Saturday, Apr. 13 | 8 PM
Soka Performing Arts Center at Soka University of America
Presented in partnership with BluePort Jazz Mike Tomaro 10tetMike Tomaro 10tet
Featured Artists
Mike Tomaro
Alto & Soprano Saxophone, Woodwinds, Composer/Arranger
Glenn Cashman Tenor Sax, Woodwinds
Keith Bishop Baritone Sax, Woodwinds
Chad Willis Lead Trumpet
Jeff Jarvis Trumpet
Zach Neiss Trombone
Andy Waddell Guitar
Jeremy Siskind Piano
Michael Parchaiski Bass
Ryan Dong Drums
Mike TomaroAlto/Soprano Sax, Woodwinds, Composer/Arranger
Mike Tomaro has been the Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA since 1997. The saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator earned his B.S. degree in Music Education from Duquesne University and his M.A. degree in Saxophone Performance from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Prior to his appointment at Duquesne, he lived in the Washington, D.C. area for seventeen years as a member of the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, a unit of the prestigious “Pershing’s Own” U.S. Army Band. While a member of this group, he served as its Enlisted Musical Director and performed for Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton as well as heads of state from around the world. He also composed and/or arranged much of the Army Blues repertoire and was featured as a soloist on several of the group’s albums and CDs. Mike is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Diamond Artist.
As a performer, Mike has worked with such diverse artists and groups as Rosemary Clooney, Ray Charles, Michael Feinstein, Linda Ronstadt, Debby Boone, Johnny Mathis, Wayne Bergeron, Terence Blanchard, Louis Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Dizzy Gillespie
Tribute Big Band, Woody Herman Orchestra and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra,
where he is featured on their DVD, Live at MCG. In his hometown, he has performed with guitarist Joe Negri, Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy Band, Pittsburgh Symphony, River City Brass Band, Pittsburgh Ballet and Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble in addition to leading his own small groups.
Mike is the co-artistic director and lead alto player of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, the city’s premier big band, where he composes and arranges most of the material that group performs. In 2015, the band released its first CD, Joyful Jazz, on the MCG Jazz label; the album contains 11 arrangements by Tomaro. It has garnered rave reviews including a four-star rating in Downbeat magazine and was selected as one of the top seven holiday albums of 2015 by The Wall Street Journal
Mike has just released a new recording, 4 Seasons on the MCG Jazz label, the first under his own name in 18 years, that showcases his talents as both performer and composer/arranger. This is in addition to four prior recordings –Nightowl Suite, Forgotten Dreams, Dancing Eyes (all on Seabreeze Jazz) and Home Again (Positive Music). Mike has also been featured on many other CDs as performer and/or arranger, most notably on Nancy Wilson’s last two Grammy Award winning releases, “Turned To Blue” and “RSVP,” the Bob Mintzer Big Band’s Grammy nominated release, “For The Moment,” Ann Hampton Callaway’s “The Hope Of Christmas,” New
York Voices’, “A Day Like This,” Sheryl Bailey’s “A New Promise” and the 21st Century Swing Band’s “Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy,” all on the MCG Jazz label. On the last two releases, Mike is prominently featured as the main arranger as well as a soloist. Recently, he contributed two arrangements to the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra recording, “Bernstein Reimagined.”
Mike’s music has been performed by the likes of jazz greats David Liebman, Wayne Bergeron, Ivan Lins, Claudio Roditi, Mike Stern, Ernie Watts, Bobby Shew, Randy Brecker, New York Voices, Al Vizzutti and many more, as well as high schools, colleges and universities around the world. His orchestral arrangements have been performed by the Pittsburgh and National Symphony Orchestras. Over two hundred of his compositions and arrangements have been published by Doug Beach Music, Hal Leonard Publications, and Walrus Music. In 2009, Mike scored all the music for MCG/ Opera Theater of Pittsburgh’s production of Duke Ellington’s musical Beggar’s Holiday. Recently, he also compiled, transcribed, reorchestrated and arranged music for large jazz ensemble for the entirety of a 90 minute show for actor Keith David for his one man show, Joe Williams: Here’s To Life.
Additionally, Mike has co-authored the textbook Instrumental Jazz Arranging: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide (Hal Leonard
Publications), with his long-time mentor, Dr. John Wilson, who was Director of Jazz Studies at Duquesne University from 19721996.
