Baker Sound: The Next Generation

After more than twenty years of ownership, Gary Moskowitz has sold Baker Sound Studios to Chief Engineer Rick DiDonato.  The deal was finalized on August 28th, 2006.  Rick immediately assumes all responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the facility.

 “This is something that I’ve thought about for the past few years,” says Moskowitz.  “I started at Baker Sound in 1976 and, just as I took over for Norman Baker in 1984, I had hoped that a member of the staff would eventually take over for me.  Over time it became clear that after being at Baker for nineteen years, Rick was the right person.  I’m confident in his ability to carry on the legacy that I worked so hard to continue and build.  I feel really good about keeping Baker Sound ‘in the family’, and the current staff has given Rick their total support.  After all, Baker Sound has always been about the people who work there.”

Moskowitz hired Rick DiDonato in 1987 after a brief tenure at Disc Makers.  He was promoted to Chief Engineer in 2000, and has handled the bulk of recording duties since that time.  “I believe in this business,” says Rick enthusiastically.  “I’ve worked hard to learn the business, build relationships, and prepare myself for the responsibilities of ownership.  I take great pride in the service we provide to our clients, and I want them to know that they can expect the same level of excellence that has made Baker Sound a fixture in Philadelphia advertising and corporate production for more than forty years.  I’m excited about opportunities to expand the services we provide to our clients—for example, we’ve been getting into podcasting recently—and I think there are a number of other areas where creative digital audio production will play a key role in the future.”

MONSTER TRACKS Music Director and long-time Baker employee Chuck Butler expressed enthusiasm about the change: “Rick and I started at Baker at the same time, and I have a great deal of respect for Rick as an engineer and as a person.  I had a very close relationship with Gary, who treated me like a partner, and I expect that my relationship with Rick will be much the same.  I’m glad to see Rick realize his dream of ownership, and I’m happy to see Gary able to pursue some things that he simply hasn’t had the opportunity to do because of the demands of running a busy facility.”

Although he will no longer function as owner of the studio, Moskowitz will remain involved with Baker Sound.  “I plan on getting more into production coordination than I’ve been able to in the past.  My knowledge of producers, writers, and voice talent, gives me the resources to put together a creative team to solve any production challenge.  That’s the role I hope to play in the future—consulting on the creative aspects of a project, and helping clients achieve the highest possible quality in their productions by putting together the right team for the job.”

No other personnel changes are anticipated.  Ellen Kancher remains in her position as General Manager, as does Engineer Adrienne Christatos.  “Having the support of the entire staff was a major factor in my decision,” reports DiDonato.  “Everyone here plays a key role, and I couldn’t imagine taking over for Gary without them behind me one hundred percent.”

BACKGROUND

Baker Sound Studios was founded by Norman Baker in 1964.  Baker moved the studio to Center City in 1970, and began building a reputation with local advertising agencies.  A fire in 1980 forced a move to Baker’s current location in the Musical Art Club building at 1821 Ranstead Street.  Gary Moskowitz assumed ownership in 1984, and in 1987 added Engineer Rick DiDonato, and created MONSTER TRACKS Original Music with composer Chuck Butler.  Baker Sound specializes in voice casting and recording, creative radio production, mix-to-picture, sound design, ISDN recording, and ADR recording for feature films.  Baker Sound is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in advertising, including multiple Addy and Philly Gold awards in the Best of Radio and other categories.

For additional information contact info@bakersound.com or phone 215-567-0400

Gary Moskowitz can be reached at gary@bakersound.com