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About Us

The mission of Florida Enrichment Academy is to bring the enjoyment of music along with music’s developmental and wellness advantages to Florida residents.

About Florida Enrichment Academy Faculty

Marilyn Spencer - Piano, Guitar, Harp, Organ, Clarinova, Voice:

Marilyn started playing the piano at age five and taught her first piano student at age ten. She has been performing professionally since age nine on piano, organ, harp and voice individually and with numerous orchestras, bands, and community theatres. Marilyn is currently the Music Director and Organist at Faith United Church of Christ in Bradenton, Florida. She holds a degree from Kansas State University and a Master of Music Degree from the University of North Dakota.

Tom Spencer - Music Theory:

Tom has been a musician since he was nine years old. He has had extensive experience in developing and managing child development and adult wellness facilities and programs. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from St. Louis University.

Marilyn and Tom Spencer have four children, eight grandchildren and two dogs.

 

 

Slade Nash - Guitar, Drums, Ukelele, Flute:

Slade is a lifelong guitar player and all-around musician who started playing guitar at age fourteen. Over the years he has also mastered bass guitar, drums, flute and ukulele. He was a professional musician in New Orleans for many years, and has been in numerous bands and has recorded two albums. He holds a Bachelor Degreefrom the University of Tennessee and loves to share his passion for music by teaching and inspiring kids to be creative and follow their dreams.

Slade also is a Manatee County elementary school teacher and owns and operates Artistic Eye picture framing shop in The Village of The Arts in Bradenton. He lives with his wife, Amara Cocolivo, in Bradenton.

Gary Humphreys - Drums:

Gary is a longtime drummer and professional musician who began playing the drums at age ten. He studied with the renowned drummer, Vincent (Muzzy) Mizzoni and learned from Muzzy’s contemporaries, Joe Morello, Louie Bellson and Cozy Cole. Gary taught at the Mizzoni Studio and became a professional musician having the opportunity to do some recording with The Lord Sterlings.

As a Union musician he worked with the Weldrey & Steel marching band and performance orchestras. He also gained much experience with numerous working bands. Gary emphasizes competency in the rudiments as well as hand control, speed and reading.

Gary also is a Reverse Mortgage Broker and lives in Palmetto with his wife, Susan.

Click below to see a video of Gary performing a drum solo.