Chirco’s professional career began at the age of seventeen
as a guitar instructor; teaching music theory and guitar technique;
specializing in scales and chord progressions.
Chirco attended the Berklee College of Music following high
school graduation. His first band “Elements of Passion”
was formed in 1981. Their performances included not only cover
material, but Chirco’s original scores as well.
Once recognized for his compositional skills, the demand
for his services took off. He was hired to write jingles,
infomercials, video productions and soundtracks. He also worked
as a studio musician as a guitarist with various signed artists.
From there he went on to compose custom themes for public
access programming including shows such as: Law Talk, Real
Estate Hotline, School Beat, Collector’s Paradise and
George and Company Show.
Chirco’s soundtrack writing launched him his own television
program “SoundWaves” in 1995. The music educational
program was aired for ten years.
Chirco is presently pursuing his craft as a composer, arranger
(of original material) and overall musician.
Donna Marie began her singing debut at the age of sixteen.
These performances would include venues such as hotels, fine
dining, country clubs, church services, benefit concerts and
private affairs.
Her early writings were inspired by keeping a personal journal
of life’s experiences. Donna Marie’s greatest
influence and encouragement would come from an exceptional
teacher. Their appreciation for the art of literature and
poetry formed a foundation to pursue a professional writing
career.
While working with Steve Chirco (her husband) as co-producer
and performer on his show, “Soundwaves” a life
changing experience occurred. In 2001, the untimely death
of her twenty year old son halted her dream of ever engaging,
embracing or pursuing any career.
She states, “The lyrics behind much of the music that
I had written, sung or listened to no longer applied to me.
The music would not allow my feet to dance or body sway to
its beat.”
Though the process has been a gradual one, Donna Marie is
currently back to work in the studio recording and writing
with her husband, Steve Chirco.
In 1992, Regina made her first formal singing debut at the
age of fourteen. It was a charity benefit for “Healing
the Children.” During her middle school years on through
to college Regina was involved with the performing arts; that
being chorus and musicals.
She was a member of “Savannah’s Sweet Charity,”
along side her mother, Donna Marie. Regina wrote the music
and lyrics to many of the compositions performed during that
time.
Regina is now on board as a lead and backup vocalist for
Precious Gems.
...Michael... Engineer, Drummer, Percussionist
At the age of eighteen, Michael’s professional career
began as a drummer. He performed with intermixture styles
of music. Between the years 1979 and 1984 he was actively
involved with the drum corps.
Following that Michael acquired an education in audio engineering.
He then went on to produce various musical soundtracks for
educational video assignments.
Michael is engineering, co producing and performing as a
member of Precious Gems.
...John... Keyboardist
At the young age of seven, John began studying classical
piano. He performed with local bands throughout high school.
He earned his musical degree at Montclair State University
in NJ.
Following college, John became a public school music educator.
He also worked as a recording session musician for the first
ten years of his career and a member of many bands.
John has worked with an array of musical legends which include;
Annie Haslam (Renaissance), The Crests and The Drifters just
to name a few.
John could be seen regularly on SoundWaves (music education
program) over the course of ten years along side friend and
host, Steve Chirco. His overall knowledge of theory, history
and varied genre’s of music was well received by the
viewing audience who tuned in weekly.
Through the years the relationship between John and Steve
grew which led them to co-writing, producing and performing
original compositions. John continues to be an added attraction
to Precious Gems.
...Edward... Drummer, Percussionist
When Edward was sixteen he followed his musical plight, performing
as a drummer. He continued to perform in New York and New
Jersey for the next five years.
In 1982, Edward and Steve worked together for the first time
with the band “Elements of Passion.” Their relationship
grew over the years collaborating with a multitude of musical
endeavors.
Edward offers his talent and skills including co producing
the music for Precious Gems.
...Eric... Violinist
Eric attended Hartt School of Music, Montclair University,
and is presently completing his Master’s Degree in music
education at William Patterson University.
Eric enjoys a diverse musical life encompassing all styles
of music such as classical, rock, jazz, pop, Irish, country,
among others. He hails from a family of professional musicians,
and his wife is a professional violinist as well.
Eric has appeared in many venues including Lincoln Center,
Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Martin Kaufman Theatre, The PaperMill
Playhouse, and The Stone Pony.
Eric’s performances of Chirco’s string scores
have been a tremendous contribution to Precious Gems.
When Eric is not performing music, he enjoys spending time
with his wife, four girls, two dogs, two cats, and two fish.
...Luis... Saxophone, Trumpet, Guitar
From a very young age, Luis was exposed to music. His greatest
influences were his father and grandfather. He married his
high school sweetheart and in 1995 they had their first son,
Gabriel.
Luis attended William Patterson University, studied jazz
repertoire at Harbor Conservatory in NY, and attended private
studies in arranging and composing with Chico Mendoza. He
is currently studying advanced guitar under the direction
of Steve Chirco.
Luis is an elementary music educator who enjoys studio work
and freelance gigs. He is presently lending his saxophone
talents in the studio performing Precious Gems Music.
...Steve...
...Donna
Marie...
...Regina...
...Michael...
...John...
...Edward...
...Eric...
...Luis...