Toast of Tampa

Tony De Rosa, Toast of Tampa’s new director, comes to the Show Chorus with a wealth of experience. This year he’ll celebrate his 28th anniversary as a barbershopper, and he’s only in his 30’s! He grew up singing barbershop harmony under his dad’s (“Papa Joe”) direction in choruses in Rochester, N.Y., and in Polk County, Florida. His life was immersed in barbershop harmony as he performed in his dad’s choruses, listened to his mom’s quartet, sang with his sister Chris in “The De Rosa 4”, and followed his favorite quartets, learning their songs and adding to his repertoire. He hit the International stage as a tenor, at age 12, with a memorable rendition of “Where the Angels Live,” sung by the “Cypress Chord Club.” Seven years later, after many appearances at International with District Championship quartets, he captured a gold medal (The youngest ever to win!) with the 1992 champs “Keepsake.” He attained this level again in 2000, repeating on baritone, as “PLATINUM” won the quartet championship. At present, Tony is the lead singer in the 2007 Gold medalist quartet “Max Q,”- a distinctly artistic and talented foursome. He also has years of directing experience, as he continued his father’s legacy in taking the Tampa Heralds of Harmony to International competition an unprecedented nine years in a row.

Tony lives in Winter Garden, Florida, and works as a church and studio vocalist, as Music Director for the “Voices of Liberty” at EPCOT, as vocal director for Celebrity Cruiselines, as a coach to numerous barbershop and Sweet Adeline choruses and quartets, and as an active learning-tape producer.

Those are Tony’s barbershop and musical “stats”, but his true pride and joy are his wife Jodi, and his family. Jodi and Tony met when they both sang with the “Voices of Liberty,” (Jodi sings that top soprano part!) and they’ve shared some amazing and challenging musical moments. Most important to Tony, they also share four terrific children: Alec 19, Kayla 15, Joseph 3, and Sophia, age 2. Watching the kids grow and change is Tony’s greatest pleasure---and worry! Oh yes, and they’re all enjoying their newest addition, an adorable ball of fluff named Gideon, a Shih-Poo puppy! This family shares the blessings of strong faith in the Lord, extended-family fun, and a busy, but full life...loaded with music!