Mike is affiliated with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers where he has received several ASCAP Plus awards, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), Jazz Education Network (JEN) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Mike is in great demand both nationally and internationally as a guest soloist, adjudicator, and clinician. For more information on his activities, visit his website at miketomaro.com.
Glenn Cashman
Tenor Sax/WoodwindNow with full-time presence on the SoCal jazz scene, the saxophonist/ composer leads a quartet, nonet, and is busy as a freelance organist. Glenn recently retired from his position as Associate Professor of Music (jazz director) at Colgate University after 21 years.
I’ve Got Your Rhythm, his first CD as a leader, placed him in the company of jazz luminaries Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond and Ben Riley. As tenor saxophonist with Luther Hughes & the CannonballColtrane Project, Cashman performed on/composed for the group’s four highly touted CD projects. LA Pianist Tom Ranier and Glenn collaborated on an intimate duo CD, Blue In Green and co-led an engaging sextet project Bright Idea, also showcasing Bob McChesney, Bob Sheppard, Luther Hughes and Kendall Kay. From 2005-17, Glenn served as Founding Artistic Director of the Muckenthaler Jazz Festival, a six-event summer series held in Fullerton, CA, alongside Founding Producer Eric Futterer.
His Southland Nonet release included nine of his original works and three Futterer originals, all arranged by Glenn. The performers were an all-star cast of SoCal musicians. The CD was named a Top 50 release of 2013 in JazzTimes by writer Scott Albin! In JazzTimes, writer William Ruhlmann offered:
Glenn Cashman & the Southland Big Band resemble not so much the historic ensembles listed above, but rather a group in which the composer made a point of writing for his individual soloists and giving them space to play; a band such as, say, Duke Ellington’s orchestra. Is there a higher compliment than that comparison?
Recent highlights include numerous trips to Japan to perform and teach, a live CD recording with drummer Paul Kreibich’s Thank You Elvin project (2018) at the famous Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, CA, with fellow saxophonists Doug Webb, Jeff Ellwood and bassist Chris Colangelo. In 2015, Glenn recorded as tenor saxophonist for the debut release of Bill Warfield’s NYC based “Hell’s Kitchen Funk Orchestra,” performing with the group at the Iridium in NYC, and many other venues.
Other Jazz performing credits include Claudio Roditi, Holly Hofmann & Mike Wofford, Les Hooper Big Band, Bill Holman Big Band, Steve Huffstetter Big Band, Gap Mangione Big Band, Bill Cunliffe, Drew Gress (Tekke), Dennis Chambers, among many others.
He earned a Doctorate in music composition from the University of Maryland, College Park, studying with New Music composer/jazz bassist Robert Gibson. Glenn previously held Director of Jazz Studies positions at Cal State
Fullerton, and Towson University where he headed up the program upon the retirement of his mentor, friend and noted composer/ educator Hank Levy.
Keith Bishop
Baritone Sax/Woodwind
Keith Bishop plays all the saxes and woodwinds and is a published arranger and composer. He has taught at Duquesne and CarnegieMellon Universities, and Orange Coast and Saddleback Colleges. He has performed with the
Chad Willis
Lead Trumpet
Chad Willis is a versatile and accomplished trumpeter, equally at home in classical and jazz settings, who has earned a reputation for his exceptional musicianship and professionalism. With a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, Willis has honed his craft under some of the industry’s finest mentors.
During his tenure at the University of North Texas, Willis showcased his talent as a trumpeter in various ensembles, including the Grammynominated One O’Clock Lab Band, where he held the position of 3rd trumpet and lead trumpet. He also served as lead trumpet in several
More info/videos can be found at glenncashman.com and Glenn’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ gotareed
Walrus Music/Ejazzlines publishes his ensemble music.
Pittsburgh Symphony orchestra, toured with the Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Les Brown and Billy Vaughn big bands, and numerous Broadway touring orchestras. He has recorded with Buddy Rich, Phil Woods, Bud Shank, Mike Barone and Cecilia Coleman.
other prestigious groups, including the Jazz Repertory Ensemble and the Two O’Clock Lab Band.
Additionally, he distinguished himself as Principal Trumpet in both the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Symphony, demonstrating his versatility across different musical genres.
Beyond his academic achievements, Willis’ professional career has seen him collaborate with an impressive array of artists and ensembles, from music legends like Lyle Lovett, John Daversa and Bill Holman to popular acts such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Little Anthony and the Imperials. His extensive performance experience spans 20 countries and numerous states, where he has shared the stage with renowned musicians and bands across a wide spectrum of musical styles.
