out & about by Gin Denton
Zachary Groff Zachary Groff’s a gifted pianist, composer, and music teacher. He started playing piano 34 years ago when he was eight years old, and at age ten, he composed his first solo piano piece. But Zachary’s talent goes even further. He is also a world class whistler.
He usually plays piano or harpsichord, a smaller piano-like instrument, typically used in baroque music. He is a member of a classical jazz trio, Stanley Standard, along with bassist Isaac Rives and drummer Brent Ferry. In addition to the classical arrangements, Stanley Standard performs original arrangements from a variety of musical forms. You can find them playing just up the Blue Ridge Parkway at Primland in Virginia, as well as local wineries. Zachary is a freelance composer, writing for himself and for others. He is senior arranger for Sheet Music Plus, a company known for their sheet music options. His compositions and variations of sheet music can be purchased for download at SheetMusicPlus.com. He also composes for another platform, Miles of Music. We are fortunate to have such a well-traveled and educated musician in our area, especially one who not only loves performance but also loves sharing his passion for music through teaching. You can find him teaching piano at Olde Mill Music in Mount Airy. Search for Zachary Groff on reverbnation.com to hear several of his tunes featuring whistling, including his “Theme and Variation on ‘Fishin Hole,’” from the Andy Griffin Show. Search his pseudonym, Whitworth, to sample his Electronic Dance Music. He can also be found on Spotify and iTunes. You can read more about his jazz trio at stanleystandard.com. Happy Trails to you!
In 2013, Zachary earned the title of World Champion Classical Style Whistler with his performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto number 2 at the International Whistler's Convention. He became a whistling legend and was asked to perform in Japan. He has also toured Europe playing piano and whistling. Zachary even had the honor of being featured at the drool-worthy Fringe Festival in Scotland. In 2014 he released an EP album featuring his compositions, whistling, and piano playing. “Drifting” is one of my favorite pieces on the album titled Pieces of Night. While his music led him around the world, Zachary has called Mount Airy home for two decades. Originally from Pennsylvania, he first came to North Carolina when he was accepted at the NC School of the Arts. There he studied classical piano with Clifton Matthews and composition with Kenneth Frazelle. As an entertainer, Zachary, has performed in several bands and in classical ensembles. 18 • SURRY LIVING March 2021 Issue
