December 12, 2005, Staten Island, NY…Nineteen year-old Wagner College sophomore, Michael Puglia will be performing for visitors this Sunday, December 18, 2005 at the White House Holiday Reception. He will be accompanied on piano by his long-time coach and mentor, James Ruck.
In his second year at Wagner College, Puglia is currently pursuing a double major in Music and Education. He is a proud member and tenor section leader of the Wagner College Choir and is also a member of the select Chamber Singers ensemble. He has performed as a soloist with both and was also a featured soloist with the Treble Concert Choir this fall. Last Spring, Michael toured New England with the College Choir.
Puglia has been fascinated by performing since the sixth grade when he starred in his school’s production of SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK. He went on to attend Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan where he continued to perform in musical theater productions. In 2000, he won the Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Award for Best Child Actor for his portrayal of Billy Kopecki in the high school’s production of BIG.
Puglia applied in July to the Visitor’s Office of the White House for a chance at performing at one of their Holiday Receptions. He sent a demo CD, his biography, a headshot as well as other pertinent information they required. In October, he received the call to let him know he had been chosen.
“I couldn’t even believe I was sending my information to the White House, but to then get a response back to say that I was chosen was truly incredible,” said Puglia. He is scheduled to sing a variety of songs for one and a half hours this Sunday including: “Winter Wonderland,” “White Christmas,” and “Christmas Waltz.”
Forty-three performers (mostly groups, with just a few soloists like Puglia) were chosen to entertain visitors during the seven days of Holiday Receptions the White House hosts throughout the month of December. Nearly 55,000 invited guests including diplomats and other important political figures are expected to walk through the White House during these receptions.
“I am really proud to have been chosen along with other exceptionally talented groups to perform at the White House,” he said.
Puglia resides in Northvale, New Jersey with his parents, John and Kathy, as well as his younger brother, James. As for his career plans for the future, he would equally enjoy pursuing his musical career or becoming a music teacher. Puglia has performed at weddings, private parties, and corporate banquets. He provided entertainment during brunch at Wagner’s Family Weekend which took place this past Sept 30th - Oct. 2nd .
Puglia’s forte lies in the Great American Songbook. With a special interest in the songs composed shortly before and during World War II, Michael follows artists such as Michael Feinstein, Barbara Cook, Andrea Marcovicci and Julie Wilson.
