HOWIE DIETZ is a musician from the Bay Area in the United States. Overtime, he has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout the country including Davies Symphony Hall, The Meyerson, The Jazz Standard, Montreal Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival and SFJAZZ Center. He has appeared on stage with Pete Escovedo, Bobby Hutcherson, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Kenny Barron, the San Francisco Symphony, Johnny Mathis, Joe Lovano, Carl Allen, Sean Jones and Stefon Harris. Howard was awarded the grand prize winner of the 2016 Saxophone Idol competition sponsored by Buffet Crampon and Julius Keilwerth. In 2017, He won an award as an undergraduate “Outstanding Soloist” for Downbeat magazine. That same summer, he was selected nationally as a Yamaha Young Performing Artist and performed at the Music For All Symposium in Muncie, Indiana. Howard is a graduate from the University of North Texas where he studied under Brad Leali and was a member of the 7 time Grammy nominated One O’ Clock Lab Band. Most recently, Howard was awarded first prize in the international Carinthian Jazz saxophone competition in Austria where he performed with the local Kelag big band and received praise from the local newspaper. Howard currently lives in DFW where you can find him performing regularly in the area. You can find his schedule and follow him on instagram: @howidietz
JOHN AARON TROY began studies of the saxophone at age 10, to which he was introduced via the encouragement and the support of family and parents, developing interest in classical/concert music under William Eicher, and jazz/theory studies under Dave Schiavone. While continuing his education at Fredonia University, John explored classical saxophone studies under Wildy Zumwalt, and jazz saxophones under Bruce Johnstone. JAT furthered his studies, attending Purchase Conservatory, under the tutelage of Eric Alexander and commercial doubler Mark Vinci, earning his Bachelors of Arts in jazz studies (woodwinds). John maintains an active itinerary as a performer, instructor, and clinician throughout the east coast of the United States. Recent performances include The John Brown Big Band, Nicholas Payton, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Take 6, Revive Big Band, Regina Carter, Goapole, and the Erie Philharmonic. He has most recently served as a clinician for Penn State and the NC Arts Council. Gaining experience via touring productions through musicals and cabaret-style shows, John has since traveled extensively as a soloist, guest artist, as well as a variety of concerts and engagements for commercial bands and musicals.