Ohio native, C. F. "Bud" Mayer III brings a wealth of musical knowledge and experience to the
WILDFIRE Band. Carl began playing the piano at the age of four, later developing his unique talent
and improvisational skills under the tutelage of well-known Cleveland pianist-composer, Joe Howard.
He studied music and radio production at National Music Camp, Interlochen, MI. Later he attended
Hartt College of Music (University of Hartford, CT) where he studied harpsichord, organ, piano, choral music
and conducting while majoring in music theory and composition. He also studied with world-renowned arranger,
Don Sebesky in New York.
Two-time American Song Festival Award winner, Mayer has performed in clubs, cabaret and theater
in the US and Europe as a piano soloist, accompanist and band leader. Other projects included writing,
performing and producing music for radio and television, including work for Connecticut Public Television,
The Hartford Civic Center and Aetna Insurance Company. He has worked with major keyboard
and professional audio manufacturers in product development and marketing for the music and sound industry.
He has also been associated with various artists and organizations including Bon Jovi, Brian Auger,
Larry Coryell, and National Association of Music Merchants( NAMM ).
He is currently Organist/Music Director for First United Methodist Church of Niagara Falls, NY and
Music Director for the Niagara Falls Retired Men's Service Club Chorus. He also served on the board of the
Niagara Interfaith Chorale. Recent engagements include performances for The American Heart Association,
Buffalo Children's Hospital, WNED Buffalo-Niagara Guitar Festival, Niagara Falls Country Club,
Niagara University, Seneca Niagara Casino and popular Fridays@Noon summer concerts held
at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Niagara Falls where he performed his own music along with
works by Bach, Beethoven Mozart, Debussy, Joplin, Gershwin and others.
His CD of original piano music, At the Piano was released in 2003.
