I've been interested in music throughout the years–focusing on the saxophone and learning various secondary instruments including piano, guitar, flute and clarinet.

 

I am currently playing in small jazz groups in Chicago as well as regularly playing as a member of Gramps the Vamp: a 7-piece funk/afrobeat inspired group, playing Chicago venues such as The Metro, Lincoln Hall, City Winery, Double Door, Subterranean, Goose Island, as well as for multiple private events.

 

I grew up in Southlake, TX where I played first tenor in the Jazz Band at Carroll High School, led by David Lown. In 2010, I competed with the band in the Essentially Ellington Competition in New York City-- a national competition created by Wynton Marsalis and the JALC Orchestra. Carroll High School was one of 16 finalists nation wide. I also studied privately under the direction of Gio Washington-Wright and Mark Dooly.

 

I majored in undergraduate Jazz Studies at Loyola University Chicago from 2010 to 2014 where I studied under the private direction of Scott Burns on saxophone and Anthony Molinaro on piano. I furthered my jazz studies by taking classes with other faculty including Matt Ulery and Victor Garcia. At Loyola, I was first tenor chair in the Loyola Jazz Ensemble all four years and played in small jazz chamber groups for 6 semesters. 

 

Along with musical performance, I mixed DJ live sets for FM Expressive on 88.7 WLUW FM for four years as well as various underground shows. I am currently composing jazz and piano music for groups and films.

 

For more information on pricing and collaboration please contact Justin Howe.