Vito Pascucci

Vito Pascucci is an entrepreneur and near-legend within the music industry and among musicians. Educated in the Kenosha, Wisconsin, public schools where he first learned to play trumpet, Pascucci served during World War II with the Glenn Miller Army Air Corps Band. Stationed in Europe, he learned manufacturing techniques from the most respected and progressive instrument maker of the time, Leon Leblanc, in France.

After the War, Pascucci founded G Leblanc Corporation in America, turning his one-man shop into a ninebrand corporation employing more than 500 people and serving a world market. The Frank Holton Company, founded in 1898, was acquired by Pascucci in 1964 and he assumed ownership of G. Leblanc SA, France in 1993; Leblanc's Noblet Company traces its roots to 1750.

Vito Pascucci has developed the only complete family of plastic-bodied clarinets made in the United States (from the Eb soprano to the BBb contrabass). Vito brand woodwinds brought to student instruments a consistency and quality previously available only on professional models. He holds a number of patents for improvements to musical instruments and accessories.

True to its French roots, the American company is a family business in the tradition of de pere en fils, for Leon Pascucci (Vito's son and Leon Leblanc's name sake) now serves the corporation as President.

Vito Pascucci served as Chairman of the American Music Conference for four terms, and six terms as President of the National Association of Band Instrument Manufacturers. Among his honors, Pascucci was named to the National Association of Music Merchants Hall of Fame, the American Music Conference Hall of Fame and received its Henry Grossman Award for outstanding service to the music industry. He received the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation from the American Bandmasters Association and The Richard Madden Fortissimo Award from VanderCook College of Music. He holds honorary doctorates from Florida A&M University and Wartburg College. The Custom Tailors Guild has for many years included Pascucci in its annual Ten Best-Dressed Men's List.

Vito Pascucci has worked untiringly for the betterment of music for over 55 years. His progressive outlook toward manufacturing and his visionary approach to marketing have set new standards for the band instrument industry.