Recognized as a Featured Artist with Schilke, Willis’ exceptional talent and dedication to his craft have earned him praise from peers and mentors alike. His commitment to excellence as both
Jeff Jarvis Trumpet
Jeff Jarvis comes from a family of music educators and has distinguished himself as a trumpeter, composer, professor and music publisher. He is an S.E. Shires trumpet artist and has served as Director of Jazz Studies at the Bob Cole Conservatory at California State University Long Beach since 2005. As a trumpet soloist, adjudicator and clinician, Jeff makes frequent appearances at educational jazz festivals, jazz camps, and music education conferences. Jarvis composes commissions for school, military, and professional big bands and pops orchestras. He has composed and/or arranged over 175 published works for Kendor Music, Belwin Jazz, iJazzMusic, and UNC Jazz Press. Jeff co-authored The Jazz Educators Handbook with Doug Beach (which is also translated in Japanese), The Chord Voicing Handbook with Matt Harris, and Effective Etudes
For Jazz, Volumes 1 & 2 with Mike Carubia. As a conductor, Jarvis has led honors jazz ensembles in 39 states and 4 Canadian provinces. He is a Past President of the California Alliance for Jazz, served as Vice-President of the International Association for Jazz
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
a musician and educator is evident in his approach to teaching, where he fosters a learning environment that encourages artistic and emotional growth through music.
Education, Music Director of the Central New York Jazz Orchestra from 1998-2005, and was co-owner of Kendor Music Publishing from 1985-2015. Jeff is a member of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers and is a Gold Medal winner in the Global Music Awards, an international arts organization that recognized him in 2019 with a special award for “Lifetime Contributions to Jazz and Jazz Education”.
Jeff’s solo recordings as a jazz trumpeter and composer have won critical acclaim and placed high on national air play charts. His early career as a studio trumpeter encompasses over 100 R&B and disco recordings for such names as Lou Rawls, Michael Jackson, Melba Moore, The O’Jays and more. Live performance credits include Gladys Knight, Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Bellson, Joe Williams, Benny Golson, Jon Hendricks, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano, Henry Mancini, Slide Hampton, Kevin Mahogany, Grady Tate, Eddie Daniels, Rob McConnell, and Doc Severinsen.
Jeff Jarvis has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Indonesia. He has been a featured
guest soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, USAF Airmen of Note, US Army Jazz Ambassadors, US Army Blues, Jazz Knights of the United States
Zach Neiss Trombone
Zach Niess is a trombonist and producer from Arlington, Virginia. A recent graduate of the University of Miami Frost School of Music, he’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. Zach is a two-time American Trombone Workshop Jazz Solo Competition finalist and a twotime YoungArts Winner. Notable performances include playing with the GRAMMY Band, the Noto
Andy Waddell Guitar
Andy Waddell, while having recorded on countless projects as a side man ranging from modern jazz to commercial pop and movie soundtracks, has also performed and toured with world class musicians and influential artists such as Gordon Goodwin (winner of four Grammy Awards and three Daytime Emmy Awards, and recipient of twenty four Grammy nominations), Patti Austin (Grammy winner and recipient of 7 Grammy nominations), Kim Richmond (multi-Grammy
Military Academy Band at West Point, USAF Commanders Jazz Band, USAF Shades of Blue, Riverside Jazz Orchestra, Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Oslo Big Band (Norway), Frank Mantooth Jazz Orchestra, Tom Kubis Big Band and more.
Jazz Festival in Japan with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and recently on the main stage of the International Trombone festival with the Capitol Bones. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2023, Zach has played with a diverse range of artists, from the renowned Seth MacFarlane and his big band, to Persian pop sensation Mansour. Additionally, Zach has recorded for Billboard-charting artists such as Smino, Saba, and Mavi. He is also passionate about producing, with production credits amassing over 2 million streams just in 2023.
nominee), Nicole Henry (Soul Train Music Award winner and multi top 10 Billboard artist), Eddie Daniels (Grammy winner), Frances Ruffelle (Tony Award winner), David Archuletta (American Idol winner), Aubrey Logan (two #1 Billboard hits and two top ten Billboard hits), major film composer Lisbeth Scott (most known for scoring on motion pictures such as Avatar, Chronicles of Narnia, etc..), and jazz legends such as Gary Novak (drummer for Chick Corea, Allan Holdsworth, George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Alanis Morissette, etc), Eric Marienthal, Mitch Foreman, Wayne Bergeron, Peter Erskine, Mike
John Daversa and many more. Most recently, Waddell was also featured on the newly Grammy nominated song by Gordon Goodwin’s Big
Jeremy Siskind Piano
Jeremy Siskind is the rare musician whose imaginative albums land on “best of” lists while his groundbreaking instructional books populate “best-seller” lists. A “genuine visionary” (Indianapolis Star) who “seems to defy all boundaries” (JazzInk), Siskind’s multifaceted career includes writing arrangements for influential classical musicians, teaching jazz on prominent digital platforms, performing at renowned concert halls and jazz clubs, and running a publishing company that sells thousands of books each year.
