biomels

Mel was born in Syracuse, N.Y. and lived for the first seven years of his life one block from Archibold Stadium the place where all the Syracuse University football games were played until the dome replaced it. He never lost his love for the sport or the University which he graduated from in 1953.

While he was at S.U. he learned that the school was desperate for musicians. He could not read a note of music but it wasn't necessary as they would accept anyone who would wear their ski uniform and march. So he joined the marching band and learned to play the songs by ear. His only background in music was to listen to 78's by various Dixieland greats including Louis Armstrong, Mugsy Spanier, Wild Bill Davison, Bix, and most of the traditional bands. He would play along with the recordings if they played in his range and his key. Whenever the opportunity presented itself he would sit in and jam with other members of the Syracuse Dixieland Jazz Society. He also recalls going to a bar on Thursday nights called "Big Bertha's" and playing there when their regular trumpet player got tired.

After graduating Mel went to Syracuse College of Law. In his second year he saw a damsel in distress at the college ski area. He literally picked Karen up after she had fallen in the snow and a few years later he married her. They now have two daughters and five grandchildren. After law school Mel started his own practice with another lawyer and then worked for the Legal Aid Society for a while. He later became the third Assistant D.A. for Onondaga County and prosecuted felonies. He moved to the Village of North Syracuse and was elected to the office of Police Justice. He served as Mayor of the Village for four years and started his law practice there with four other lawyers.

He and Karen decided to retire in 1997. His daughter, son-in -law and three grandchildren had moved to Hilton Head a few months before. When asked why he retired he said " I didn't want to die in my briefs and I was losing my appeal."

He relates "The Dixieland Jazz Society gave me the opportunity to learn more about music. I met Steve Rich and I took lessons from him off and on for about four years. He helped me with the chords and I finally learned how to read and play in different keys. If I have improved it is because of jamming and practicing with members of our jazz club. Thanks for the help that you have given me and all the other muscians in the club."