Mantia, Simone

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(b nr Palermo, Sicily, Feb 6, 1873; d Flushing, NY, June 25, 1951). American euphonium player, trombonist, and conductor of Italian origin. He came to the USA at an early age, and while still in his teens played professionally as a trombonist in orchestras and as a euphonium player in bands. He studied with Joseph Raffayolo, euphonium soloist in Patrick Gilmore’s band, and later in the Sousa Band; when Raffayolo died in 1896 Mantia was asked to take his place. He played under Sousa for seven years, acquiring a reputation equal to that of Herbert L. Clarke and Arthur Pryor. When Pryor left Sousa in 1903 to form his own band, Mantia joined him as soloist and assistant conductor; he appeared with the band for 20 years, playing and conducting during its summer seasons. In 1909 he joined the Metropolitan Opera in New York as first trombonist. He played with the Metropolitan’s orchestra for 35 years; for the last ten he was also personnel manager. From ...