** As published in the Coral Gables Magazine, January 2025 edition **

Tech Consultant, Musician, Teacher

After receiving a master’s degree in organizational management from St. Thomas University, Gables native Don Slesnick III began working in IT for law firm Colson Hicks. He then joined the board of the South Florida Digital Alliance, eventually becoming its executive director. He next started Deco Networks, his own IT management consulting company for small businesses and not-for-profits, which he ran for 20 years. He also joined the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee as a board member, eventually becoming president of the organization and later its executive director. About three years ago, when his mother Jeannett Slesnick became sick with cancer, he rediscovered his love of music, playing piano and guitar for her. Before she passed in August of 2023, she encouraged him to pursue a career in music, possibly as a teacher.

Latest Achievement

Slesnick has just finished his first year as the music instructor at Coral Gables Preparatory Academy on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the school that he attended as a child when it was called Coral Gables Elementary (it has since expanded to kindergarten through 8th Grade). When his son Sebastian told him that the school had no music program, he served as a “permanent” sub for a year, running the program. He was made full time last year and has since brought back the school’s chorus and strings & violins music clubs. In December, he brought back the school’s first “Winter Frost” showcase since before the pandemic.

What he Say

“I was born and raised in Coral Gables and went to this school. It’s a humbling opportunity for me to teach in this building, and a way to give back,” says Slesnick. “I try to get [the students] interested until they get hooked, and then I can give them the inspiration to a path where music becomes very meaningful in their lives… it gives me dividends to see the kids flourish, and to see how music makes them feel.” Slesnick says he is also able to bring his tech background to bear. “We did a lesson last year on the Beatles’ new song [discovered from an old recording by John Lennon]. I walked the class through the technology they used to separate his voice from the piano and mix it with recordings from Ringo and Paul… I like to bring new ways to look at music.”– JP Faber

Sketchbook Series: Dreams of Summer

As to the sketchbook series, these melodic vignettes play in my thoughts, a soundtrack to my journeys each day. Recorded in but a few takes, the articulate arpeggios and chord progression remind one of classic surf melodies while, the added wash of echoes with lingering harmonic resonance helps create the dreamlike state. Gear notes (highlights): Les Paul Jr. (Guitar), Quilter Aviator Mach III (Amp), and the Dawner Prince Boonar (Drum Delay Pedal), JHS Clover (Preamp/EQ), Hydra (Tremolo), and Thorpy FX Fat General (Compressor). Images/Video are stock.   Video shared below; ENJOY!

An instrumental I’ve been working on these past few months — and certainly, still some work to be done — this video represents the first official recording; No editing, just an iPad. I’ve toyed with a few variations of the piece, mostly differing with respects to tempo but also to include different types of delay and application thereof. Part of my ‘Star Gazer’ series, the rhythmic and oscillating delays evoke images of a lonely space craft venturing across our solar system and beyond.  Key gear used: Les Paul Jr., Supa Puss Delay, Keeley Hydra (Vibrato), and Quilter Aviator Mach III   Video shared below; ENJOY!

Fall has arrived in Miami; temperatures actually dipped into the 60’s (oh Joy!). To the casual observer, changes between seasons can certainty be a bit more challenging to discern and, while the humidity is ever so slightly less, my go-to sign is the ever so nuanced change of hue in the light of the sun as its casts across the late afternoon sky; growing in warmth and richness as the season marches on. For it is at this magical time of day, on a lazy Autumn’s afternoon, that I would encourage one to take a break, turn off the electronics, put the guitar down, and jump into a good book. To those that would engage in such an exercise, why not enjoy a literary work, as but one simple option, that provides a greater understanding and appreciation for the musical instruments and tools we now enjoy if not take for granted, ‘The Birth of Loud’.

As to how I came upon this book, it was certainly not on my radar or something I was searching for. Rather, a relative with a shared love for music and guitars sent me a copy as a gift after stumbling upon it himself. While the first chapter or so takes a bit of time to build up some rhythm, soon after it becomes hard to put it down. As Ian Port faithfully jumps back and forth between the parallel, and sometimes intersecting paths that Les Paul and Leo Fender took as they raced towards the creation of the electric guitar, craftily woven throughout, the reader is treated to such wonderful stories of the masters musicians that help bring these instruments to life. Further, there are a few additional paths taken, discussions on recording techniques, amplifiers, and other gear, that help provide meaningful context; a more complete picture. I often found myself listening to the songs referenced, not for the first time, but now with a new appreciation for the tools and techniques used in their recording, often revolutionary for their time.

To pay this kind gift forward, I have since purchased many a copy of this book only, sending them to friends in the industry all across the country. Needless to say, it a great book and one that comes highly recommended.