Ira has entertained on the piano since 12 years of age. His first big venue was at the 1964 World's Fair, New York State Pavillion with four of his talented school mates - "The Big Five". Together they performed popular songs of the decade.
While in high school, he performed at venues in the Catskill Mountains and performed on the piano and clarinet. He also performed on the clarinet at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as a student.
While in high school Ira attended Julliard School of Music. He has received a B.S. in Music Education and an M.A. in Supervision and Administration in Music Education from New York University.
Ira Allen served as music coordinator of the Forest Hills High School Music Department for 24 years (with a total of 32 years in the New York City Department of Education). He was music director for the Play Pro productions of Fiddler on the Roof, The Miracle Worker, Bye-Bye Birdie, Paradise Postponed, Damn Yankees, The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.
In New York City, he has directed Promises Promises, Dames at Sea, and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Ira has performed in New York City area nightclubs, such as the Triad and Don't Tell Mama, as a solo pianist and accompanist to various vocalists. Until October 2000, he had been in collaboration with composer, comedian, and former host of NBC's "The Tonight Show", the late Steve Allen.
Ira has promoted various fundraiser concerts which included a concert for Concord Recording Jazz Artist, Maynard Ferguson and His Big Bop Nouveau Band, at which the FHHS Jazz Band was the opening act.
In addition to playing for corporate events, fundraisers, weddings and other social functions, Ira can be found playing off-Broadway with his wife, actress and singer Carmen Amoros at "Don't Tell Mama" and various New York City venues. He continues to teach as an adjunct professor at Queens College, New York and heads the Salute to Music/Master's Program in New York City. He lives in New York with his wife Carmen.
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