Jim Rungo

Director of Music

As a professional musician/instructor, Jim Rungo, a native Parisian, has 35+ years experience in all aspects and styles from jazz to classical, pop to opera, polka to musical theatre, ethnic to R&B, and all in between. He has performed locally and toured nationally and internationally from intimate clubs and small theatres to concert halls, sports arenas, and more.

Jim has played most works in the American musical theatre library and has been logging credits with countless artists and groups such as Ben Vereen, Ann Reinking, Mel Torme, Gregory Hines, Marvin Hamlisch, Carol Burnett, Liberace, Milton Berle, Julie Andrews, Jerry Lewis, Rosemary Clooney and many others.

He has performed as a drummer/percussionist and at various times as director, conductor, contractor and band leader. Throughout this time Jim has always been involved with dance and choreography. He has been accompanist for many dance schools, seminars, colleges and universities where he has contributed to tap, jazz, African, modern, world, classical and ethnic dance classes and projects for years. His dance experience extends to social and ballroom styles in all their forms from tango to salsa, swing , meringue and all in between.

Additionally, he runs the Rungo School of Drumming, Percussion, Rhythm and Music and offers private and class instruction throughout Tampa Bay as well as coaching to the music departments of local schools where Jim occasionally directs and conducts various groups such as jazz bands and percussion ensembles.