Dave Briccetti

In this fast-paced, dot -com-driven world, it's refreshing to find someone who prefers slower "kid time" over a pile of stock options. Dave Briccetti, Stanley music department volunteer, computer consultant, webmaster and French horn devotee, has struck what to him is the perfect balance: His software business supports the volunteer activities that fill his life with richness and community.

"I have low overhead, few expenses and I charge a good rate for skills that are in demand," said Dave. "So I can do a lot of volunteer work, which is a lot more meaningful to me. Right now I like being able to do things with computers that save time for nice people. "

He's the owner of Dave Briccetti Software Consulting, a Lafayette company that supplies custom programming for mostly small- to mid-size businesses. But these days you'll find him nearly five days a week at Stanley "baby-sitting" the programs he wrote for the music deparment, teaching students how to use music software and leading groups of young musicians toward mastering skills .

Ramping Up

Since March 2000, when Dave met Bob Athayde through Mo Levich, another Stanley volunteer and leader of the Rossmoor Big Band, he has completed an impressive set of projects. He set up and now supervises a music lab where students can learn music theory and compose music electronically.  He created the music department's new website as well as Stanley's updated site.  He developed software to manage, simply and conveniently, much of the administrative work required for a department that includes over 400 students.

And here's the part Dave likes best:  He tests young musicians on their growing instrumental proficiency and fills in occasionally for Bob Athayde, conducting a band or coaching an ensemble.

"The students are wonderful," said Dave. "They're polite, nice kids."

Tempo and Technology

His experience at Stanley, launched by one of Bob Athayde's ever-ready cups of Peet's coffee and an early-morning visit to a jazz band practice, has set Dave thinking even more about becoming a full-time teacher.  Since 1992 he has taught computer programming through the College for Kids summer program sponsored by Diablo Valley College.

"Some blend of computers and music," he said, "would be ideal."

Dave, 41, comes by his musical inclinations through a combination of nature and nurture. His mother is a violinist, his father is a cellist and his step-father was a symphony conductor and composer. While growing up in Florida and Indianapolis, Dave took  piano lessons over eight years and eventually discovered his "big love," the French horn, in fourth grade. His enthusiasm led to participation in all-city bands and orchestras.

“Now I'm back in the world of music and I love it.  I've been dormant far too long."

Coming Home

"Now I'm back in the world of music and I love it," he said. "I've been dormant far too long."

As a guy who spent a stretch of his formative years in middle and high school bands, Dave sees Stanley's program as unusual.

"One of the great things about the program are the professionals who come in to talk to the kids," he said. "They listen to students play, then offer comments.  They understand music deeply and convey their insights to the kids with a rich vocabulary of musical terms.  I think many of the kids appreciate the magnitude of these contributions."

By the way, when Dave is not working at Stanley or developing software for clients, he enjoys hanging out with his extended family, playing racquetball and hiking.