First and foremost, Siskind is an accomplished jazz pianist and composer. A top finisher in national and international jazz piano competitions, Siskind is a two-time laureate of the American Pianists Association and the winner of the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition. As the leader of “The Housewarming Project,” Siskind not only created “a shining example of chamber jazz” (Downbeat) that received Chamber Music America’s $30,000 New Jazz Works grant, but he reimagined the concert experience by creating more than 150 in-home concerts in more than 25 states. The Housewarming Project’s albums, including 2022’s
Phat Band entitled “Cutey and the Dragon”, as well as Universal’s motion picture All of My Life.
two-CD set Songs of Rebirth have been named among the “Best of the Year” by Downbeat magazine, The Ottawa Citizen, and Jazz History Online, among others. Siskind’s arrangements for frequent collaborators soprano Julia Bullock and pianist Lara Downes have been praised by NPR and the New York Times, who named his re-writing of “One by One” for Bullock as one of the “Best Classical Music Tracks of 2022.”
Siskind wrote four arrangements for Bullock’s 2023 album, Walking in the Dark, which won the Grammy award for “Best Classical Vocal Album.” Siskind has also written arrangements for Miami’s New World Symphony (for soprano Louise Toppin) and Cleveland’s No Exit New Music (for soprano Lauren Pearl).
A sought-after educator, Siskind has published more than 20 instructional books, including Playing Solo Jazz Piano, with an introduction by Fred Hersch, and the ground-breaking Jazz Piano Fundamentals series. Besides Siskind’s own YouTube channel, which boasts over 18,000 subscribers, Siskind is frequently seen teaching on digital platforms like Tonebase, Open Studio, and Piano with Jonny, as well as presenting webinars and in-person lectures for the Frances Clark Institute, the Music Teachers
National Association, and the Imagine Solutions Conference. Siskind has been a featured guest for the state conferences of music teachers associations in New York, Florida, Arizona, and California, at the University of Georgia Piano Pedagogy Symposium, the University of Alabama Keyboard Festival, and the Louisiana International Piano Series,
Michael Parchaiski Bass
Michael Parchaiski is a bassist, percussionist, and composer in Southern California. With over 13 years of performance experience, Michael has performed with many ensembles across the country, including an appearance at Carnegie Hall. In addition to performing, Michael also teaches bass, percussion, and music theory.
Ryan Dong Drums
Ryan Dong is an award-winning drummer currently pursuing his Master of Music in Jazz Studies at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. He graduated with his Bachelor of Music from CSULB in 2023. At the BCCM, Ryan plays in the premier Concert Jazz Orchestra and is the band section leader of the nationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble, Pacific Standard Time. He also serves as the Graduate Assistant for the Jazz Studies department. Equally passionate about the history of jazz and its
and others. As the chair of the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy’s “Creativity Track,” Siskind helps to guide education and pedagogy surrounding improvisation and composition. Siskind spreads peace through music in places like Lebanon, Tunisia, and Thailand with the nonprofit organization, Jazz Education Abroad.
He has also received awards such as the KKJZ Jazz Scholarship from California State University, Long Beach, as well as multiple Downbeat Student Music Awards with various ensembles at CSU Long Beach including the Concert Jazz Orchestra, Pacific Standard Time, and Jazz & Tonic. Now as a third year undergraduate student at the Bob Cole Conservatory, Michael studies jazz performance.
players, Ryan’s Master’s thesis delves deep into the virtuosic playing of legendary drummer Buddy Rich. Ryan has played with artists such as Wayne Bergeron, Ernie Watts, Sal Lozano, Jay Mason, and Christine Guter. He is in demand locally as a music theatre pit musician (Beauty and the Beast, Something Rotten!, Chicago, etc.), contemporary church instrumentalist, private teacher, and high school band coach. In his free time, Ryan enjoys hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with his family and friends.
