A long strange trip indeed! I’ve lived LOT’S of places, and wandered even more. Originally bi-coastal, back…and forth. Now, Novelty, Ohio is my long-time home, where I live on none other than…Music Street!
Why Music? Why Art & Design?
I was born into a multi-generational musical and artistic family. As a child, I saw no other professional options, nor did I want to; both have always been my loves.
Jump to:
Music
My father, Joe Berlingeri, a successful jazz musician, would line up his three little girls and teach us the basics of singing in harmony; singing and playing a variety of instruments was a daily part of life. Playing piano was requisite. Early garage bands a natural continuation.
Semi-professional and community choirs kept the joy alive. After years of urging (thanks Sis!) I finally began performing, as a guest, with several bands including “Serendipity” and “The Barking Daisies”. This was the catalyst: I wanted a full time band!
When I met Joe Troyan in 2012, I found the music partner I’d been looking for, and “The Fretters” were born.
Musical opportunities continue to develop, including forming an a’ capella group and creating custom vocal arrangements for the trio.
Art & Design
My mother, Jean Berlingeri, strived to be an artist. She studied via the Famous Artists correspondence program. Those days were not conducive to a mother of five having a career! But the seeds were planted in me, and the techniques were right there in those correspondence studies!
I worked my a*% off to pay my way through art school (BFA, Painting – CCAC in California) and much later through grad school (MFA, Visual Communication – Kent State) and beyond (Doctoral Studies, Instructional Design – Kent State), graduating with high honors from all.
I’m grateful to have had a multi-faceted career within the industry, winning awards, having shows, and still paying the bills! You can read much of the gritty details in my resume, if you wish.
About My Name
Angela Berlingeri is my name…ask me again and I’ll tell you the same. Yes, it’s long-ish, and Italian. Some get nervous after two syllables, but here’s how to say it:
It’s pronounced “Berl” (as in burly), plus “in” and “geri” like “Jerry”. That’s it: BERLINGERI. Now you’ve got it.
The name used to embarrass me; seven syllables in all with the first name. My father used to tell stories of arriving at hotels to find two rooms; one for Berl and one for Geri.
I’ve grown into it more or less. It’s sort of melodious. And it’s amusing to say it slowly and clearly when introducing myself to see who glazes over, and who is linguistically fearless.
