locally and toured nationally and internationally on stages tiny like postage stamps to huge like aircraft carriers in concert halls, sports arenas, recording studios, cruise ships, circuses, theme parks etc. He has played most works in our American Musical Theatre library and has been logging credits with countless artists and groups like Kenny Rogers, Howie Mandel, Jose Feliciano, Ben Vereen and Arthur Duncan, Ann Reinking. From Cab Calloway, Dudley Moore, Mel Torme and Gregory Hines to Gloria Loring, the Florida Orchestra , Cling Holmes, Marvin Hamlisch and Carol Burnett. From Glen Miller, the Fifth Dimension, Liberace, Don Rickles to Rush Limbaugh, Milton Berle, Rich Little, Phyllis Diller and Frank Gorshin [ his first conducting opportunity ]. Also Julie Andrews, the Mills Brothers, Sheena Easton , Jerry Lewis, Rosemary Clooney, the Drifters, and many others. Performing as Drummer/Percussionist and at various times as director, conductor , contractor and band leader.

Throughout this time Jim has always been involved with dance and choreography. Acting as accompanist for many dance schools, seminars, colleges and universities where he has contributed to tap, jazz, African , modern , world, classical and ethnic dance classes and projects for years. His dance experience extends to social and ballroom styles in all their forms from tango to salsa, swing , merengue and all in between. He is resident rhythm and music specialist at several local dance facilities where he is currently implementing and testing his new approach in helping individuals improve their skills and increase their music acumen by offering his “ Rhythm and Music for Dancers and Non-Musician’s course that is yielding very promising results.

Additionally he runs the Rungo School of Drumming, Percussion, Rhythm and Music, He offers private and class instruction throughout Tampa Bay and provides coaching to local school’s Music Departments where Jim occasionally directs and conducts various groups such as Jazz Bands and Percussion ensembles.

It is with great enthusiasm that Jim welcomes the work and the people all involved on both sides of the stage as we work together and dedicate ourselves to the continued noble endeavor of helping and teaching by sharing and encouraging in this world renowned undertaking called B.T.P.