Between June 19-25, 1972, Hurricane Agnes (an unusually early storm for the hurricane season) ravaged the east coast and devastated Wilkes-Barre. The new Santos home in Swoyersville was also a victim of the flood. Just 3 weeks prior to this traumatic storm was the birth of the third Santos boy, Jason on June 1.
Jason followed suit in the family tradition taking formal piano lessons at age 5, and learning other instruments (clarinet / saxophone, guitar, percussion) performing with his family, church choirs, National Federated Music Clubs, National Piano Teachers’ Association, High School ensembles and musicals, District and Regional Choral and Band Festivals, and rock groups.
He then enrolled at Wilkes University as a Music Education major with concentration in voice and guitar. While pursuing his degree, he also performed with his rock band, Peep’N Tom (1990-95), as well as joining the a cappella jazz quintet, Cincopella (1993-97). He also formed an acoustic duo called No Clue (1996-99).
Throughout the 1990s, he served as music specialist Wyoming Area HS Marching Band, Assistant Director of Hanover Area HS Marching Band, tenor section leader Wyoming Valley Oratorio and teacher and Director of Greater Nanticoke Area Marching Band.
He was featured in this article in 2016 in the Times-Tribune entitled “Swoyersville musician follows father’s footsteps to build multifarious performing career” which chronicles many of his current projects including his solo act, performance in “Rock of Ages”, and original music.
In 2002, he helped form the seasonal ensemble Twelve-Twenty Four in tribute to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. They have recorded three albums which contain many of Jason’s original music and arrangements. He remains the musical director of the dynamic production.
He has previously played with popular groups: The Alpha Betas, Jay Orrell Band, 7800 Fahrenheit, Flaxy Morgan, Compelling N Rich, and Peeping Tom. He continues to play in musical theatre productions throughout the northeast PA.
Jason and his wife Jill live in Kingston, PA, and have two children: Mattea and Christian.
Christian, Jason, Mattea, Jill
Follow Jason on Twitter
Follow Jason’s music groups:
Twelve-Twenty Four: Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Google | iTunes | Amazon | Spotify