Balancing dentistry and concert career

A busy baritone with a full schedule of professional singing engagements, Brian Zunner, D.D.S. '87, was mulling a career in dentistry. He needed encouragement and advice.

"I first met Dr. Sebastian Ciancio through an introduction from a fellow singer who worked for him as a hygienist. He invited me to spend a morning in the periodontal clinic. In between cases, we discussed my interest in dentistry. Through my four years at the school, he took an interest in me, gave me guidance and, to this day, has been invaluable in furthering my interest in periodontics."

Zunner, who also has a B.F.A. from UB in voice performance, now maintains his own dental practice in Williamsville, N.Y., while pursuing a voice career. His 1996-97 schedule includes three concerts with the Buffalo Philharmonic and several out-of-town appearances.

In dental school, Zunner experienced the clash implicit in perfecting two disciplines simultaneously. During his junior year, he found himself backstage, cramming for midterm exams in between arias during a rehearsal with the Buffalo Philharmonic.

"At one point, I was nudged by the tenor soloist only to find (Conductor Julius Rudel) waiting for me, so the rehearsal could continue. He asked me into his dressing room at the orchestra break to tell me it was time I chose between dentistry and music!"

In recalling his UB days, Zunner points to the inspirational force of his voice professor, Gary Burgess. "His facility at teaching and philosophy of making music have been a driving force in both my careers."